Graduation ceremony marks great year for University of Wollongong Dubai

Mr. Noel Campbell, Australian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and Mr. Michael H. Codd, Chancellor of the University of Wollongong in Australia, were guests of honour at the university's graduation ceremony held on November 29. Mrs Lejla Vrazalic received UOWD's first PhD and is the newest addition to the college's faculty.

"We are extremely proud of our students' achievements," said Professor Stephen Martin, CEO, UOWD. "Research shows that the UAE has one of the highest rates of admission to higher education, with 90 per cent of secondary school graduates entering college or university. We want to encourage this trend and enhance the career options available to students."

To accommodate its projected expansion in facilities and student numbers, UOWD has completed its much-publicised move to a brand new campus at Knowledge Village, Dubai.

The university aims to provide an enhanced 'education experience' to students through innovative, interactive teaching, and research excellence. From modest beginnings in 1993, UOWD has seen student levels grow to around 1700 thanks to a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in business and IT, and English language courses.

This year, the number of students graduating from UOWD has risen by 30 per cent, underlining the university's impressive performance. Around 215 students received degrees in 2004; the qualifications awarded included 87 bachelor degrees, 127 master degrees, and one doctoral degree.

Mr Martin added: "We would also like to thank the university's corporate supporters Gulf Air, Montblanc, Dubai Quality Group, Standard Chartered Bank, Gulf Agency Company, Microsoft, Australian Business Group in the Gulf, Blue Chip Computers, and Computer Network Systems. These companies sponsor several academic awards recognising academically gifted students, making a valuable contribution to the world-class education experience at UOWD."