University offers scholarships to 14 students for excellence

Some 14 students who have maintained a recognised academic performance average of 85 per cent were each awarded a scholarship at the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

Dr John Evans, dean of the university's Dubai branch, presented the fourteen recipients with their scholarships during a ceremony at the Jumeirah Beach Road Campus yesterday. They will each be entitled to continue a full academic programme.

"We are very pleased to be able to support our students in every way and hope that they are as proud of their achievements as we are," Dr Evans said.

"The University frequently recognises and encourages talented students who have been chosen to embark on this educational journey with us."

A student must achieve a minimum of 85 per cent marks before the university considers a him or her for the scholarship. But an average of 80 per cent or higher is required for returning students to be considered for the award.

Prof Rodney Hills, the university's director, said: "This year we're allocating scholarships on a 50-50 basis between newly enrolling and returning students. The new recipients come from different academic backgrounds such as the Iranian, Indian, American and British education systems. This variety in academic backgrounds makes it easier for students to stimulate their knowledge.

"We would advise students who have achieved a grade below the 85 per cent average level not to apply, so that we can maintain the efficiency and speed of our selection process."

This year's recipients for the full programme scholarships were:
* Enrolling students: Ali Reza Rashidian, Hema Khatri, Nishat N. Khatib, Sharal Sweety Miranda, Misbah Mohammad Rafiq, Fatima Zia Sheikh, Heba Mahmoud Ismail, Sara Mohammed Kazem Rokni, Enas Mohammed Sharaf Noordin.

* Returning students: Amita Gandhi, Hadeel Dabbagh, Samar El Khaldy, Maissaa Ziad El Hanouni and Shivani Agarwala.