According to the most recent data released by the Planning and Statistics Authority, the UK remains the number one destination for Qataris studying overseas, with around 3000 students recorded in the 2017/18 academic year.

The British Council plays a key role in providing students in Qatar with information about studying in the UK and this year it is hosting its annual ‘Study UK Fair’ on February 19-20 at La Cigale hotel, under the theme ‘Experience Life-Changing Learning’. This year’s event is sponsored by British Council IELTS and HSBC. It aims to connect students in Qatar with representatives from 14 popular UK universities, colleges and English language providers who can answer their questions about UK education.

During the two-day event, students in Qatar will have the opportunity to find out all they need to know about foundation courses, English Language courses, career-based diplomas, first degree and postgraduate degree courses. With the increasing number of UK educational providers in Qatar and with the recognition of distance learning, parents and students can speak directly to representatives from 14 UK institutions and discover traditional and flexible study options both in the UK and in Qatar.

The exhibition opening ceremony that took place on Wednesday 19 February at La Cigale hotel was attended by Mr. Daniel Phillips, Deputy Director Trade & Investment at the British Embassy Doha, Ms. Sam Ayton, Director of British Council in Qatar, official delegates from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, UK institutions and representatives from local scholarship providers and school counsellors in Qatar.

On 11 September 2019, the UK Government announced the creation of a new immigration route which will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies. The new route will be launched in the summer of 2021, meaning that any eligible student who graduates in the summer of 2021 or after will be able to apply for the route. This includes students who have already started their courses. This announcement would certainly encourage more students to seek higher education in the UK.

Mr. Daniel Phillips, Deputy Director Trade & Investment at the British Embassy Doha said: ‘‘I was delighted to attend the opening of this year’s Study UK exhibition. The UK’s educational institutions are renowned the world over for equipping students with the skills and experience they will need to succeed in the workplace and the exhibition provides the perfect opportunity for students to find out how they can take advantage of the opportunities on offer. I hope that as many people as possible are able to attend this exhibition over the next two days to learn more about the exciting educational opportunities the UK has to offer.’’

Ms. Sam Ayton, Director of British Council in Qatar, said that: “I am proud to see that the UK continues to be the most popular destination by Qataris for overseas studies. There are many reasons why students in Qatar and across the globe consider studying in the UK. The first is that UK education open doors, wherever you go in the world. Living in the UK is for many students is a life-changing experience. With so many resources, skills and mind-opening challenges waiting around every corner, you’ll find everything you need to grow personally and professionally. The UK is also the top destination worldwide for English language study and a welcoming country offering unique opportunities to discover the country’s culture and cities.”

Dr. Khalid Al Horr, CEO of Qatar Finance and Business Academy and Board member of Qatar-UK Alumni Network said: “Studying in the UK shaped the person I've become. It hasn't only helped my career progression but also the way I manage my life in general. You learn from the society and the social interaction with people in the UK as much as you learn in classrooms and from instructors. I highly recommend studying in the UK.”

The exhibition will take place on 19-20 February from 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Le Crillon Ballroom at La Cigale Hotel Doha. Admission to the event is free, but online registration is recommended in order to gain faster access to the exhibition: https://qa.registration.study-uk.britishcouncil.org/

Students not able to attend can consult the new Study UK website for information about living and studying in the UK: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/.

Success starts with IELTS - It's your end goal that matters. IELTS is accepted as evidence of English language proficiency for higher education and global migration. Take IELTS with the British Council: https://www.britishcouncil.qa/en/exam/ielts

Source: Press release

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Binu Cherian

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