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10 students get grant
for higher education

ABU DHABI — The Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Higher Education Grant Programme on Tuesday announced the names of its first batch of recipients for the academic year 2011-2012.

Ten outstanding graduates from Zayed University have been awarded grants to continue their higher education at leading universities in the UAE and abroad, according to Emirates Foundation.

Asma Almarzouqi was awarded a fellowship for Doctor of Education at the British University in Dubai (BUiD). Two students were awarded grants to study at Leeds University in the UK; Noora Al Saadi will undertake a Master’s in Special Education and Mai Al Mezaina will study for a Master’s in Advertising and Design.

Amna Al Mansoori, Maryam Al Awadhi and Shaima Al Marzouqi were awarded grants to complete Master’s in Education, with a Specialisation in Educational Leadership, at Zayed University. Hanan Al Fardan received a grant to complete Master’s in International Management and Policy at BUiD, and Mahbah Al Saleh will commence a Master’s in Urban Planning at the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

Dana Al Mazrouei and Nassra Al Buainain will undertake their Master’s in the History of Art and Museum Studies at the Sorbonne University in 
Abu Dhabi. The Dh16 million Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Higher Education Grant Programme was launched in May 2011 to assist Zayed University graduates advance their studies and further the UAE’s efforts to become a knowledge-based economy.

Over the next five years, the programme will fund Master’s and doctoral scholarships to support Zayed University graduates from both the Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses, who are continuing their studies at universities in the UAE and abroad. The programme is overseen and administered by the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy, with involvement from the programme’s selection committee.

Dr Sabha Al Shamisi, Senior Executive Advisor for the Education and Social Development Programme at the Emirates Foundation, highlighted the importance of supporting distinguished students, as they to enhance their skills and gain experience, which in turn will have a positive impact on the nation’s development. “Our leadership has spared no effort in extending support to those who have demonstrated academic excellence,” explained Dr Sabha.

Dr Jeffrey Belnap, Associate Provost of Zayed University, expressed the university’s delight that General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, showed confidence in the institution’s ability to deliver a high quality of education. “We are certain that this generous programme will create a healthy and competitive atmosphere on campus.” Local grants will include tuition fees for students studying at select UAE universities.

Overseas grants will cover tuition fees plus travel and living allowances, and will be awarded to students accepted by universities within the top 200 Academic Ranking of World Universities – and accredited by the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.