By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : A survey has revealed that post-graduate studies are in great demand among the working professionals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The survey was conducted by the International Conferences and Exhibitions (ICE), organiser of Getex Dubai 2010, the Middle East and Asia’s leading education, training and professional development event.
Getex Dubai will be held from April 14 to 17 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 20,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, looking to enroll in various undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational and training programmes being offered by more than 500 international education providers. There will be more than 2,500 courses available during the event’s four-day run.
More than 60 percent of the respondents in the survey said they want to pursue or complete their master’s degree to boost their employment opportunities, while up to 74 percent of those planning to take up post-graduate studies prefer to attend classes at the university campus.
The survey revealed that 22.9 percent of learners are interested in online study programmes, while less than three percent prefer self-study programmes. The ICE pointed out that the survey was crucial in developing the core offerings of Getex Dubai 2010, which will be featuring a wider range of postgraduate programmes and value-added services.
Anselm Godinho, managing director of ICE, said: “The survey confirms that majority of the working professionals in the UAE are proactively seeking opportunities to boost their career development. Obtaining postgraduate qualification has remained the most popular means of enhancing employment prospects, particularly in view of the numerous academic institutions that have been established in the country.”
The survey revealed that about 84 percent of those who want to pursue a master’s degree are in the 24 to 35 age-bracket.