UOWD international enrolments rise 65%

This takes the percentage of international students at the university to 15%.

"The dramatic increase in the number of international students has a significance that goes beyond the obvious,"

said Prof. Rob Whelan, President of UOWD.

"While we are proud that our university has become an institution of choice for students from overseas, it signifies a deeper trend reflecting the growing preference to choose Dubai over western countries, when it comes to choosing a university to pursue quality higher education. This certainly represents a reversal of the common general trend of heading to the West for higher studies."

In recent years, UOWD has seen a steady rise in international enrolments, rising from 9.5% in 2006 to 12.2% in 2007, and now 15%.

"The UAE authorities' efforts to provide state of the art infrastructure for setting up world-class institutions of higher education have begun to yield results. Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City are just two examples of the country's determined bid to emerge as a quality global education hub. UOWD is proud to be a prominent player in this environment," Prof. Whelan added.

UOWD also reported an increase of 40% in the overall enrolments for the Autumn Semester 2008, attracting a record number of new admissions, taking the total number of enrolled students to over 3,300.

The figures were released at the 15th anniversary dinner attended by Mr. Michael C. Codd, Chancellor, University of Wollongong Australia, Dr. James Langridge, Vice Principal (Offshore Operations), University of Wollongong, Australia, faculty members and alumni.

Spurred by the rising demand, UOWD is finalising plans to expand its operations and is considering several options, including moving to a new location, according to Prof Rob Whelan. He also revealed that many new programs, including some in engineering and humanities, would be introduced in the near future.

UOWD, one of the first foreign universities to be established in the UAE, enjoys a strong reputation amongst the student community.

According to a graduate exit survey conducted in late 2007, the satisfaction ratings were higher than 2006 in all parameters relating to the university experience. The respondents acknowledged that the university experience stimulated their enthusiasm for further learning and encouraged them to explore new ideas.
The survey also threw up interesting figures about employability after graduation.

The private sector was the largest employer of UOWD graduates, employing 64% undergraduate and 60% postgraduate students. The average monthly salary for undergraduates was Dhs11,667, and for postgraduates Dhs18,774, according to the survey.