With artificial intelligence and machine learning changing workplaces at breakneck speed, many universities present at KT UniExpo are offering scholarships, study-abroad options and flexible methods of learning to attract students and ensure they are well prepared for future jobs. Over 35 educational institutes were present at the first day of the expo held at The H Dubai on Wedensday.
At the Dubai campus of University of Europe for Applied Sciences, students have the opportunity to move to one of four German cities to complete their education. “We facilitate the transfer to Germany where they can finish their course,” said Paul Riad, Student Advisory Manager. “We also help them to learn the German language, even though three out of our four campuses teach in English. Germany needs skilled workers so we help our students apply for job seeker visas. We support them in every way possible.”
He added that scholarships were a critical deciding factor for students and parents. “Affordability is a big factor, so we provide scholarships to many of our students,” he said. “Our fees are very competitive when compared to several other universities in the country.”
He was speaking on the sidelines of the KT UniExpo which began in Dubai on Tuesday. The two-day event has returned for its eighth edition where thousands of students and parents can meet with representatives of over 35 educational institutes to explore future university and career options.
The Dubai College of Tourism is one of the institutes that is giving flexible methods of learning to all its students. Offering certifications in hospitality, tourism, events and culinary arts, the vocational college focuses more on internships and on-the-job experience than in-class study.
“We require our students to complete mandatory internships,” said Manzar Waseem, Instructor and admissions officer. “During the first year, they need to complete six weeks of internships and every following year they have to complete a 4-month internship.”
He explained that any student which finds employment during the course of the internship can choose to go work. “If at any point, they want to come back and complete their studies, they can do that with gap years,” he said.
This year the institute has also introduced a one-week summer enrichment program for students from Grade 9 upwards to get taster sessions in their offerings.
At the Dubai Institute of Design Innovation, combination degrees are offered in an effort to make students future-ready.
“We offer majors in product, fashion, multimedia and strategic design management,” said a spokesperson. “Nearly 85 per cent of the current jobs will not be there in the future and in the field of design, everything is going digital. So we are trying to offer integrated courses in a way that students can specialise in multiple fields and apply in a wide range of jobs. For example, product design can be used in the medical field.”
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