EDUKEX 2008 opens in Abu Dhabi as UK institutions continue to attract UAE students

According to the latest figures from the British Council (provided by the UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency - HESA), the total number of
students from the UAE studying Higher Education in the UK in academic year 2006/7 rose to more than 2,200 - an increase of 6% compared
to the previous year; the number rises to well over 4,000 students from the UAE when those studying at Further Education level and on English language courses are taken into consideration.

The figures were announced at the launch of EDUKEX 2008 which opened today in Abu Dhabi. The British Council's annual UK education exhibition
is supported by more than 50 UK institutions, which will meet prospective students in the UAE.

Speaking at the launch, Alison Devine, British Council Regional Manager Education UK Middle East, explained: "The latest figures from HESA show a healthy increase in the number of students from the UAE choosing to study at UK institutions and follow the strong increase (15%) in UAE student numbers that we saw for academic year 2005/6. The undergraduates are generally in their late teens and early 20s, the majority being male students, whilst the postgraduate students tend to
be over 30 years of age, again with a bias towards male students."

"The UK continues to attract international students from all over the
world because of the world class reputation of UK institutions, the high quality programmes, the widely recognised qualifications and employability of UK graduates, as well as the overall value for money they offer,"

added Mrs Devine.

"EDUKEX 2008 offers the perfect opportunity to speak to a large number of prestigious UK universities and colleges and compare what's on offer, from academic and vocational programmes to English language courses and A levels - all with the guarantee of quality that comes with selecting a UK education institution. In fact, there are more than 13,000 students from the Middle East currently studying Further and Higher Education in the UK, and a high number of students studying English Language courses. It continues to be an increasingly popular destination with students in the region."

"For those who would prefer not to travel, visitors to EDUKEX 2008 will also have the opportunity to learn more about UK qualifications being delivered in the UAE."