Come September and universities in the UAE will welcome a new batch of students. As the admission seasons sets in, universities have been announcing lucrative scholarships for school toppers.

This year has seen a number of universities increase their financial grants for students. From early-enrolment discounts to merit scholarships, education providers are making education affordable.

More than 50 per cent of the students enrolled at the American University of Sharjah benefit from grants as the university contributes a significant chunk of its budget to helping students.

Ali Shuhaimi, Vice-Chancellor for Enrollment Management at AUS, says: “We allocate a percentage of our budget for grants and partial scholarships. These discounts are given to students who can prove the need with evidence and is open to both students from within UAE and outside. Currently, more than 2,500 students are receiving financial support.”

This year, the university has allocated 20 per cent of its budget for educational aid to students. While reputed universities come at a price, the grants provide students with better access.

From business studies to engineering and medical programmes, undergraduate and graduate courses in the UAE are seeing an increasing number of students scout for grants.

Sandra Lee, Registrar at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), says: “Not only do students benefit financially, it drives them to perform well and participate in activities offered by the university.”

The university offers students a chance to benefit from academic and sporting scholarships ranging from 20 to 30 per cent of the course tuition fees. Several other universities have similar initiatives to help students cover education costs. “Deserving students should not lose the opportunity of getting quality education due to financial constraints,” says Dr Kirti Khanzode, Chairperson of Admissions at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) University in Dubai. She adds: “Scholarships are incentives for students to give their 100 per cent. At the same time, it is a way to honour their academic excellence.”

Industry-sponsored programmes and corporate endowments have helped universities create specialised chairs for education. However, private universities have seen very limited industry-academia partnerships.

Martin Prince, Registrar at The British University in Dubai (BUiD), highlighted the challenge as he said: “External scholarships provide a link between the student and the scholarship provider who can suggest pragmatic real-world assignment and dissertation work. More interest is needed from employers to provide such scholarships and support the greater good of higher learning.”

The university has this year allocated Dh2 million for scholarships as several post-graduate students benefit from the grants.

Manipal University in Dubai also offers scholarships in excess of Dh1 million every year. This year, the university announced a special category for school toppers from Indian schools. UAE toppers from the science, commerce and humanities stream will be given a full tuition fee waiver for the course of their choice at Manipal University, Dubai.

Students looking to secure a scholarship should apply early and find the best scholarship type from university admission officers. Better the grades, more the chances of securing a grant.