UOWD’s Partnership with PwC Academy Middle East Gives Students a Head Start in the Job Market

Thursday, 08 May, 2025

In an evolving job market where academic credentials alone are no longer enough, students at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) now have the opportunity to graduate with both a degree and globally recognised professional qualifications — all under one roof.

Through its growing partnership with PwC Academy Middle East, UOWD has integrated pathways to the ACCA, CFA, and most recently, the UAE Corporate Tax Diploma, into the student experience. These qualifications — taught by PwC Academy’s industry experts — are available to current students and alumni at discounted rates, allowing them to pursue credentials that employers value, alongside or soon after their academic studies.

"At UOWD, we prioritize the development of our students in a holistic manner, with our expanded partnership with PwC’s Academy Middle East covering ACCA, CFA, and now the UAE Corporate Tax Diploma training, we're providing students with multiple pathways to professional success," says Sherwin Fernandes, Instructor in the School of Business and the lead facilitator of the PwC Academy collaboration at UOWD. "This integrated approach gives our graduates a significant competitive advantage as they enter a job market that increasingly values specialized credentials alongside academic qualifications.

The UAE Corporate Tax Diploma, in particular, addresses a pressing market need. With corporate tax now in effect across the UAE, companies are actively seeking professionals who understand the local tax landscape. Developed by PwC Academy and ATT-UK in collaboration with Tolley, the Diploma is approved by the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and equips learners with applied skills in compliance, filing, and tax planning — tailored to the regulatory environment of the UAE.

In a recent ceremony on campus to mark the expansion of the partnership, students participated in an interactive session on corporate tax led by PwC Academy’s Ali Mehdi, followed by a quiz competition. The event also celebrated outstanding student achievements, including Krish Kalwani and Mohammad Rizwi, who both scored in the 90th percentile on their CFA Level 1 exams, and Diya Dmello, who successfully completed all four ACCA professional level exams on her first attempt

Importantly, the programs offered through PwC Academy are structured with flexibility in mind. Students can complete them during their studies, giving them a head start in career preparation without compromising their university workload. This reflects UOWD’s broader commitment to delivering future-ready education and fostering lifelong learning among its student community.

By bridging academic knowledge with real-world qualifications, UOWD and PwC Academy Middle East are jointly enabling students to build a career foundation that is both credible and competitive — in the UAE and beyond.