Over Dh777 Million in Scholarships Unlocked for UAE Students Through GEMS For Life Programme
The GEMS For Life programme is revolutionizing access to higher education scholarships for students across the UAE, unlocking nearly Dh777 million in opportunities for global studies.
Through collaborations with prestigious universities and admission platforms, this initiative is making it easier for students to pursue higher education worldwide, with a total of 1,770 scholarship offers worth Dh426 million already extended between August and December 2024.
The programme, operating within GEMS Education's network of 47 schools in the UAE and Qatar, has forged partnerships with institutions such as the University of Leeds, the University of Birmingham, Heriot-Watt University, and several top-tier Russell Group universities in the UK. These institutions are not only offering scholarships but also engaging with students through masterclasses and school events, providing invaluable exposure to the world of higher education.
A key innovation in this effort is the partnership with Match by Concourse, a platform that has transformed the admissions process by allowing universities to proactively offer scholarships to students. Instead of students applying individually, they create a single profile detailing their academic achievements, interests, and aspirations. Universities then review these profiles and extend offers, simplifying the process and reducing the stress typically associated with university applications.
Chris Goodbourn, director of GEMS For Life, emphasized the initiative's mission to provide lifelong value to students.
"Through our careers and employability framework, higher education opportunities, and alumni support, we are ensuring GEMS students have access to the resources they need to succeed,"
he said.
The scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden of higher education. Students, like Natali Alkhatib from GEMS Founders School Dubai, have received multiple offers, including significant financial support.
"Receiving these scholarships has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,"
Alkhatib said, referring to the offers she received from institutions like Illinois College and SUNY Binghamton.
Similarly, Ahmad El Jechi, a former student of GEMS Wesgreen International School, shared his experience of receiving a 45% scholarship at the American University of Sharjah.
"This scholarship has reduced much of the stress for my family and given me the confidence to focus on my studies,"
El Jechi said.
As the programme continues to grow, over 100 universities worldwide have pledged scholarships for GEMS graduates, ensuring that more students can benefit from this innovative and supportive approach to higher education.
News Source: Khaleej Times