Dubai Launches Scholarships For Exceptional Emirati Students In Private Schools

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the Knowledge Fund, and nine private schools in Dubai have partnered to offer more than 400 scholarships to exceptional Emirati students in Dubai's private schools. This initiative is part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and aims to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors while providing high-quality educational opportunities for Emirati students.

The Dubai Distinguished Students Programme, which is a part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, will cover half the annual tuition fees for outstanding Emirati students in schools rated Good or better in the most recent inspections cycle. By 2030, a total of 1800 students will be awarded scholarships.

The scholarship is open to Emirati students with a family book issued by the Emirate of Dubai. Eligible students must have an average grade of 90% or above in the US or Ministry of Education curriculum, a score of at least 5 in the IB curriculum, or a B-grade average for the British curriculum. Assessments and interviews conducted by the schools' evaluation committees will also be part of the selection process.

Under the scholarship, participating schools will cover 50% of tuition costs, while parents or guardians must cover the remaining 50%. A committee will manage the programme to ensure that the education provided meets the high standards expected of participating schools.

Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of KHDA, expressed the purpose of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme, stating that it aims to ensure that Emirati students attending private schools in Dubai receive education that is rated Good or better. The program also aims to empower the next generation of Emirati youth leaders who will shape the future of Dubai.

Applications for the 2024-25 academic year will be open from May 20 to June 5, and Emirati parents can register their children through the KHDA website. The participating schools in the first year of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme offer curricula such as the British curriculum, International Baccalaureate, and American curriculum.

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of Knowledge Fund Establishment, emphasized the importance of supporting high-quality educational initiatives that align with Dubai's Social Agenda 2033 and the vision for Dubai to become one of the top 10 cities globally in terms of education quality. Al Awar announced the launch of the educational initiative in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai and expressed gratitude to the participating private schools for their support.

The scholarship programme is being supported by education operators and independent private schools in Dubai, including Taaleem, Innoventures Education, Dubai Heights Academy, and Dar Al Marefa School. Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, expressed his commitment to providing academic, personal, and professional development opportunities for students participating in the programme.

Sultan Bin Sulayem, owner of Dubai Heights Academy, highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors to provide the best educational opportunities for outstanding Emirati students. Ibrahim Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dar Al Marefa School, and Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education, also expressed their support for the initiative and their commitment to providing an enriching and supportive learning environment for students.

The Dubai Distinguished Students Programme is an important step towards providing high-quality educational opportunities for Emirati students and strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors. It aims to empower and nurture the next generation of Emirati leaders who will shape the future of Dubai.