Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi University has earmarked Dh4.5 million to provide scholarships and educational assistance to deserving students during the first semester of the 2012-2013 academic year.

The funds will benefit 963 students enrolled at the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses. “These scholarships and financial aid programmes are designed to encourage students to excel in their academic performance,” said Dr Nabeel Ebrahim, chancellor of Abu Dhabi University.

“The university had received students’ applications for scholarships and financial aid. These applications were then carefully assessed and reviewed by a specialised committee of experts,” Dr Ebrahim said.

The allocated funds will enable 347 students to benefit from Abu Dhabi University’s financial aid programme ‘Sanabil’ “while 589 students will benefit from our diverse scholarship programme”, he said.

Scholarship programmes offered by Abu Dhabi University are divided into five categories.

The Board of Trustees Scholarship is awarded by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and president of Abu Dhabi University, to the 20 top-scoring pupils from grade 12. It covers fees for tuition, university and English language courses and is awarded for four years or upon graduation. Students availing this scholarship must be committed to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.70 and a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

The Chairman’s Scholarship is given to students who demonstrate outstanding academic records and excellent personal capabilities. It offers a 100 per cent discount on tuition and university fees. To be eligible, students need an average grade of 97 per cent during the last three years (grades 10, 11, 12) of secondary education. Students must be committed to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.60 and a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

The University Scholarship is offered to first-year students who graduate from secondary school with a high level of academic distinction. Secondary school graduates with an average of 95-100 per cent will receive up to 30 per cent tuition scholarships; if their average is from 90-94.99 per cent, they will receive up to 20 per cent in scholarships.

The Academic Scholarship is available to continuing students who maintain a high level of academic distinction and offers a 20 per cent discount on tuition. Eligible students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 for two consecutive semesters, with at least 12 credit hours per semester.

Finally, the Athletic Scholarship is awarded to applicants with outstanding athletic skills. Such students stand to receive up to 25 per cent discount on their tuition fees.