Greater motivation needed to encourage high schoolers to pursue higher education, research shows

The wide-ranging research revealed areas for concern with regards to support for students in making decisions on further education, and a lack of encouragement from employers towards national job applicants. The research canvassed 100 students, with an even split between males and females. In a departure from many similar surveys, respondents were asked to provide a rationale for their opinions. "I would like to continue my education to gain the degree to serve my country," commented one student, while another said that "resuming education provides freedom and independence."

The announcement of the research comes just days after the government formally launched the UAE Federal Government Strategy 2015, where HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, outlined the necessity of an overhaul of the education system in particular, as well as other areas of federal structure.

"Nationalisation was highlighted as a priority of the Federal Government," said: Amina Taher, Executive Director of Corporate Communications for Zabeel Investments. "More importantly, the Government is calling for our youth to be better equipped to take on the challenge for the future, something that is sorely lacking if you review the results of our research. This is one of the reasons that Bidaya was created, if through some small part it starts a movement of better education and skills preparation for our youth."

Taher continued: "The role of a career advisor or consultant is crucial to guide and mentor these students; not make choices for them, instead show them the ideal path they should take to receive the best education to achieve their career goals."

While more than 90 percent said they were likely to continue with education after high school, a majority of female students felt they did not get the same support from their families as their brothers had done. 77 percent of students studying at public schools in the UAE are nationals, where the most popular subjects proved to be maths, Arabic and Islamic studies, with math maintaining the highest percentage, at 56. However seven out of 10 students said they would prefer lessons to be conducted in English. 25 percent of females are fluent in English, compared to 21 percent of males.

Students from Ajman and Dubai were the most likely to pursue higher education. Dubai students said they preferred to stay in Dubai; while those from Umm al Quwain and Sharjah chose Sharjah as their choice of location. Single gender universities are preferable, with 62 percent of all respondents favoring them over coed institutions. Among females, the number rose to 89 percent. Also, 80 percent of females said they would prefer to live at home, compared to 50 percent of males.

Manal Shaheen, Nakheel Director - Sales, Marketing & Customer Service, said: "The UAE has made great strides in recent years in terms of developing its education institution and also support services for students. However, the results of these surveys show that there is still significant room for us to improve. For example, our research shows that more than 70% of students were not aware of career advisors that might have been available to them, and apart from parents and their peers, did not feel they had anyone qualified to turn to.

"This is why Nakheel, alongside Zabeel Investments, has created Bidaya, which signals our commitment to education in the UAE; helping support talented students enter university, and developing their leadership skills so they can fulfil their potential."

A number of national students indicated that they could fall back on government or civil service jobs if they didn't feel like going to university or joining the private sector. A number also felt that their family situation did not require them to seek further education.

Students across the nationality spectrum also felt that their suitability should be based on past exam and course work results, rather than basing their appropriateness on the creativity levels and ability to think for themselves.

Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the newly appointed Bidaya Manager, said: "Education is the silver lining for any society; it ensures a pool of qualified people, who are socially balanced and productive. We are lucky to enjoy such a comprehensive education system, but we must continually work harder to make it work better for future generations."

The Bidaya Education and Leadership programme will target 20 UAE national students, in their final year at secondary school, to receive a comprehensive scholarship from a selection of prominent universities within the UAE.

In addition to working towards a degree in their chosen field, students will also be put through a rigorous leadership and training programme, that will see them learning from some of the world's brightest minds, while being mentored by career professionals.