The United Arab Emirates continues to promote gender equality in education by supporting girls through dedicated scholarship programmes across schools, colleges, and universities. These initiatives aim to empower female students, improve educational access, and encourage participation in STEM, leadership, innovation, and professional fields. In both public and private sectors, institutions across the UAE offer scholarships exclusively for girls or prioritise female applicants to encourage academic growth and long-term career development.
This article offers a comprehensive guide on the types of girls’ scholarships available in the UAE, eligibility criteria, funding coverage, application timeline, and key steps to apply.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Offered By | UAE government bodies, universities, schools, foundations, private organisations |
| Eligible Applicants | Girls studying in UAE schools or applying for higher education |
| Levels Covered | School (KG–Grade 12), Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Vocational Training |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based, need-based, STEM scholarships, talent-based, leadership awards |
| Application Mode | Online and institutional submissions |
| Coverage | Partial or full tuition funding, stipends (for select programmes) |
Purpose of the Scholarships
Girls Scholarship UAE programmes aim to:
- Promote equal access to quality education for girls.
- Encourage female participation in emerging sectors like AI, robotics, medical sciences, and engineering.
- Support financially challenged families to continue educating their daughters.
- Foster leadership opportunities for girls across academic and professional fields.
- Strengthen national goals aligned with gender balance and women empowerment strategies.
Types of Girls Scholarships in UAE
1. Academic Merit Scholarships for Girls
Awarded to high-performing female students who score top marks in internal or board examinations.
2. Financial Need Scholarships
Designed for families needing financial assistance to support their daughters’ schooling or higher education.
3. STEM Scholarships for Girls
Focused on encouraging female participation in:
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Robotics
- Artificial intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Environmental sciences
These are offered by government universities, tech institutions, and innovation foundations.
4. Leadership and Women Empowerment Scholarships
For girls demonstrating leadership qualities, community engagement, or exceptional extracurricular involvement.
5. Sports and Talent Scholarships
Awarded to girls excelling in:
- Sports such as athletics, badminton, cricket, football
- Dance, music, drama
- Art, design, and creative innovation
6. University-Specific Girls Scholarships
Several UAE universities prioritise or fully fund female scholars, especially in technical fields.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
- Minimum of 80% to 95% depending on scholarship type.
- High performance in STEM subjects (for STEM-specific awards).
Financial Requirements
- Salary certificate of parents
- Bank statements
- Evidence of financial hardship (for need-based scholarships)
Documentation Requirements
- Passport and Emirates ID copies
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendation letters (for higher education)
- Achievement certificates (sports, arts, innovation)
- Personal statement or essay (select programmes)
Additional Requirements
- Strong attendance and discipline record
- Participation in school or community activities
- Some scholarships require interviews
Estimated Scholarship Amounts
| Scholarship Type | Coverage | Typical Support |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based | Partial to full fees | 25% to 100% |
| STEM Scholarships | Full funding for selected students | Tuition + stipend (select cases) |
| Talent & Sports | Tuition discount | 10% to 50% |
| Need-Based | Fee relief | AED 1,500 to AED 12,000 |
| University Girls Scholarships | Complete funding | Full tuition + housing allowance (select universities) |
Major Institutions Offering Scholarships for Girls
- Khalifa University
- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
- United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
- Zayed University
- Masdar Institute
- GEMS Education Schools
- Indian High School Dubai
- Dubai Women’s College
- Sharjah Women’s College
- Philanthropic foundations such as Dubai Cares, Beit Al Khair, Dar Al Ber
Each institution publishes annual guidelines for scholarship eligibility.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Announcements | January to April |
| Application Window | February to June |
| Document Verification | Within 2–4 weeks |
| Interviews or Assessments | March to July |
| Final Scholarship Decision | April to August |
| Enrollment or Fee Adjustment | Beginning of next term |
How the Application Process Works
Step 1: Identify the Relevant Scholarship
Review school circulars, university websites, and foundation announcements.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Submit the online or offline application depending on the institution.
Step 3: Upload Documentation
Include academic records, ID documents, financial proof (if required), and achievement certificates.
Step 4: Attend Assessments or Interviews
Some scholarships require:
- Academic interviews
- STEM skill tests
- Talent or sports trials
Step 5: Receive Scholarship Outcome
Institutions notify via email or student portals.
Step 6: Confirm Acceptance
Complete fee adjustments, enrollment procedures, or scholarship agreements.
Why It Matters
Girls Scholarship UAE programmes are essential because they:
- Promote female academic excellence and professional growth.
- Reduce financial stress on families.
- Strengthen gender balance in high-demand technical fields.
- Empower future women leaders in science, technology, business, and public service.
- Ensure every girl has access to quality education regardless of financial background.
Final Takeaway
Girls Scholarship UAE programmes offer significant financial and academic support to female students across schools and universities. Whether merit-based, need-based, or focused on STEM and leadership, these scholarships help girls unlock world-class educational opportunities. Families should monitor announcements, prepare strong applications, and apply early to maximise their chances of selection.
FAQs
1. Are girls’ scholarships available for expatriate students in UAE?
Yes, many private schools and universities offer scholarships to expatriate girls, not just UAE nationals.
2. Do STEM scholarships for girls provide full funding?
Yes, several government universities offer full funding for outstanding female applicants in STEM.
3. Can school-level students apply for girls’ scholarships?
Yes, multiple CBSE, ICSE, British, and American schools offer annual scholarships for girl students.
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