Dubai is set to cover 50 percent of the school fees for up to 1,800 gifted students, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Dubai to Subsidize School Fees for Gifted Students
This initiative aims to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors to offer high-quality education to Emirati students. The KHDA, the Knowledge Fund, and nine private schools in Dubai have partnered to provide over 400 scholarships to exceptional Emirati students in private schools as part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
The Dubai Distinguished Students Programme will finance half of the annual tuition fees for outstanding Emirati students enrolled in schools rated good or better by the most recent inspection cycle. The program, designed to reach 1,800 students by 2030, underscores Dubai's commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of KHDA, emphasized the importance of this initiative in ensuring that Emirati students receive a high-quality education and the significance of sustainable public-private partnerships in empowering youth who will shape Dubai's future.
Miran also expressed gratitude to the Knowledge Fund and participating schools for their proactive approach and dedication to supporting exceptional students by offering scholarships that cover 50 percent of tuition fees. She invited more private schools to join the initiative to help cultivate future leaders across various sectors, contributing to Dubai's continued development.
Application Process
For the 2024–25 academic year, applications will be accepted from May 20 to June 5, with Emirati parents able to register their children through the KHDA website. The participating schools in the first year of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme will offer a range of curricula, including the British curriculum, International Baccalaureate, and American curriculum.
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, highlighted the importance of supporting high-quality educational initiatives that enrich Dubai's educational system and align with the Dubai Social Agenda 2033. He noted that the participation of nine private schools in this initiative marks a significant step in providing an outstanding educational environment for distinguished Emirati students, thus enhancing their academic potential.
The scholarship program is supported by various education operators and independent private schools in Dubai, such as Taaleem, Innoventures Education, Dubai Heights Academy, and Dar Al Marefa School. The scholarships are available to Emirati students with a family book issued by the Emirate of Dubai and cover students from Grade 4 or Year 5 through Grade 10 or Year 11, whether they are newly or currently enrolled in public or private schools in Dubai.
To be eligible, students must have an average grade of 90 percent or above in the US or Ministry of Education curriculum, a score of at least 5 in the IB curriculum, or a B-grade average in the British curriculum. Additionally, applicants must pass assessments and interviews conducted by the schools’ evaluation committees.
Under this scholarship scheme, participating schools will cover 50 percent of the tuition costs, while parents or guardians will be responsible for the remaining 50 percent. A committee will oversee the program to ensure that the education provided meets the high standards expected of the participating schools, ensuring a consistent and effective learning environment for the scholarship recipients.