This policy brief examines the choices that high school students have to consider when planning the next stage of their education, looks into the decision making process and the factors affecting it.

The transition from school to higher education is full of excitement and anticipation for many students. Leaving school is often considered to be one of the main steps to greater individual responsibility and the path to adulthood. One of the most difficult challenges in this transition period is determining a student’s preferred course of study. Making such a high-stakes decision is often confusing and troubling for many young people. This policy brief reflects on higher education choices for secondary school leavers who choose to study in Dubai and discusses the impact of key influencers in such a decision.

Fatma Belrehif is the Head of the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

Hanan Al Fardan has worked with KHDA s Higher Education Department on a number of projects. She is currently working with University Quality Assurance International Board (UQAIB).

To download the policy brief, “Making Higher Education Choices in Dubai”, please click here