Australian edtech Studiosity makes textbook entry into Middle Eastern markets

In 2022, Studiosity launched a pilot program in the Middle East, bringing Australian edtech to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

The company’s online service provides writing feedback and study support to students at scale, improving their learning experience. The feedback and support are provided by Studiosity’s team of expert subject specialists across the world, using its world-leading edtech platform.

With Austrade’s support, Studiosity is making progress in the Middle Eastern market. The region has committed to higher education to grow its knowledge-based economy. Studiosity is partnering with local universities to bring its student-focused edtech to the region. The company’s mature approach means it is finding traction in the market.

‘Our services are a good fit for the Middle Eastern market,’ says Chris Fitzpatrick, General Manager – APAC & Middle East, Studiosity. ‘Twenty per cent of the population is under 25 years of age. We focus on the programs that are the best fit and can be developed over time. It is a long process in higher education, but we aim to build our base.’

‘Integrity and ethical service delivery is a large part of our service offering,’ says Fitzpatrick. ‘The Austrade team has helped us gain credibility in the market. Being there with the support of the Australian Government is important. We are pleased with the progress so far.’ 

Delivering personal learning support at scale

Studiosity is increasing the life chances of every student in the world. It is a global leader in online study success solutions. Universities partner with Studiosity to help deliver ethical, scaled, academic and peer services to reach student success targets.

Studiosity’ s service offerings include Writing Feedback, where students submit their essays and assignments to receive fast, formative feedback. Students can apply the feedback and edit their own assignment, before submitting to the university for marking. 

If students have a question about feedback, they can chat to a subject specialist in a virtual classroom using Connect Live. Both services are delivered 24/7 and at scale. Studiosity also helps maintain academic integrity. All interactions in the virtual classroom are transparently available to the institution. The interactions are only accessible through the institution’s online learning environment.

Multiple independent studies by universities across the world have shown the services have a positive impact on student grades, retention, confidence and wellbeing.

As a world-leading education service provider, Studiosity knows that institutional-led support is important. ‘The idea is for students to feel safe in the knowledge that this is a university-endorsed service,’ says Evelyn Levisohn, Marketing Manager – APAC & Middle East, Studiosity. ‘With increasing cybersecurity challenges, Studiosity provides online support that students and universities can trust.’

Export journey to the UAE

Studiosity has reached 1.6 million students across 200 universities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK. The company is now focusing its efforts on the UAE and the Middle Eastern market.

The UAE is an attractive market for international education. As the region transitions from oil and fossil fuels, investment in a knowledge-based economy is growing. In 2023, the UAE assigned 15% of the country’s US$17 billion budget to education. (Source: International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, United Arab Emirates – Education and Training Sector Snapshot, March 2023, accessed November 2023.)

In 2023, Studiosity hired a Regional Director in Dubai. The company plans to grow business in the region by partnering with local universities. One partner came from an existing relationship with the University of Wollongong. The company is building on this relationship, with several pilots in progress.

‘To have a few of the bigger local universities is incredibly valuable for our Middle Eastern strategy,’ says Fitzpatrick.

‘Austrade also connects us to local industry and media,’ he adds. ‘They provide advice on the academic calendar as well as customs of the region. They have managed meetings with senior decision-makers, one of which resulted in a paid pilot.’

Studiosity continues to build partnerships in the UAE. One new partner is the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). The UAEU was founded by the country’s first President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is one of the oldest universities in the region. The University of Sharjah in Sharjah is also a new partner. It has 18,500 students and is one of the larger, private Emirati universities. There are more universities in the pipeline, and progress is steady but growing.

Expansion plans in Southeast Asia and the Middle East

Studiosity has plans to explore Southeast Asia and more of the Midde East. In the meantime, the company is planning continued expansion in the UAE.

Resources:

• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au)
• International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce: United Arab Emirates - Education and Training Sector Snapshot (trade.gov)