The Overseas Education Centre (OVEC) held this week its Education Fair at Bagatelle. Founder Dr Dorish Chitson explains what students and their parents need to consider before going abroad.

Why do you organise two education fairs a year?

Choosing a university is a difficult task for students. These two fairs are there to support them. They allow both students and parents to do some networking. At the first fair, they can make applications and get conditional offers. The second fair, which we hold in February, enables them to make a better choice based on the results obtained.

You have 20 years’ experience in this field. How do you advise students?

I refer them to countries like Australia, Canada and others. I’m in contact with universities and polytechnics that offer courses that guarantee employment. In Canada, for example, the courses offered are controlled by the government and if there are no job opportunities, the courses are cancelled. Today, courses such as in data science, IT and logistics are very much in demand. Canada has introduced CO-OP Education, a structured method combining classroom teaching and practical work experience. I would advise parents and students not to overlook the polytechnics, which offer high-level practical courses leading to recognised diplomas, and which have the advantage of being more affordable than university courses.

Tell us about the advantages offered by Malaysia and China?

British universities such as Nottingham or Southampton are established in Malaysia, offering the same education as in England. Parents need to take this into account, because it costs less. For example, in England, it costs around Rs 5m for 3 years of study, whereas in Malaysia, it comes to Rs 2m. It’s even cheaper in China. Monash, an Australian university, is also in Malaysia.

And what about Australia?

In a move to attract skilled labour, Australia has doubled the number of years for work permits, for jobs on the priority list such as IT, engineering and data analysts. The postgraduate work permit goes from 2 to 4 years for a 1st degree and from 3 to 6 years for a master’s degree. And you get an extra year if you’re outside the big cities. In addition, the polytechnics or TAFE are promoted and these courses can also be used to apply for the work permit.

Things you should know

IAN - MONASH UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

“We are a branch of the Australian university. We offer the same level of education with the advantage of being 70% cheaper than in Australia. It costs between Rs 500 and 600,000 a year. We are flexible about transferring students to Australia after a certain period of time. This also reduces costs for those who cannot study full-time in Australia. Mauritians can easily adapt to the environment, climate, food in Malaysia.”

UMAR - UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON (MALAYSIA)

“The university has 6 campuses in England and one in Malaysia. We are among the best in the world in electrical, electronics and engineering. Over 11 years, we have been ranked NO 1 for 9 years. Our courses are designed for future challenges and are exactly the same as those taught in England. Here, students have a good understanding of the mindset, the way people operate in South East Asia and this is a big advantage for their future jobs.”

SEUN – SENECA POLYTECHNIC

“Seneca Polytechnic prepares you for extraordinary careers. We offer a variety of courses for software development, computer engineering, information technology among others. Thanks to the links we create with industries, students are ready to work after their studies. The cost is much lower than a university education. With us, you can expect to pay between CA$16,000 and CA$20,000 a year. Toronto is a welcoming city with many communities.»

AKUA – WATERLOO UNIVERSITY

«I’m a graduate of Waterloo. I speak from experience. At university, you don’t just get theoretical training, you also get practical training. Students are immersed in the professional world. I did a year’s work experience in Vietnam. At Waterloo, we are Canada’s Silicon Valley, developing entrepreneurship and innovation. It’s ideal for people who want to launch start-ups or do research.”

JERRY - UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

“We are located on an island on the east coast of Canada. The government invests huge sums to make university education affordable not only for Canadians but also for international students. We offer over a hundred courses with countless job opportunities. I’d like to tell you about the Atlantic Immigration Program, which allows students to apply for permanent residency shortly after their studies.”

MARY, UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

“We are located in Perth, a prosperous and economically strong region. A number of large companies are based here. And we are in close contact with them, whether it’s for student placements, on-the-job training or course design to enhance employability. Our university is part of the Group of 8, which guarantees a quality education that looks to the future. After their studies, they are eligible for a 6-year post-study work visa.”

DEBASMITA – DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

“We’re half a century old. In Melbourne we have 4 main faculties including Business and Law, Health, Arts and Education, Science and Engineering. We offer scholarships to Mauritian students ranging from 10% to 25%. I should point out that we also offer a full scholarship to a student per year whose results are extremely brilliant. But they must also have personality and be involved in extracurricular activities.”