Education and Skills in the UAE
The education system of the UAE is relatively new. In 1952, there were few formal schools in the country. Now, education at the primary and secondary level is universal, and literacy rates for both genders are nearly 90 per cent. In 2008-2009, approximately 700,000 students were enrolled at 1,266 public and private schools. About 60 per cent of all students attend public schools, while the remaining 40 per cent of the student population use the extensive private education sector. Some of these private schools offer foreign language education geared towards expatriate communities, usually preserving the culture and following the curriculum of the students’ countries of origin. For UAE nationals, education is provided free through government schools, colleges and universities. Expatriate pupils and students are admitted to public schools if they meet the requirements of the school and pay tuition fees.
Education at primary and secondary level is universal and compulsory up to ninth grade. After completing secondary school, students may apply to a higher college or university. Over half a million students are now at school or in college, while several thousand students are pursuing courses of higher education abroad at the expense of the UAE government, as generous scholarships are available to young citizens of the UAE who wish to study abroad. There is a strong focus on computer literacy and on English language teaching in higher education to equip young citizens of the UAE with the necessary skills. To this effect, the UAE Ministry of Education released a policy document outlining a strategy for education development in the UAE up to the year 2020 based on several five-year plans. The strategy aims to introduce the latest information technology at all levels including a computer for every 10 students at kindergarten, every five students at primary school, every two students at preparatory school, and every student at secondary school.
Breakdown of the Education System in the UAE
The existing educational structure was established in the early 1970s and is a four-tier system covering 14 years of education.
- Kindergarten: from 4 to 5 years of age
- Primary school: from 6 to 11 years of age
- Preparatory school: Age level: from 12 to 14 years
Length of programme: 3 years - Secondary school: from 15 to 17 years
Length of programme: 3 years
Qualification awarded: Secondary School Leaving Certificate - Technical secondary school: from 12 to 18 years of age
Length of programme: 6 years
Qualification awarded: Technical Secondary Diploma - Higher colleges: from 18 years of age
Qualification awarded: Diploma, Higher Diploma, Bachelor and Masters - Universities: from 18 years of age
Qualification awarded: Diploma, Higher Diploma, Bachelor and Masters
Government policy is to provide staff/student ratios of 1:20 at kindergarten and primary levels and 1:15 at intermediate and secondary levels. The existing staff/ student ratios at government-funded schools are well within this proposed range.
Schools Fees
Education for citizens of the UAE is provided free through government schools, colleges and universities. A government decision issued in 2001 excluding expatriate students from government schools was rescinded in mid-2006 and since the academic year of 2006/2007 admission for expatriate students is based
on merit; expatriate students have to pay fees, though. Private schools aways charge fees.
Annual tuition fees vary greatly between schools, with private schools being far more expensive than public schools. Generally fees are calculated on a sliding scale - the fees increase with the grade level of the student. Annual fees are usually payable in two instalments, the first upon registration and the second upon completion of the first term. There are additional fees which may include transport, exam fees, registration fees, book deposits and so on.
Related Links
www.uaeinteract.com/education
www.moe.gov.ae
