Education officials are offering Emirati students an intensive English course to help them avoid a foundation year in the language before starting university.

But two local experts are critical of the programme, with one saying better English teachers were needed in primary and secondary schools, and another claiming the foundation year is still the best way.

Last year, only 11 per cent of applicants to federal universities scored high enough on placement exams to start degree courses without a year or more of English studies.

Federal universities report that up to a third of their budgets are spent on getting students up to scratch in English.

The Ministry of Education’s 14-week programme, which started on Saturday and will run to May 9, is open to Emiratis in the northern Emirates and Dubai…SOURCE