Dubai: Some schools in Dubai are offering up to 100% tuition fee waivers to exceptional students through their scholarship programmes, rewarding achievements in academics, sports, arts, and other fields. Educational leaders in the UAE emphasize the importance of thorough preparation and early applications to maximize the chances of securing a scholarship.
Recognizing Excellence Across Various Disciplines
Lisa Whyte, Group Head of Admissions at Taaleem, highlighted the scope of their scholarship initiatives. “Scholarship opportunities at Taaleem schools are designed to recognize and reward exceptional talent across a variety of areas. Greenfield International School offers scholarships for students in Years 6 to 11, focusing on academics, sports, performing arts, and Arabic and Islamic Studies,” she said.
Similarly, Uptown International School and Jumeira Baccalaureate School provide scholarships for students excelling in academics, athletics, performing arts, and leadership. These scholarships are awarded based on curated portfolios that showcase students' achievements and unique talents.
Steve Arnold, Head of Gifted and Talented at GEMS Education, spoke about the newly launched GEMS Genius Scholarships. Open to students in Year 9/Grade 8 and Year 12/Grade 11, these scholarships recognize excellence in diverse fields such as academics, technology, innovation, sports, and the arts.
Importance of Early Preparation
To increase their chances of success, students and families are advised to begin their scholarship search at least a year in advance. Whyte explained, “Starting early ensures applicants have sufficient time to meet deadlines and compile all necessary documentation. Applications typically open around October for most Taaleem schools.”
Scholarships may cover partial or full tuition fees, depending on the student’s accomplishments and the specific programme. In addition to financial assistance, recipients often gain access to mentorship opportunities, extracurricular activities, and resources tailored to their talents.
Maintaining High Standards
Schools stress that scholarship recipients must maintain consistent performance to retain their benefits. Scholarships are reviewed annually, and failure to meet academic or performance benchmarks could result in probation or revocation.
Arnold emphasized, “All scholarships are offered for a minimum of two years. After that, students are re-evaluated, or if in Year 12, they complete their school journey.”
Cash Bursaries and Stable Fees
While scholarships focus on exceptional achievements, some schools take a different approach to make quality education accessible. The Indian High Group of Schools, for instance, has maintained affordable tuition fees for six consecutive years.
Punit MK Vasu, CEO of The Indian High Group of Schools, explained, “We intentionally keep our fees stable, ensuring equal access for all 13,000 students across our campuses. Instead of selective bursaries, we support student excellence by offering significant cash rewards to those excelling in sports, academics, and co-scholastic activities.”
Athletes and academic achievers representing the school at national and international levels are rewarded with cash bursaries to honor their accomplishments.
Commitment to Excellence
Dubai’s scholarship initiatives underscore the city's commitment to fostering talent, rewarding achievements, and providing students with opportunities to excel. With an emphasis on preparation and consistency, these programmes serve as a gateway for students to achieve their educational aspirations while relieving the financial burden on families.
