British students who fail to get a place at The University of Bolton, UK could instead be offered a spot to study at the institute’s sister campus in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Up to 50 applicants who have achieved three As at A-level, but missed a place at Bolton, will be offered spots on three year degree courses in the Gulf emirate.
Tuition and accommodation costs will be the same as those charged in the UK, while the undergraduate courses are directly equivalent to those taught in Bolton, the university said.
Undergraduates in the Middle East will sit the same papers, set by the same exam boards, that will be marked and externally verified in the same way.
However, it’s not clear whether those opting to study in RAK would be entitled to the same student loans and grants available to students on degree courses in the UK.
Professor Rob Campbell, pro vice chancellor, said: “This is the first time we have offered UK students the opportunity to study in RAK for the full three years of a degree course.”
The Gulf campus offers a number of courses, including those in business, computing and engineering. Around 300 students are registered at the institute.
Campbell said: “The university will charge students the same tuition fees as its UK-based students and accommodation fees will be the same as they are in Bolton.”
According to UCAS, the agency that oversees UK university applications, 379,411 students were accepted into university or college this year, a record high.
Due to demand, an estimated 170,000 students will miss out on a place on a degree course this year.
Laura Carruthers, undergraduate recruitment manager, said the scheme would help the university accommodate as many students as possible.
She said: “We have given students studying in Bolton an opportunity to study at the RAK Campus for a semester in the past. [This] is one of the alternatives to ensure students do get a chance to go to university, given the demand on places this year.”
Graduates will receive a University of Bolton degree.
The University of Bolton, Ras Al Khaimah, counts the Crown Prince of the emirate among its graduates. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Deputy Rule of the emirate, was awarded a honourary doctorate from the university in February this year, to mark the graduation of the first 55 students.
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