University of Waterloo opens campus in Dubai

Updated on: Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Dubai: The University of Waterloo (UoW) was established in 1957 as Canada's first 'co-op university' — a unique model wherein students spend a designated amount of time during the course of their study, working with the industry. A model, it is now followed across universities in the country. As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2007, UoW formulated the Sixth Decade Plan charting where it should be 60 years hence. This includes the establishment of two overseas campuses, the first of which will be unveiled later this year.

The new campus in Dubai, University of Waterloo UAE, will host its inaugural batch in September — 60 students, each, in chemical engineering and civil engineering.

"For the first year, the Dubai campus will offer only these two programmes. Financial analysis and risk management and information technology will be offered from 2010 and other programmes would be introduced later," informed Ibrahim Inayatali, director, engineering development and alumni affairs, UoW. Does the university see the new campus attracting the same level of interest?

"The idea is to bring the same educational standards and commitment to the UAE. So, the Dubai campus would have the same entry requirements and the professors will come directly from the Canadian campus. Besides, after completing the first two years in Dubai, the entire batch will complete the final two years in Canada," said Inayatali. As a result, students get to study at a campus that may be closer to home (at least for two years) and a better chance of getting accepted (on account of the creation of fresh spots).

But better yet, perhaps, is the opportunity to get the best of both worlds. "Our engineering students must spend a designated amount of time every year working with the industry as part of the co-op programme. It is this opportunity to network that helps UoW graduates secure employment at the end of their programmes. So, students applying to the Dubai campus get to work and network in both UAE and Canada," said Inayatali.

He added that the university has also instituted six merit-based scholarships exclusively for the new campus. Called the Founder's Scholarships, there are three each available for the chemical engineering and civil engineering programme.

Further, those scoring above 85 per cent in class XII can also apply for the President's Scholarships, which are available to students from both campuses.

(www.uae.uwaterloo.ca)

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University of Waterloo opens campus in Dubai

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