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One of Bahrain’s leading universities has opened its doors to applications from students wishing to study engineering or management courses in partnership with two British institutes … with a special cut-price incentive.
The move is another example of the 11-year-old Applied Science University (ASU)’s bid to ‘become more international and widen its educational scope’ as outlined by its president, Professor Ghassan Aouad, exclusively last year to GulfWeekly.
The Sitra-based university has partnered with London South Bank University (LSBU) to offer two B.Eng. (Hons) courses; Architectural Design Engineering and Civil and Construction Engineering, while it has established a similar rapport with Cardiff Metropolitan University (CMU) to offer B.A. (Hons) in Management and Business Studies and Accounting and Finance. Afterwards, students will be awarded a British degree from the respective university.
To celebrate this educational milestone, ASU is offering a 15 per cent discount to all first year students applying to any of the programmes. Dr Isa Ahmed AlKhayat, the dean of admission and registration deanship, said: “We are very proud to have this collaboration between our institutes, it’s a fantastic opportunity and it will help industry in Bahrain.
“Twenty-five per cent of the LSBU and CMU teaching staff will be coming to Bahrain as part of the agreement, to ensure the highest standards of teaching. Students from both the UK and Bahrain will have the opportunity to take trips in either direction to improve their learning and gain experience, too.”
Faiza Zitouni, who is the dean of students at ASU, revealed that outstanding students who join the university with an average of above 95 per cent throughout their high school qualifications will receive a 30 per cent discount as part of the university’s scholarship programme.
She explained: “We have also established a student fund to help those who are less financially secure, and we will be offering full support throughout the year to anyone who is encountering difficulties, whether that be struggling with work or through physical or mental disabilities. We want every student here to feel like they are equals and just as important as anyone else.
“There are plenty of other opportunities for students to get involved and feel like they are part of a community at the university. They obviously come here to learn but there are opportunities for charity work, recycling projects, extra-curricular activities and more.”
Demand for places is already high, with more applications due for submission before the deadline of September 1. In order to be considered for entry to the programme, applicants are required to have a Bahraini or GCC Secondary School (Scientific) Certificate or equivalent, with a minimum of 60 per cent GPA and a 60 per cent in Mathematics and in English Language (competency equivalent to IELTS 4.5 or above).
ASU has a cosmopolitan demographic, with staff members of 22 nationalities.
The university’s student body now consists of around 3,000, 85 per cent of which are Bahraini students and 15 per cent expats from around the world.
For more details on the individual courses for each programme, visit www.asu.edu.bh
