Culture & Education | Tuesday 16 October, 2018 3:30 pm |

Scholarships worth over AED 2.1 million have been awarded to a total of 110 students attending GEMS Education schools in the UAE for the 2018-19 academic year. Recognising outstanding achievement and promise across various categories, the scholarship programme is the largest of its kind in the country and is open to any student in Grade 6 / Year 7 and above, offering scholarships covering up to 100 per cent of tuition fees.

This year’s scholarships recognised exceptional talent across five categories, with 49 awarded for Academics, 39 for Sports, 14 for Creative and Performing Arts, five for Innovation and Digital Technology, and three for Arabic Studies. Scholarship award ceremonies were held in 16 GEMS Education schools across the UAE, presenting an opportunity to officially mark the occasion and celebrate with scholars, parents, and teachers.

GEMS Dubai American Academy awarded a total of 18 scholarships, the highest number among all the schools, followed by GEMS International School – Al Khail with 13, and GEMS World Academy – Dubai with 12. Meanwhile, the awards event held at GEMS Wellington International School – Dubai was attended by special guest Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA.

Commenting on the scholarships, Christophe Savard, Vice President – Career and Future Employment Architect, who oversees GEMS Education’s scholarship programme, said: “Our mission at GEMS Education is to make quality education accessible for everyone, which is why we are delighted to be in a position to offer scholarships to over 100 of our most gifted students, all of whom show great ability and potential. We are proud to be able to support their development both educationally and financially, and we wish them continued success as they progress in their individual areas of strength.”

GEMS Education scholarships are open for applications between 1 September and 31 January for Indian curriculum schools, and 1 January to 31 March for all other curriculum schools. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, taking into consideration student essays, letters of recommendation, and student introductions.