"I didn't upgrade my car for the past two years so that I'd be able to get my Masters degree from abroad," said 24-year-old Mohammad. Kuwaiti graduates are increasingly taking the initiative to save money for postgraduate studies in the hope that doing so will improve their future career prospects. Citizen Aicha Al-Faraj said that education aspirations are fuelling better budgeting. "I began saving because I didn't receive a scholarship for my postgraduate studies. Even if you study locally, there
aren't any internal scholarships for postgraduate studies here yet, and the fees are expensive.

She added, "Salaries in Kuwait just don't cut it, and more and more people are now heading towards graduate studies to make more money later on in their career. Paying for further qualifications, however, is expensive, and is a reason many in my social circle have begun saving." Despite controversial increases in the salaries of many within the public sector, many fresh graduates are struggling to save enough money to fund postgraduate studies abroad.

According to a source within the banking sector, more graduates are starting to save for their future. "We have quite a few 20-somethings opening accounts to save specifically for further education. Some succeed, but many empty the accounts within six months to a year of opening them." He added, "Traditionally, parents pay for such costs if the government doesn't cover it. But many aren't in the position to do so anymore, especially since their kids can secure good jobs in the public sector without an MA.


However, according to Economist Hajjaj Bukhadour, pursuing further education abroad is valuable even if work has already been secured locally. "It's best to continue onto a Masters degree, and to reach international qualification standards. The work environment in Kuwait is very bad usually, so students won't necessary gain much practical experience at work." He added, "Management are often appointed because of connections, not because of qualification, and their weaknesses seep throughout the entire organ
ization, and this has an especially detrimental effect and influence on fresh graduates.

Mohammad added, "We can't complain about inefficiency and mismanagement unless we plan to do something about it. I don't like how my manager is at work, so I'm saving for the qualifications that will make me a better manager in the future. Change requires effort and planning, not constant complaining.

Mohammad has been saving for two years, and is aiming to save KD 15,000 for his Masters in International Business and Management. "I can't just go to my parents now and ask for the money. I'm 24. I've been working for three years and I make good money. But the problem here is that the lifestyle is expensive." He added, "The experience of being abroad is really valuable, and worth saving for. Costs like utilities and groceries are low, but you have to maintain an image, and that eats into savings.

He continued, however, "Studying abroad is an image thing in itself, and I think most people are actually saving for the chance to be abroad more than the chance to further their education. Plus, sacrifice in this society is hard; even being caught in a sale section or a discount store can spark ridiculous gossip." The sacrifice, according to Bukhadour, is worth it. "The only way to excel is through strong qualifications and valid experience. Many youths get generous allowances, and instead of spending the
m on entertainment they could invest in themselves and save for further education." He added, "If they're working to save for the money themselves, it will make them more responsible, which is important.