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More than 400 scholarships covering 50% of annual tuition fee to be offered for 2024-25 academic year
Dubai, May 16, 2024: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the Knowledge Fund Establishment, and nine private schools in Dubai have joined forces to offer more than 400 scholarships to exceptional Emirati students in Dubai’s private schools. The aim is to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors and provide high-quality educational opportunities for Emirati students,
As part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme will cover half the annual tuition fee for outstanding Emirati students in schools rated Good or better in the most recent inspections cycle. A total of 1,800 students will be awarded scholarships by 2030.
Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of KHDA says, “By fostering sustainable partnerships between the public and private sectors, we can empower the next generation of Emirati youth leaders who will shape the future of Dubai, a key pillar of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
We welcome more private schools to join us in this endeavour and contribute positively to Dubai’s aspirations by shaping the future leaders and trailblazers across diverse sectors that will lead to the sustained development of Dubai.”
Applications for the 2024-25 academic year will be open from May 20 to June 5. Emirati parents can register their children through the KHDA website.
Curricula covered by the schools participating in the first year of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme include the British curriculum, International Baccalaureate and American curriculum.
The scholarship is open to Emirati students with a family book issued by the Emirate of Dubai. The programme covers 50% tuition for students from Grade 4 or Year 5 until Grade 10 or Year 11 who are either newly or currently enrolled in public or private schools in 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. Applicants must also successfully pass assessments and interviews conducted by the schools’ evaluation committees.
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the Knowledge Fund Establishment says, “This marks a new phase in empowering distinguished Emirati students by providing an outstanding and ideal environment to enhance their education to higher levels.”
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 says, “At Taaleem, we are committed to providing academic, personal, and professional development opportunities for students participating in the programme. We also pledge to create an inspiring and supportive learning environment for Emirati students.”
Sultan Bin Sulayem, owner of Dubai Heights Academy says, “This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance 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 adds, “Our goal is to prepare them [Emirati students] for the future in line with Dubai’s vision outlined in the Dubai Social Agenda 33.”
Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education says, “This partnership aligns with our ongoing commitment to provide outstanding educational opportunities for our students and contribute to empowering them with skills essential for the future.”
Under the scholarship, participating schools will cover 50%of tuition costs, while parents or guardians must cover the remaining 50%. The programme will be managed by a committee to ensure the provision of education matches the high standards expected of participating schools.
