The IDP Road Show that brings together a number of Australian higher education institutions under one roof is being held in Abu Dhabi today.
It will move to Dubai tomorrow. The bi-annual roadshow, which will be open to the public from 5 to 9pm, is usually well attended with staff directing students and families to appropriate institutions when they seem overwhelmed by the myriad choices.
This year there are more than 25 participating institutions and a plethora of course offerings. Some of the popular universities represented this year include the University of Sydney, Monash University, RMIT and the University of Queensland.
The fair is usually well organised and students can clarify doubts and seek information about the university of their choice.
A unique selling point of the roadshow is that students are offered admission on the spot and if the academic profile is outstanding, there are also some fee waivers/scholarships.
Moreover, the application fee will be waived if you apply during the event.
So many universities at one venue are bound to cause confusion.One of the best ways to prepare is to take a look at the websites of participating institutions before going to the fair. Another is by going through the handout prepared by IDP that lists programmes and gives an overview of the institutions.
Students are advised to take their original transcripts/mark sheets so that these can be assessed. I would also recommend a profile that lists extra-curricular pursuits, interests, awards and honours so that institutional representatives can get an idea about your capabilities, interests and potential while making their assessment.
Those of you who do not meet the stringent entry requirements of some of the universities can choose alternate routes like enrolling for a diploma, improving your grades and then enrolling at university. Like the proverb, ‘if you plan to learn... learn to plan'. Go on guys, what are you waiting for?
- The writer is the director of Counselling Point Educational and Social Services
Where, when
The IDP Road Show is being held in Abu Dhabi today from 5-9pm at the Sheraton Hotel
It will be held in Dubai tomorrow at the Conference Centre, Block 1, Dubai Knowledge Village.
Time: 5-9pm
To find out more about the IDP visit www.idpgulf.com
The universities participating
Queensland
Queensland University of Technology
Website: www.international.qut.edu.au
Griffith University
Website: www.griffith.edu.au/international
Bond University
Website:www.bond.edu.au/ambition/fastfacts.html
The University of Queensland
Website: www.uq.edu.au
Victoria
Taylors College
Website: www.taylorscollege.com
RMIT University
Website: www.rmit.edu.au/international
Box Hill Institute
Website: www.bhtafe.edu.au
Swinburne University of Technology
Website: www.international.swinburne.edu.au
Deakin University
Website: www.deakin.edu.au/international
University of Ballarat
Website: www.ballarat.edu.au/international
La Trobe University
Website: www.latrobe.edu.au/international
Monash University
Website: www.monash.edu/international
Tasmania
University of Tasmania
Website: www.international.utas.edu.au
South Australia
Flinders University
Website: www.flinders.edu.au
The University of Adelaide
Website: www.international.adelaide.edu.au
Eynesbury International
Website: www.eynesbury.sa.edu.au
Western Australia
Edith Cowan University
Website: www.ecu.edu.au
Murdoch University
Website: www.murdoch.edu.au/international
Curtin University of Technolog
Website: www.international.curtin.edu.au
Education and Training International (TAFEWA)
Website: www.eti.wa.au
Note: TAFEWA (Technical and Further Education Western Australia) colleges are training institutions that are funded by the State Government of Western Australia.
New South Wales
The University of New South Wales
Website: www.international.unsw.edu.au
The University of Sydney
Website: www.usyd.edu.au
n The University of Technology, Sydney
Website: www.uts.edu.au/international
n University of Wollongong
Website:www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/
United Arab Emirates
n University of Wollongong in Dubai
Website: www.uowdubai.ac.ae
By Rema Menon, Director. Counselling Point Educational and Social Services