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Dubai students can now apply online for free scholarship

Dubai - Registration will close on May 9

Outstanding Emirati students in Dubai can now apply online for a chance at receiving a free scholarship education. 
On Tuesday, the registration process for Emirati students wishing to attend some of the best private schools in the UAE was opened as part of the newly launched Mohammed bin Rashid Distinguished Students Programme.High performing students will now have three weeks to self-nominate themselves via the Knowledge and Human Development Authority's website. Registration will close on May 9 and students from KS1 to Grade 12 will be eligible to enroll.
Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to attend one of 18 Dubai-based schools currently participating in the programme - all of which are rated 'outstanding' , 'very good' or 'good' - and they will be eligible to start classes from the new academic year in September 2017.The schools currently offering placements cover a UK, US or International Baccalaureate curriculum and according to the KHDA website five are listed as 'outstanding', three as 'very good', seven as 'good' and three additional schools offer a good or better quality education.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, a KHDA official said more details on the total number of scholarships on offer will be announced after the registration phase, depending on demand.
The programme stipulates an admission Criteria which covers three steps: the student must be a UAE National from Dubai who studies in a public or private school; the student must pass the entry tests and interviews conducted by the Evaluation Committee; and the student must register at the participating schools via the KHDA website.
Looking on the KHDA's registration form, students will initially be asked to select their "preferred" top two choices from the listed schools, and they will also be asked to submit their student ID number which will allow assessors access to their academic performance records and achievements.Fatma Al Marri, Chief Executive Officer of KHDA said the aim of the programme is to ensure "every Emirati student receives high quality education"."We are opening more pathways to enable greater access to some of the best private schools in Dubai.
The MBR Distinguished Students Programme allows young Emirati students to contribute towards nation building in the future by getting high-quality education and academic guidance.
"With two major school operators' already offering seats to successful students - namely Gems and Taaleem - Al Marri said it looks forward to welcoming more schools as part of the initiative.His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the programme during the Future Dialogue session last month. It is part of the journey to achieving the Dubai 2021 Plan. 
Kelly@khaleejtimes.com
Get registered
When: April 18 to May 9
Where: www.khda.gov.ae/en/mbrscholarship
Note: All online applications will be reviewed in accordance with the eligibility criteria
Student criteria for scholarships
1. The student must be a UAE national from the emirate of Dubai
2. The student should pass written tests and oral interviews set by the evaluation committee
3. The student must register in one of the participating schools listed on the KHDA website
Participating schools
Al Mizhar American Academy - GoodUptown School - GoodJumeirah Baccalaureate School - GoodGreenfield Community School - GoodDubai British School - Very GoodGEMS Dubai American Academy - OutstandingGEMS World Academy - GoodGEMS Cambridge International School - GoodGEMS Royal Dubai School - OutstandingGEMS Wellington Academy - GoodGEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis - Very GoodGEMS Wellington Primary - Very GoodGEMS Wellington International School - OutstandingJumeirah College - OutstandingGEMS Jumeirah Primary School  - OutstandingGEMS International School - NABradenton Preparatory Academy - NAGEMS FirstPoint School - NA