Over 30 UAE schools With Scholarships, 2021
If you have a child who is especially academically-able, has special gifts and talents, or has a particular interest in technology or sport, look no further than our compilation of schools throughout the UAE who are currently offering access to scholarships.
In many (though not all) instances, the scholarships may include reductions in tuition fees, but, in addition, offer specific targeted support to ensure that those particular gifts and talents are encouraged and developed. We will add to our list as more schools provide details...
Abu Dhabi schools include:
(click on any school to jump to further information on the scholarship)
Al Yasat Private School
Amity International School
Aspen Heights British School
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Global Indian International School
Reach British School
Repton School Abu Dhabi
Shining Star International School
Dubai schools include:
(click on any school to jump to further information on the scholarship)
Arcadia School
Cambridge International School
Collegiate American School
Deira International School
GEMS Dubai American Academy
GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
GEMS Royal Dubai School
Global Indian International School Dubai
Hartland International School
Jumeirah College
Kent College
Kings School Al Barsha
Kings School Nad Al Sheba
Nord Anglia International School
Raffles International School
Repton School Al Barsha (formerly Foremarke School Dubai)
Repton School Dubai
Safa British School
Safa Community School
Sabari Indian School
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai
The Arbor School
Universal American School
Ajman Schools include:
(click on any school to jump to further information on the scholarship)
UAE-wide
GEMS Education
The UAE’s largest school network, GEMS Education, offers a merit-based scholarship programme for students excelling in academics, creative and performing arts, sports, innovation and digital technology or Arabic studies across its network of schools in the UAE.
Academic Scholarships are offered to students who have consistently placed at the top of their class in all their subjects for at least the last three years. If they have participated in any international exams and have placed in the top 95th percentile, Academic Scholarships are available to current and prospective students from Year 7 (Grade 6) and are awarded based on a competitive application process.
Among the academic scholarships is The Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Al Nahyan Award which is presented to female students from GEMS schools all over the world for their outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, their significant contribution to social and environmental awareness, and their impressive general conduct.
The award winners from the UAE receive a scholarship to cover a year's tuition fee at their respective school. GEMS Royal Dubai, Jumeirah College and Cambridge International Dubai are among the school offering the Sheikha Fatima Award.
Additionally, Jumeirah Primary School and Cambridge International School offer the Mohammed Bin Rashid Scholarship Programme for Emirati students.
Creative and Performing Arts Scholarships are offered to students who are passionate artistes and performers, whilst Sports Scholarships are offered to students who have consistently played their sport for the last 3-5 years, competing in a) Regional or b) International level tournaments – in both cases students must have attained grades that place them in the top 70th percentile in their class.
Innovation and Digital Technology Scholarships are awarded on the basis of candidates demonstrating potential to excel in the areas of innovation & digital technology (coding, computational thinking, cryptology, app development).
There are also Arabic Studies Scholarships for Native and Non-Native speakers, which are offered to students as a part of the Academic Scholarships.
GEMS Dubai American Academy offers 20 scholarships in total including eleven Academic scholarships (including Sheikha Fatima Award), seven for Sports, one for Creative Arts and one for Innovation. Cambridge International offers the same range of awards though the number available is not provided.
Candidates receive a concession ranging from 25 to 100 per cent fee remission on their annual school fees for a single academic year, which may be extended based on the student’s academic progress on reapplication.
For further information check here
Applications to individual schools may be made via this link.
Ajman Schools
Ajman Academy has introduced a scholarship programme for students applying from Grade 4 to Grade 12 in the current 2020-2021 academic year. Outstanding students applying to Grade 4 – Grade 12 may be eligible for a tuition fee discount - the discount is applied to the tuition fee only.
For existing students in Grades 3 and above, the tuition fee discount scale applies only if the combined average standardized scores in English, Math, and Science progress tests is 105 and above. New students applying to Ajman Academy may be eligible based on their CAT4 assessment results.
Find out more information here
Abu Dhabi Schools
In 2020-21 students entering grades 9 - 12 were eligible to apply for an academic scholarship. The scholarships are for tuition fees only. There are three scholarships for each of the above grades. Each scholarship receives 50% tuition fee reduction. Based upon the report cards, the applicant must have a minimum of 90% attainment in English, Mathematics and Arabic.
Further information here.
Amity International School
The Amity Scholarship and Bursary Fund, was launched in September 2017, and aims to celebrate and promote achievement and ambition, but also to help students with limited financial means benefit from an Amity education.
Amity International School's Scholarship programme is arranged such that the academic curriculum and co-curriculum are structured to provide breadth, challenge and extension beyond standard British National Curriculum requirements. Students awarded a Scholarship receive benefits including exclusive, ‘invitation-only’ access to a programme of talks, workshops and trips, bespoke courses to develop skills (sourced from outside providers, including EtonX), mentoring sessions, and support developing a portfolio of skills and achievement. Regular review and target-setting meetings take place with the Director of Scholarship. There is no financial benefit (in terms of fee reduction) associated with a scholarship.
Scholarships are awarded to gifted and talented students for achievement and demonstration of potential either in a specific field or a combination of fields. Awards are given on an entirely meritocratic basis. Although a student may not meet the criteria at one scholarship entry point, this will not exclude him/her from an application in a later year. Scholarships have been offered for students entering Years 7 to 10. Music scholarships may be offered to exceptional candidates in Years 5 to 6.
Amity International also operates a Bursary (Financial Support) scheme. Parents interested in applying for Bursary financial support are required to complete a Statement of Financial Circumstances and are then invited to discuss the possibility for further financial support with the School Principal. The school will consider compassionate and other circumstances, including financial means, to decide on the level of support provided. Bursaries will be subject to annual review and parents may be asked to provide updated financial information every year.
Further information can be found here
Aspen Heights British School is part of the ISP group of schools. Scholarship is an important part of the independent school programme, carrying prestige for each scholar and adding weight to university applications. For the cohort, students that have been awarded scholarships act as role models and peer group leaders, demonstrating how potential can be realised and what can be achieved through commitment and determination. For the school, these students add an energy and vibrancy to community spirit, diversity and excellence.
Eligibility of this scholarship is determined during the assessment that takes place as part of the admissions process at the school. The Aspen Heights British School Scholarship offers students from Year 7 to Year 13 a 25% school fee discount, specialist trips for scholarship students, and access to ISP global learning opportunities that involve over 50 schools from around the world. The scholarship will be renewed each year provided that academic performance is maintained at the highest level.
Further information can be found here
The Cranleigh Abu Dhabi scholarship programme is targeted to talented pupils entering Year 7 and above in fields of academics, Sports, the Fine Arts, STEM and the Performing Arts. The school is particularly keen to award scholarships for exceptional candidates wishing to join the Sixth Form (Year 12).
Selection criteria vary depending on the award and on evidence of achievement and potential, but in all cases, the school considers strong evidence of achievement and potential. Candidates are expected to already be performing at a high level and, on top of that, students should demonstrate independence of thought, a real love for their area of excellence and a desire to grow and develop.
All scholarships attract a fee reduction and are merit-based. Top awards will be the full difference between the British branch campus’s fees and the candidate’s current school fees.
For further information go here.
Global Indian International School (GIIS)
GIIS offers a range of scholarship options.
The Global Future Ready Merit Scholarship is academically based scholarship that aims to prepare the student to become a global citizen and have easier access to the reputable universities and prominent undergraduate programmes of their choice. The scholarship is awarded to CBSE students in grades 7-10 who must achieve an average score of 91%, and covers two years.
The Global Citizen Scholarship (GCS) is offered to students from the region, and is designed to be an enabler or a stepping stone in their future growth. This regional scholarship is open to students in grades 11 and 12 for students attaining 96.5% and above in the CBSE curriculum and is valid for the final two years of education at GIIS.
The GIIS Super Star Scholarship (GSS) is an academic scholarship offered to students from the region, which aims to be an enabler or a stepping stone in their future growth. The scholarship is open to students in Grades 11 and 12 only and requires achievements of 96.0% or 8A* and above in Board examinations and covers the final two years of school.
The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Global Skills Scholarship recognises young talent in the field of Technology and Digital Space and is available to students in Abu Dhabi in Grades 5-11 for a one year period.
The 9GEMS Holistic Development Scholarship offers the 9GEMS™ framework as an holistic teaching methodology that, according to GIIS, helps students meet the changing needs of the time. The model is designed to groom students, hone their inherent strengths and enhance their personalities to make them well-rounded citizens. The scholarship is open to students from grades 5 – 11 for students in Abu Dhabi.
Zayed Gandhi Merit Cum Means Scholarship aims to extend support through financial assistance, and make education affordable for parents. The scholarship is aimed at students who are residents Abu Dhabi for students in grades 2 to 11. The scholarship is open to families with a gross income below 10000 AED to 15000 AED and is available for two years.
Further details can be found here
Reach British School is part of the ISP global school network. Its Scholarship programme aims to attract and support talented students who demonstrate independence of thought, a real love for academic excellence and a desire to grow and develop.
The Reach British School Scholarship offers students from Year 4 to Year 13 up to 30% school fee discount for two full academic years, personalised learning to challenge the most able, and access to ISP global learning opportunities that involve over 50 schools from around the world. The scholarship will be renewed each year provided that academic performance and behaviour is maintained at the highest level.
The application process is open from 1st of February until 15th of February 2021.
Eligibility is determined during the assessment that takes place as part of the admissions process at the school.
For further information, check here.
The Repton School Abu Dhabi Scholarship Programme offers scholarships in four areas: Academic, Music, Sport and Innovation. Scholarships for academic excellence, and for excellence in Sports and the Arts, are subject to high standards of behaviour, and students demonstrating and being committed to performance and engagement in academic, musical and sporting activities across the life of the school.
Scholarships at Repton Abu Dhabi are awarded to both internal and external candidates studying in Years 5 to 11.
Further information can be found here
Shining Star International School
Shining Start International School offers the Anmol Ratan Scholarship Programme providing a discount of up to 50% off tuition fees through a limited number of scholarships. Students need to be a 90% aggregate student studying in grades 6-11 who have participated in Robotics, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Science fairs and has been recognized nationally/ internationally, or have an aptitude for Debating, Public Speaking, Declamation & Elocution and have been ranked in national/international inter-school competitions or have excelled in Visual and Performing arts, such as Painting, Sculpture, Dance, Drama and/or Singing.
Further details can be found here
Dubai Schools
Arcadia School offers to Scholarship options for new students. Students eligible for the Governors’ Scholarship will have their 15% of their tuition fees subsidised for their entire tenure at the school (until the end of Year 13). This includes deposits paid in 2020-21 academic year for future enrolment years.
The Principal Pioneer Scholarship offers a 50% subsidy on KHDA approved fees for Year 9 students (opening in 2021-22) for 3 years and is subject to renewal after assessment.
The school will open organically year on year with Year 10 and 12 following in 2022, and will be fully open by 2023 when Year 11 and 13 open.
Further information can be found here.
Deira International School
Deira International School is now accepting applications for scholarships from Grade 4/Year 5 to Grade 12 for the 2021/2022 academic year. Emirati scholarships are worth up to 100% of annual tuition fees and academic and talent scholarships are worth up to 50% of annual tuition fees. Applications can be made through the school website or the Al Futtaim Education Foundation website.
The school is also working on launching a post-secondary scholarship programme for 2021/2022 run by Al Futtaim Education Foundation. Partnering with leading universities in the UAE, the Foundation intends to offer graduating DIS students with scholarship support including opportunities for students to develop their employability skills through internships within the Al-Futtaim Group. More details will follow shortly.
Global Indian International School Dubai
GIIS offers a range of scholarship options from academic to performing arts and technology. In most cases, a tuition fee discount is included in the benefit.
The Global Future Ready Merit Scholarship offers an opportunity for an important learning experience that prepares the student to become a global citizen and have easier access to the reputable universities and prominent undergraduate programs of their choice. The scholarship is awarded to CBSE students in Dubai in grades 7-10 who must achieve an average score of 91% and covers two years.
The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Global Skills Scholarship recognises young talents in the field of Technology and Digital space and is available to students in Dubai in Grades 5-10 for a one year period.
The 9GEMS Holistic Development Scholarship offers the 9GEMS™ framework as an holistic teaching methodology that, according to GIIS, helps students meet the changing needs of the time. The model is designed to groom students, hone their inherent strengths and enhance their personalities to make them well-rounded citizens. The scholarship is open to students from Grades 1 to 10 for students in Dubai.
The Zayed Gandhi Merit Cum Means Scholarship aims to extend support through financial assistance, and make education affordable for parents. The scholarship is aimed at students who are residents of Dubai, including existing parents and student fraternity of GIIS Dubai, across all grades from Nursery to Grade 10. The scholarship is open to families with a gross income below 10000 AED to 15000 AED and is available for two years.
Further details for Dubai scholarships can be found here
Hartland International School provides Hartland Scholars, depending on their circumstances and gifts, with scholarships offering up to 100% fee remission.
Scholarships are offered to students that are outstanding in one or more areas including Academic excellence in one or multiple subjects, Physical Excellence in Sport, Creative excellence in the Arts), Excellence in matters pertaining to Community, Civic Duty, Global Citizenship or Cultural Sensitivity.
A total of 10 scholarship places are available across year groups and each award will be guaranteed for three consecutive years before being reviewed.
Scholarships are offered to Primary children between Years 3 and 6 and Secondary students children between Years 7 and 11.
Further details can be found here.
Innoventures
One of the larger school groups in Dubai, Innoventures offers the ACES (Academic and Co-Curricular Excellence Scholarships) programme promising access to world class academic learning and sports training.
ACES offer three categories of scholarships in sport, academic and co-curricular, and Emirati distinction to high achievers with exemplary school records. Scholarships are open to new and existing students eligible for Years 5 to 13 (Grades 4 - 12) and are awarded as a percentage of annual school fees for students at Collegiate American School and Raffles International School only.
For further information for Collegiate American School go here
For further information for Raffles International School, go here
The 2021-23 Senior School Scholarships Programme offers students up to 50% fee reduction on the KHDA-approved fees for a period of two years in the categories of Academic Achievement, Music and Performing Arts, Sporting Excellence, and Arabic Language Studies (open to both native and non-native speakers). Not only do the scholarships offer a reduction in fees, but students benefit from additional support through being placed on the highest level of the College's Personal Performance Pathways Programme.
Additionally, the student awarded an academic scholarship receive 1:1 tutorship with a member of the Senior Leadership Team, whilst the Athletic scholar is guaranteed elite sports development and sports leadership responsibilities. Sports scholars join the Excellence Pathway where individual and team based skill mastery sessions are combined with sports nutrition, psychological preparation and strength and conditioning. Sports specialists guide and mentor young sportsmen and women to reach their full potential.
For the Performing Arts scholar, the College offers 1:1 mentorship and guidance with one of the Performing Arts Team, masterclasses and summer schools as well as the chance of a scholarship with Urdang International – a top international Performing Arts conservatoire based in the UK.
Finally, for the Arabic scholar, a guarantee of developing the language by having 1:1 mentorship with one of the Arabic Language Team, including seeking opportunities to further improve language communication level e.g. Language Summer School in schools and universities.
Further information can be found here.
Kings’ Schools (Kings’ School Al Barsha, Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba)
Kings’ Education offers a limited number of scholarships each year to secondary and Sixth Form pupils based on merit in academia, Sport or the Expressive Arts. The scholarships, which are open to current and external candidates, are worth up to 35 per cent of the annual school fees.
Further information can be found here.
Nord Anglia International School Dubai
The NAS Dubai International Baccalaureate Scholarship is specifically for students entering the Sixth Form (Year 12) in the next academic year or for current Sixth Form students. The programme is designed for students who encompass creativity, innovation, social responsibility, academic excellence and leadership. The scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis.
Information will be communicated to students and parents regarding the scholarship interview process and when applications are being received. For further information, go here.
Scholarships at Repton Al Barsha are awarded for academic excellence, sport, creative arts and innovation. These are available in Years 5-8 as well as Year 12 (based on outstanding IGCSE results) and are valid throughout a student's time at Repton Al Barsha, subject to high standards of behaviour, performance and engagement.
Further information can be found here.
The Repton School Dubai Scholarship Programme is open to for pupils from Years 5 to 8, and for International Baccalaureate students in Year 12. Scholarships for academic excellence, and for excellence in Sports and the Arts, are subject to high standards of behaviour, and students demonstrating and being committed to performance and engagement in academic, musical and sporting activities across the life of the school.
For further information, go here.
Recently relocated Safa British School, which opened its Secondary school in September 2020, is offering students in years 7 to 9, scholarship awards (up to 50% of fees) which cover a wide range of areas, including: Academic Excellence, Creative Excellence, Sports, Arabic Language, Global Citizenship.
For further information, go here. For an Application form, please go here.
Safa Community School is offering a lifetime 50% scholarship on entire annual fees for Sixth Form students who demonstrate academic excellence. Applications are welcomed from students with predicted grades of 8 and above, especially, but not exclusively for Maths, English and Sciences for Year 12 for the 2021 academic year.
For further information please contact Mr. Michael Davies, Head of Secondary via email
Sabari Indian School will grant four full scholarships for underprivileged children in KG1 to Grade 2. The objective of the Scholarship programme is to provide access to a good quality education to students whose families are facing extreme financial hardship.
Scholarships awarded will not be limited to one academic year. Awarded scholarships will be reviewed annually on the criteria of the student’s performance, and any change to the family’s financial status.
For further information, please go here.
Swiss International School Dubai
Open to current SISD students and new SISD applicants, Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai seeks to encourage all-around educational excellence by providing merit scholarships to highly deserving day and boarding school students.
Further information may be found here or contact the school via email at [email protected].
The Arbor School’s Ignite Scholars programme is an avenue to pursue and embed a culture whereby students demonstrating academic excellence may be recruited, rewarded, and retained through a scholarship programme. The value of a scholarship is up to 75% of annual fees. Scholarships are for fixed periods of time (usually 2 years in duration) and will be awarded to students demonstrating the potential to achieve to the highest levels.
Selected candidates will demonstrate outstanding prior achievement or academic capacity in one or more subject area. Additional demonstrable levels of excellence may be taken into consideration, including excellence in sports, arts or culture; however academic achievement is the deciding factor when considering applicants for the Arbor Scholarship programme.
Further information may be found here.
Universal American School is now accepting applications for scholarships from Grade 4/Year 5 to Grade 12 for the 2021/2022 academic year. Emirati scholarships are worth up to 100% of annual tuition fees and academic and talent scholarships are worth up to 50% of annual tuition fees. Applications can be made through the school website or the Al Futtaim Education Foundation website.
The school is also working on launching a post-secondary scholarship programme for 2021/2022 run by Al Futtaim Education Foundation. Partnering with leading universities in the UAE the Foundation intends to offer graduating UAS students with scholarship support including opportunities for students to develop their employability skills through internships within the Al-Futtaim Group. More details will follow shortly.
