The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)
Profile:
The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is one of the UAE’s oldest and most prestigious universities with a proud, Australian heritage. Established in 1993 by the University of Wollongong in Australia, UOWD represented a very early Australian initiative in the UAE. From a small beginning at Al Mulla Plaza, through its landmark presence on Jumeirah Road to its current location at Dubai Knowledge Village, UOWD is recognized as being an integral part of Dubai. In 2008, we commemorate fifteen years of academic excellence in the UAE culminating in a high profile celebratory event in the summer.
Today, as an independent UAE institution of higher education, UOWD attracts students not just from the UAE and Australia but from all over the world. Approximately 2,500 students from more than 83 nationalities are currently enrolled at UOWD and enjoy a quality academic experience. International students enjoy comprehensive welcome information supplied by our Student Services department and are assisted in settling in a new country. Cultural diversity is encouraged, and a cultural day is hosted annually to showcase the varying heritage of UOWD students.
UOWD offers a variety of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs, with focus on relevant specializations and career development. The latest additions to our Bachelor of Commerce specializations are Property Development and Management, International Business and Insurance. These, along with the range of other BCom specializations and IT programs, make up our comprehensive range of UG and PG degrees. The Postgraduate Programs offer specializations such as International Business, Marketing, Human Resources Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Technology, IT Management, Finance, Banking and MBA.
The Centre of Culture and Language offers students part time and full time opportunities to develop their language skills in English and Arabic. Courses range from English University preparation to part time Arabic classes and teacher training. Our local teachers are passionate about sharing the linguistic as well as cultural experience with students and the two month summer Arabic program caters to Dubai’s diversity. This particular program not only involves learning basic Arabic, but explores the deep rooted cultural practices in the Gulf region. Historical tours of the city as well as traditional Arabic dinners are a few events that make this program unique.
All UOWD degree programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and are also audited by the Australian Universities Quality Agency. Their nationally and internationally recognised qualifications enable UOWD graduates to pursue further education and employment in the private and public sectors. Our Alumni include many high profile graduates placed in prominent positions across the region. Our Alumni Association is actively involved in activities on and off campus such as the Terry Fox Charity run held in early February 2008.
The University’s faculty is a mix of locally and internationally recruited academics with extensive experience in the class room as well as in business and industry. They bring years of knowledge gained from research in their respective fields into the class room providing students with a stimulating academic environment. Classes are small in number, allowing the lecturers to cater to the student’s individual needs.
With the spring semester well under way and the summer intake looming, UOWD is set for an exciting and eventful year. Presence at many prominent exhibitions like GETEX in April and the World MBA tour in November are planned. UOWD’s popularity amongst students has grown rapidly in recent years. Students enjoy a vibrant social life on campus with facilities including a food court, an active Student Representative Council, personal and academic counselling, a medical centre and a well resourced library. Clubs are also active in the day to day activities on campus and events like charity markets and sports days enjoy student and staff support. The marketing students are currently working on a campaign pitched to them by Gargash Enterprises for the launch of the new Mercedes Benz Coupe. This unique experience offers UOWD students an avenue to learn about the working world they will be part of in the future. The Wollongong Cup Speaking Competition was hosted recently at the Dubai Knowledge Village Auditorium. Eleven universities participated and made it the third successful competition for UOWD. The event was attended by students and spectators and great enthusiasm was shown throughout.
The University of Wollongong in Dubai maintains a long and proud tradition of excellence in education combined with liberal values of enquiry. The University strives to provide a fertile environment for bright young minds to flourish and where critical thinking is both encouraged and nurtured - qualities which characterise great institutes of learning.
