How the UAE could bring down education costs

A recent global report on Value of Education has thrown up some startling numbers. The HSBC report which covered 8,481 people in 15 countries claimed that parents who are educating their children in the UAE are spending an average 40 per cent, 64 per cent and 75 per cent more than those educating their children in the US, Australia and the UK respectively. But these figures deserve a closer look as they combine only pre-school, school and undergraduate expenses.
What makes education expensive in the UAE and how can costs be brought down? One of the key reasons is the ratio of public to private sector education. Only 3 per cent of universities are government-run in the UAE. Government subsidises education in the West, but in the UAE, students have to bear expenses. The UAE government , however, heavily subsidises the education of Emirati students who only form a small segment of the total student body in the country. The larger segment of students here is international, and the fee comparison would be fair only if they are made with international student fees in various countries.
Similarly, faculty in the UAE is largely international. Naturally, schools have to offer more lucrative packages than in India, Australia, the UK to attract good teachers. Like international schools, these private schools also have to ensure world-class infrastructure that is in line with the government's aim to provide modern, technology-based education.
The US may be the most favoured destination for education, but recent changes in US immigration policies and falling prospects for jobs are adding to the anxieties of students. Hence the UAE could be an option for some students in the long term. The country has allocated Dh10.2 billion, or 20.5 per cent per cent of its 2017 budget for the education sector.
For the UAE, some factors make it an ideal place for education. It is a safe haven and is the natural choice for many students in Arab countries; it's close to countries from where a large number of students go abroad for education. These include India, Indonesia, Pakistan and China. English is the medium of instruction here, and schools and boards from different countries are available.
However, what puts it back is the cost, while limited players define the rules. More providers would induce competition and check fee hikes. For instance, when the economy slowed and many companies were laying off employees, or cutting increments, schools increased fees without considering the difficulties of parents. Government's intervention to check fee hikes in view of global comparisons, might be an immediate short term remedy.
For higher studies, many factors contribute to choices. Reputation being one. When students choose a university, they first consider the country. Top institutions in the US, UK, Australia, Canada are natural picks. Even small and locally insignificant universities in those countries enrol these students. Hence, a country's branding as an education hub becomes important, an initiative that the Ministry of Education could undertake. Many countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada have invested heavily into building the country brand and UAE could pick a few lessons here.
Another critical factor is the quality of the student body. Government could consider supporting meritorious students to study in any of the UAE universities, public or private. Back in the 90s, when Germany actively promoted its institutions, it offered free education to large number of meritorious students. Even now, the best  universities here care less when it comes to admitting the most meritorious students. Considering the unique immigration policies of the UAE, one of the possible ways by which the government can support students is to distinguish between those who are UAE residents and visiting international students. A softer approach towards residents would certainly encourage parents to consider the UAE as a favoured education destination for their children.
For international students a major concern is comfort. Connectivity and housing in the cities are major pain points. For instance, students living in Dubai International Academic City are far from the bustling activities in the urban centre. They spend hours commuting by buses; taxis are expensive. As for housing, only a few private institutes and government universities provide accommodation. Most colleges do not have residential facilities and students have to arrange private housing which again is expensive.
Government last year announced the Metro extension to Silicon Oasis and International City. This would certainly improve connectivity. Housing facilities at reasonable costs can further enhance the student experience. Much has been done and much is on the cards. An ear to some of these suggestions could perhaps contribute to the UAE government's ambitious plans for the education sector.
Gita Bajaj is Professor of HR and Communication with IMT, Dubai. Views expressed are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the paper