Sharjah Ruler approves post-graduate scholarship framework

Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, chaired the second meeting of the permanent executive committee of the Sharjah Higher Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research on Tuesday at University City.

His Highness welcomed the committee members and emphasised the council’s role in the coming years, following his directives to correct administrative concepts, improve university governance, and implement strategic planning.

The committee discussed various topics and future plans, including the council’s work report, organisational structure, strategy, subcommittees, academic staff promotion and evaluation criteria, as well as research and innovation affairs.

The committee also reviewed university admission conditions, the diversity of academic programmes, and main and specialised fields to ensure they meet labour market demands and students’ interests.

His Highness approved the preliminary budget for the remaining period of the year, amounting to Dh18 million, alongside endorsing the council’s new logo and headquarters at the University City.

His Highness directed the committee to oversee scholarship affairs in Sharjah’s higher education institutions, adopting governance frameworks and coordinating between universities and scholarship providers — governmental, semi-governmental, and private.

New scholarship standards for postgraduate studies were approved, similar to those for bachelor’s degrees. Sharjah students registered with the emirate and with a monthly income below Dh50,000 will receive full scholarships, while those with higher incomes will benefit from 50 percent fee grants.

Full scholarships will continue for groups such as children of imams and students with disabilities, funded by the Amiri Diwan. Universities and academies will offer special discounts to other categories like high achievers in academics, sports, research, and other fields.