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Dh4.2b scholarships for Arab students

Dubai - Students can start applying now; last date for submission is May 30

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dubai - Scholarships to the tune of $1.1billion (Dh4.2 billion) will be awarded to high-achieving, under-privileged Emirati and Arab students to get access to educational opportunities.

The dedicated scholarship programme 'Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education' is now one of the largest privately funded philanthropic education initiatives in the world. The foundation will reach a minimum of 15,000 promising Arab youth pursuing Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education over the next 10 years, as well as support 5,000 high-achieving grade 11 and 12 Emirati students at public schools, preparing them to study Stem in top universities.

Over half of the 369 million people living in the region are under the age of 25, but employment is high in many countries in which youth do not have access to quality education or job opportunities.

Criteria for Scholarship  >Students between 15 and 30 year old >Should be an Arab national >Should have earned no less than an 85% GPA in high school or no less than a 3.0 at university >Be proficient in English to standards acceptable by top universities >Be able and willing to provide proof of financial need >Be admitted to one of our partner universities for an undergraduate or graduate degree in a Stem-related programme >Preference for applicants who have lived in the Arab world for at least 12 years

According to the International Labour Organisation, the region had the highest unemployment rates in 2014, with 46 per cent of women and 24 per cent of men unemployed.

With an investment of $1.1 billion (Dh4.2 billion), it aims to provide high-achieving, under-privileged Emirati and Arab youth access to educational opportunities, through dedicated scholarship programmes.

The scholarship was officially launched on Wednesday in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,

Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Abdulla Ahmad Al Ghurair said: "This Foundation is but a small contribution in return for the opportunities our family was given by this country. We hope the opportunities we provide young Emiratis and Arabs will mark the start of their journey towards greater success and philanthropic giving in the region."

To be eligible to apply to the programme you must be an Arab citizen from an under-privileged background who does not have another citizenship and has earned no less than an 85 per cent GPA in high school or no less than a 3.0 at university. The scholarship also has a few other criteria.

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education Board of Trustees announced the education programmes and said: "Today, we are telling every Arab youth 'if you aspire to be a leader who wants to give back to your country and region, work hard and set your sight high."

Foundation's programmes Al Ghurair Young Thinkers Programme Al Ghurair Stem Scholars Programme Al Ghurair Open Learning Scholars Programme

The event saw a signing ceremony with leading universities, Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah, American University of Beirut and American University in Cairo as well as the announcement of three tailor-made programmes designed to support under-privileged Arab youth. Shaikh Mohammed also launched the Foundation website through which all students are expected to apply now.

Maysa Jalbout, CEO of the Foundation said: "The tailor-made programmes offer more than just financial support. The foundation will provide students with academic counselling, skill development and mentoring, as well as access to internships." Jalbout added that the foundation is designed to prepare students for their transition to university and the world of work.

"Ultimately we hope the foundation will empower young people to learn for life and to become leaders in their communities and ambassadors of education in the region," she added.

Student applications are now open on the Foundation's website http://www.alghurairfoundation.org. The deadline for submission is May 30.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com