Scholarship programmes "Vital" for recognising achievement in UAE education

While scholarship programmes had previously focused upon supporting students travelling abroad for higher education, the growth in the number of universities in the Middle East is driving the creation of new programmes to support students within the region.

The scholarship programme of the British University in Dubai (BUiD), based in the United Arab Emirates, has added significantly to the careers and education of a number of fortunate recipients.

In addition to general scholarships, for which all applicants holding offers to study at BUiD may apply, a range of dedicated scholarships for local universities and colleges has been extremely beneficial for students from the UAE University, Zayed University and the Higher College of Technology.

Ahmed Baisioni, a UAE national working in project management, was named as the successful UAE University scholarship student for 2005. Through receiving the scholarship, he is now studying a Masters Degree in Project Management on a part time basis, adding significantly to his knowledge and understanding of the discipline, and broadening his careers horizon.

"The scholarship programme provides important support for people looking to carry out more in-depth research following their graduation. Knowing that the scholarship was available made it easier for me to make the decision to pursue a part-time degree at the British University in Dubai," said Baisioni.

"It also works to recognise academic achievement, and provides a strong motivational tool for students looking to develop their careers," he added.

Suad Al Shamsi, a scholarship winner from Zayed University, received a scholarship in 2005 that enabled her to pursue a Masters Degree in Information Technology.

"I was very keen to continue my research after graduating from Zayed University, and without the scholarship I would have had to delay taking my masters. Since receiving the award, I have been involved in a range of research projects, including a study looking at the use of Computer Assisted Language Learning for Down syndrome sufferers," she said.

"The scholarship has played a major role in helping me continue my research career, and offered me the opportunity to join an amazing facility like BUiD," she added.

Al Shamsi is shortly to publish her first paper and is looking to Major in the field of Knowledge Management this year, before pursuing a PhD later in her academic career.

Executives at BUiD say that they're particularly pleased that scholarships have enabled so many women to pursue higher education.

In addition to Al Shamsi, Sheikha Shemaili from the Higher Colleges of Technology is another outstanding student whose career progression has been supported by the allocation of a scholarship. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Project Management at BUiD, while continuing her work at Ras Al Khaimah Municipality.

As well as further 75% scholarships for UAEU, ZU and HCT students, further scholarships worth 50% of tuition fees are available for well qualified applicants joining Masters programmes in September 2006. Students from 2005 who received support have welcomed the expansion of the programme, arguing that it plays an important role in supporting the expansion of research and development in the region.

"Our scholarship programmes are very much part of a developing success story within the United Arab Emirates, and we're hopeful that this success will continue over the coming academic year," said David Lock, Registrar and Acting Chief Executive, BUiD.

"We would encourage any interested party to come into the university to discuss their options," he concluded.

Scholarships are still available for the September 2006 semester.