High school students face one of life’s toughest decisions, what and where to study next. A university degree is no longer a luxury, and choosing the right school can really shape their future. Academics alone cannot compete in the fast-paced world of today. Therefore, students need experiences and hands-on learning that is backed by accredited programs to prepare them for the future, whether they decide to enter the job market or become entrepreneurs.
The Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) stands out in Kuwait’s sea of educational establishments by providing students with a world-class higher education through international learning partnerships. Established in 2004, ACK was one of the first private universities in the country offering diploma and bachelor’s degree level courses as well as specializations within Engineering, Business, Aviation and Maritime Studies. Whether students want to soar in the sky, conquer the world’s oceans, to everything in between, they can find the right degree.
Learning at ACK is personalized, each student has an academic advisor who is available for scholastic and career guidance. At the same time, ACK places importance on the overall college experience and accordingly a wide range of sporting and club activities are available so that the students can pursue their hobbies and interests with others and establish lifelong friendships.
To prepare students for the real world, the experiential model of learning at ACK enables students to acquire workplace-related skills and attitudes so they are job-ready as soon as they graduate. ACK maintains relationships and partnerships with pioneering firms in different industries to make sure that students are being taught the current skills that are needed in the workplace.
These friendships help place students in internships within local and international companies creating the opportunity for them to gain first-hand experience in their desired career field, and eventually secure employment once they graduate.
ACK was founded as an institution of experiential learning with the 2+2 model that nurtures the three pillars of requisite knowledge, practical skills and positive attitude in preparation for workplace success. This model enables the students to acquire a diploma within two years and a bachelor’s degree within an additional two years, which is ACK’s niche in Higher Education.
Integrating classroom learning with hands-on technical and experimental practice is a philosophy that has contributed to the Institution’s success and to that of its graduates over the years. This underlying pedagogy, along with pioneering Project Based Learning model that was adapted in the School of Engineering and School of Business programs has helped ACK achieve recognition as a reputable national institution and secured a market presence. ACK takes pride in continuously modernizing its curriculum as well as teaching and learning practices to be in line with global standards in Higher Education.
Students carry out (individually or in teams) research about issues related to industries or businesses then develop suitable solutions for them. This method enhances group work and gives the students’ creativity a spark.
The classwork assigned to students is not only theoretical but also practical. Students then apply all the information and instructions they get in class at the workplace. This allows them to start their own business or join the job market easily as they have the needed expertise.
ACK implements the Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate (CDIO) method that encourages classroom learning where students cooperate and show their abilities. This method helps them get accustomed to the career field they intend to enter. ACK’s students enter the workplace well trained and practiced. They help improve the domain they enter with their creativity and innovation.
The university has always invested in infrastructure that facilitates project-based learning, interactive teaching facilities, electronics libraries, research laboratories, as well as simulators, entrepreneurial facilities and utilities in order to maximize the quality of the learning environment.
ACK has thirteen international accreditations and certifications from leading educational and international training institutions which are State of Kuwait Private University Council, International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience – IAESTE, Association of Arab Universities, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Engineers Australia, EAQUALS, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) – Kuwait, General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) – UAE, Investors In People (IIP), Lloyd’s Register foundation and CDIO. In addition, it has four Academic partnerships with Central Queensland University in Australia (CQU), Cape Breton University in Canada (CBU), Aalborg University in Denmark (AAU) and Lufthansa Technical Training (LTT). ACK is bringing the best programs in the world to Kuwait.
ACK’s core role pillar of “enabling human potential within a culture of care” is manifested through its accommodation of students with learning difficulties or disabilities throughout their period of stay at ACK.
In addition to their qualified faculty members’ commitment towards the learning of students, ACK’s faculty members are also involved in the Strategic Partner, CQ University’s academic research committee.
During the past two years, the College also liaised closely with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science to co-host conferences. ACK nurtures research and education by adding committed scholars to its faculty and by supporting their scholarly work through Joint Research arrangements with its local and international partners.
At ACK, the focus is on laying the foundations for future success in a supportive environment, and that is the perfect environment when students embark on their journey toward adulthood.
The ACK campus is located in West Mishref, Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Area. For more information on the programs and admissions at ACK visit the website www.ack.edu.kw and follow them on Instagram @ack_live to see what the ACK life looks like.
