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Three foreign varsities to set base in DIAC shortly

DUBAI — Even as Dubai touts to become an ‘educational hub’, three new foreign universities are expected to set base at the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) by the end of this academic year.

Reputed American university Michigan State University (MSU), will soon be one of the varsities to open doors to students in the UAE.

Dr Ayoub Kazim, executive director of DIAC and Dubai Knowledge Village, told Khaleej Times: “MSU will start operations in Dubai next academic year in the summer of 2008.”

Early this week, DIAC, a member of TECOM Investments, and MSU announced a collaboration to establish a regional branch campus in Dubai. Dr Kazim said, “Establishing a campus in DIAC presents MSU with an extraordinary opportunity to expand its international presence and provide top quality education.

”For DIAC, it will fulfil our intention to offer students the opportunity to learn from leading MSU faculty.”

“It will also allow them to be on a par with students graduating from East Lansing, Michigan.”

While the names of other two varsities remain a closely guarded secret, he noted, “We are being selective and are bringing top institutes from various international academic destinations.” This would put Dubai in the league of countries boasting of universities of high repute.

Presently, there are 20 foreign universities in DIAC and Knowledge Village and more than 10,000 foreign new students from across 84 countries are expected to enrol in these varsities during the course of this academic year.

This, according to officials, is a significant increase compared to last year’s figures. “Last year there were around 8,500 students from 63 countries studying in these universities and colleges,” the head observed.

To cater to this growing number, the Government Services Operations, which facilitates student visas between Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department and universities, will open shop at the Academic City by the end of this year. Universities can then apply for student visas directly at the Academic City.