GESA Launches $5 Million Scholarship Program for Students at Accredited Institutions

Dubai, UAE – November 10, 2024 – The GCC education standard authority (GESA) today announced the launch of a comprehensive $5 million scholarship program designed to support talented students attending GESA-accredited institutions across the Middle East.

Program Overview

The GESA Scholarship Program represents the organization's commitment to not only ensuring institutional quality but also directly supporting student success. The program will award over 500 scholarships annually across four main categories.

Scholarship Categories

1. Excellence Scholarship

• Award Amount: Full tuition coverage
• Number of Awards: 50 per year
• Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievement (GPA 3.8+) and demonstrated leadership
• Benefits: Full tuition, academic mentorship, networking opportunities

2. STEM Innovation Scholarship

• Award Amount: Up to $15,000 per year
• Number of Awards: 100 per year
• Eligibility: Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics programs
• Benefits: Tuition support, research opportunities, industry connections

3. Community Service Scholarship

• Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
• Number of Awards: 75 per year
• Eligibility: Demonstrated community service and social impact
• Benefits: Tuition support, community project funding, leadership training

4. Arts & Humanities Grant

• Award Amount: Up to $8,000 per year
• Number of Awards: 50 per year
• Eligibility: Talented students in arts, literature, languages, and humanities
• Benefits: Tuition support, creative project funding, exhibition opportunities

"Education is the foundation of progress, and we believe that financial barriers should never prevent talented students from accessing quality education. This scholarship program is our way of investing in the future leaders of the Middle East."

– Dr. Sarah Al-Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer, GESA

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for GESA scholarships, students must:

• Be enrolled or accepted at a GESA-accredited institution
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent)
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be a citizen or resident of a Middle Eastern country
• Submit a complete application by the deadline

Application Process

The application process has been designed to be straightforward and accessible:

Step 1: Check Eligibility (January 1-15, 2025)

Review requirements and ensure your institution is GESA-accredited through our verification portal.

Step 2: Gather Documents (January 15-31, 2025)

Required documents include:

• Completed application form
• Academic transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement (500-1000 words)
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance letter
• Financial need documentation

Step 3: Submit Application (February 1-March 31, 2025)

Complete online applications will be accepted through our scholarship portal.

Step 4: Review Process (April-May 2025)

Applications reviewed by expert committee. Selected finalists may be invited for interviews.

Step 5: Notification (June 2025)

All applicants will be notified of decisions via email by June 30, 2025.

Selection Criteria

Scholarships will be awarded based on:

• Academic Merit (40%): GPA, test scores, academic achievements
• Leadership & Impact (30%): Extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles
• Financial Need (20%): Demonstrated financial circumstances
• Personal Statement (10%): Quality of essay, clarity of goals, passion for field

Scholarship Benefits Beyond Funding

GESA scholarship recipients gain access to a comprehensive support ecosystem:

Mentorship Program

Each Excellence Scholarship recipient is paired with an industry mentor who provides guidance, career advice, and networking opportunities.

Professional Development

• Exclusive workshops on leadership, communication, and professional skills
• Networking events with industry leaders and alumni
• Conference attendance opportunities
• Internship placement support

Scholar Community

• Join a network of high-achieving peers across the region
• Collaborative projects and research opportunities
• Annual scholars' summit
• Lifelong alumni network

Partner Institutions

The scholarship program is supported by 25 partner institutions offering additional funding and benefits. Students attending these institutions may be eligible for combined awards up to 100% tuition coverage.

Featured Partner Institutions

• Gulf International University (Dubai) – Additional 50% tuition match
• Arabian University of Science (Riyadh) – Research grants for STEM scholars
• Middle East Business School (Doha) – Executive MBA scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to multiple scholarship categories?

Yes, you may apply to multiple categories if you meet the eligibility criteria for each. However, you can only receive one GESA scholarship award.

Is the scholarship renewable?

Yes, scholarships are renewable annually for up to 4 years (bachelor's) or 2 years (master's), provided you maintain good academic standing and meet program requirements.

Can international students apply?

Priority is given to Middle Eastern nationals, but international students at accredited institutions may apply for certain programs. Check specific scholarship guidelines.

When will the application portal open?

The online application portal will open on February 1, 2025. We recommend preparing documents in advance.

Contact Information

For questions about the scholarship program:

GESA Scholarship Office
Email: scholarships@GESA.org
Phone: +971 4 XXX XXXY
Website: www.GESA.org/scholarships