Abu Dhabi University dedicates 4,491,050 AED to scholarships and financial aid

Abu Dhabi University has dedicated 4,491,050 AED to be spent on scholarships and financial aid during the first semester of the academic year 2012 -2013, to benefit students enrolled to study at the University’s Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses. Divided into 5 categories, Abu Dhabi University’s scholarships program recognizes academic excellence and awards students who exhibit exceptional academic achievement through: the “H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan scholarship”, the Chairman’s scholarship, the University scholarship, the Academic scholarship and the Athletic scholarship.

Commenting on their importance, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Abu Dhabi University’s Chancellor asserted that these scholarships and financial aid programs are designed to encourage students to excel in their academic performance. “The University had received students’ applications for scholarships and financial aid up until the deadline of 22^nd August. These applications were then carefully assessed and reviewed by a specialized committee of experts who considered each and every application before allocating the amount of 4,491,050 AED to be spent on scholarships and financial aid during the first semester of this academic year.  This amount will enable 374 students to benefit from Abu Dhabi University’s financial aid program “Sanabil”, while 589 students will benefit from our diverse scholarship program”, added Dr. Ibrahim.

Dr. Ibrahim explained that scholarship programs offered by Abu Dhabi University are divided into 5 categories. Chief among them is the H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Trustees scholarship, which is awarded to the 20 top scoring students from Grade 12, and covers tuition, University Fees, and the English Language Institute courses, and are awarded for four full years or upon graduation. Dr. Ibrahim pointed out that students must be committed to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.70, and a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester to continue their scholarship.

“The Chairman’s Scholarship is given to students who can demonstrate outstanding academic records and excellent personal capabilities. It offers a 100 percent discount on tuition and university fees. Students eligible to receive this scholarship are those who have obtained an average grade of 97% during the last three years (grades 10, 11, 12) of secondary education, and who have met the English Language Proficiency Requirements defined by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. To maintain the scholarship, students will have to achieve a minimum GPA OF 3.60 and a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester”, said Dr. Ibrahim.

Dr. Ibrahim pointed out that the 3rd category is 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% will receive up to 30% tuition scholarships, and if their average is from 90% - 94.99% they will receive up to 20% tuition scholarships. After the first year, students who maintain a distinguished level of academic standing may qualify automatically for the Academic scholarship. In order to be considered for this scholarship, students must dedicate 30 hours per semester, not including the summer term, towards some form of community service and charitable volunteer work, either on or off campus”, clarified Dr. Ibrahim.

He added that the Academic Scholarship is available to continuing students who maintain a high level of academic distinction offering 20% discount on tuition, and eligible students must maintain for two consecutive semesters, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 with at least 12 credits per semester.  “As for the Athletic Scholarship, which is awarded to applicants with outstanding athletic skills; those students will receive up to 25% discount on their tuition fees”, concluded Dr. Ibrahim.

Abu Dhabi University also offers its students the financial aid program "Sanabel" which enables them to benefit from financial assistance after comprehensive study of their social conditions.