Scholarships for Emiratis in private schools

Dubai: Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) on Monday announced three new agreements to enable a greater participation of Emiratis in private schools rated ‘good’ or better as part of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Distinguished Students Programme.

More than 550 applications have been received from Emiratis for participating private schools during the registration. All applications will be reviewed by a central eligibility committee to confirm compliance with scholarship guidelines.

The programme is being rolled out by KHDA and selected students will start classes from the new academic year in September 2017.

Announcing a cooperation between government entities and education investors, KHDA signed agreements with Knowledge Fund, GEMS and Taaleem at a ceremony hosted at its headquarters in Dubai International Academic City.

The latest agreements provide a long-term implementation plan for the newly created scholarships in participating schools, with a framework to manage enrolments and implement the programme at various stages.

The three agreements also outline key responsibilities and commitments of various partners in achieving objectives to provide opportunities for Emirati students, especially those who are distinguished, to join some of the best private schools in Dubai.

Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary-General of the Dubai Executive Council, said: “Dubai Plan 2021 is designed to enable creative and capable individuals to take responsibility for their outstanding education along with empowering families. It supports the aspirations of our wise leadership to create a future generation of educated and socially aware youth who are able to keep pace with rapid developments that sustain our ranks in various fields.”

The programme is part of a series of strategic programmes led by the KHDA in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Dubai Executive Council and Knowledge Fund.