Students are encouraged to start preparations early to maximise their chances of securing scholarships.
Several schools in Dubai are offering scholarships with up to 100% tuition fee waivers for outstanding students excelling in academics, sports, performing arts, and other fields. These scholarship programmes aim to recognise and nurture exceptional talent, providing students with opportunities to access quality education while alleviating financial burdens.
To qualify for these scholarships, students are required to submit a portfolio showcasing their achievements. School leaders emphasise that early preparation is key to securing these opportunities, advising families to begin their research at least a year in advance.
Scholarship Opportunities Across Dubai Schools
Leading educational institutions in Dubai, including those under the Taaleem and GEMS Education networks, have introduced a variety of scholarship programmes tailored to reward excellence.
Lisa Whyte, Group Head of Admissions at Taaleem, explained,
“Scholarship opportunities at Taaleem schools are designed to recognise and reward exceptional talent and achievement across various areas. For instance, Greenfield International School offers scholarships for students from Year 6 to Year 11, focusing on academics, sports, performing arts, and Arabic and Islamic Studies.”
Similarly, Uptown International School in Mirdif provides scholarships for students excelling in academics, sports, Arabic, Islamic Studies, and performing arts. Meanwhile, Jumeira Baccalaureate School offers scholarships for students in Years 9 to 11, with a particular emphasis on academic and athletic accomplishments.
Early Preparation is Key
Whyte stressed the importance of early preparation for students and their families.
“Ideally, they should start exploring opportunities at least a year before applications open, which is typically around October for most Taaleem schools. Early preparation ensures sufficient time to meet deadlines and compile all necessary documentation,”
she said.
Scholarships can range from partial to full coverage of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s achievements and the specific programme. Beyond financial assistance, recipients often gain access to specialised mentorship programmes, extracurricular opportunities, and priority inclusion in activities aligned with their talents.
GEMS Education’s Approach to Scholarships
Steve Arnold, Head of Gifted and Talented at GEMS Education, highlighted the importance of passion and dedication in scholarship candidates.
“We are looking for highly talented young people who are passionate about their talents and areas of interest. Their preparation lies in the journey of striving for excellence, and they will need to provide a curated portfolio of evidence,”
he said.
The newly launched GEMS Genius Scholarships are open to students in Year 9/Grade 8 and Year 12/Grade 11, covering areas such as academics, Arabic Studies, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Sports and Athletics, Technology, Gaming, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Maintaining Scholarship Standards
Scholarships are not a one-time benefit but require consistent performance. Arnold clarified,
“All scholarships will be offered for a minimum of two years, after which the candidate will either be re-evaluated or, if they received the scholarship in Year 12/Grade 11, have left school.”
Whyte added that scholarships are reviewed annually, and students who fail to meet the required academic or performance standards may be placed on probation.
“If significant improvement is not achieved, the scholarship may be revoked or not renewed for the following year,”
she said.
Cash Bursaries and Affordable Education
In addition to scholarships, some schools are committed to making quality education accessible by keeping tuition fees stable. Punit MK Vasu, CEO of The Indian High Group of Schools, shared,
“For the past six years, we have kept our fees intentionally affordable, ensuring that all 13,000 of our students across all three campuses benefit equally without the burden of any tuition fee hikes.”
While the school does not offer selective bursaries based on need or performance, it rewards athletes and sportspersons with significant cash bursaries for winning medals at events such as the CBSE Nationals or excelling at national and international levels.
Dubai’s scholarship programmes provide a valuable opportunity for students to pursue their academic and extracurricular passions without financial constraints. By starting their preparations early and maintaining consistent performance, students can maximise their chances of securing these prestigious awards. With schools offering up to 100% tuition fee waivers, the future looks bright for Dubai’s talented youth.
News Source: Khaleej Times
