The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), in collaboration with the Knowledge Fund Establishment and Dubai private schools, has announced that registration is now open for the second cycle of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme for the 2025-2026 academic year. The initiative provides 415 scholarship seats at 28 private schools for high-achieving Emirati students, offering a 50% tuition fee scholarship for those in Grade 1 to Grade 10 at schools rated Good or better.
The initiative, launched in 2024 to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors in providing high-quality educational opportunities for outstanding Emirati students in Dubai, aligns with the Education 33 strategy and reinforces the city’s commitment to academic excellence and investing in the future of its youth.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the programme now offers families greater choice in curriculum, location, and tuition fees.Participating schools that have signed agreements to support the scholarship programme in its second year include six rated Outstanding, 14 rated Very Good, and eight rated Good. These schools provide diverse curricula, including UK, US, IB, and UK/IB and US/IB combinations, ensuring that Emirati students have access to education choices that align with their aspirations and future goals.
Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, said: “The Dubai Distinguished Students Programme reaffirms Dubai’s commitment to investing in its future by empowering high-achieving Emirati students with quality education, in line with the goals of our Education 33 strategy. By expanding the number of participating schools and ensuring more choices for families, we are strengthening our mission of equipping Emirati youth with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to drive the nation’s progress.
“This initiative also reflects the vital collaboration between the public and private sectors in supporting Dubai’s vision under the Dubai Social Agenda 33. For parents, this is an exceptional opportunity to enrol their children in some of the best private schools in Dubai, ensuring they receive the best education possible to contribute successfully to the emirate’s future goals.”
His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, said: “At the Knowledge Fund Establishment, we are committed to adopting and supporting pioneering educational initiatives such as the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme, which reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for educational excellence. The expansion of the programme reflects our steadfast commitment to strengthening public-private sector partnerships and ensuring that outstanding educational opportunities are available to empower the next generation of Emirati leaders.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to our esteemed partners in the education sector who continue to support this programme, and we encourage more private schools to join this ambitious national initiative. We firmly believe that collaboration is the key to equipping future generations with the skills necessary to achieve their aspirations, contribute to sustainable development, and enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness.”
The scholarship programme supports the Education 33 strategy’s goal of nurturing Dubai’s future leaders by empowering Emiratis with high-quality education. Participating schools also benefit from a more enriched learning community by welcoming Emirati students, while also playing a crucial role in improving educational outcomes.
Applications for the 2025-26 academic year will be open from 24 February to 10March2025. The scholarship is available to Emirati students with a family book issued by the emirate of Dubai. The programme covers 50% of tuition fees for students from Grade 1 or Year 2 until Grade 10 or Year 11 who are either newly or currently enrolled in public or private schools in the UAE. Students currently enrolled in the participating schools are not eligible for the scholarship.
Eligible students must have an average grade of 90% or above in the US or Ministry of Education curriculum, a score of at least 5 in the IB curriculum, or a B-grade average for the British curriculum. Applicants must also successfully pass assessments and interviews conducted by the schools’ evaluation committees.
Emirati families can submit their children’s scholarship applications through the KHDA website. More details about the programme, eligibility criteria, and the application process are also available on the KHDA website.
His Excellency Sultan Bin Sulayem, Owner, Dubai Heights Academy, said:“Dubai Heights Academy is proud to be chosen to participate in the prestigious Dubai Distinguished Students Programme. Our school is firmly rooted in Emirati heritage and values, and we are honoured to support the Dubai Social Agenda 33 to help position Dubai among the top 10 cities globally for quality education. It is an honour to be part of this visionary initiative, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming more distinguished Emirati students to our school in the years ahead.”
Alan Williamson, CEO, Taaleem, said: “The American Academy for Girls (AAG), Jumeira Baccalaureate School, and Uptown International School are excited to be part of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme, an initiative that aligns with Dubai’s vision for innovation, growth, and educational excellence. As part of this programme, these schools are offering scholarships to exceptional Emirati students, helping to shape the next generation of leaders and innovators.”
Dino Varkey, Group CEO, GEMS Education, said:“GEMS Education is proud to continue our partnership with KHDA in delivering the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme. Through this initiative, we remain committed to offering 100 new scholarship opportunities, covering 50% of tuition fees at our prestigious schools. By empowering Emirati learners with outstanding resources, expert teaching, and unparalleled opportunities, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing the future leaders of the UAE.”
PoonamBhojani, CEO, Innoventures Education, said:“We are proud to bepart of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme. At Innoventures Education, we remain committed to fostering academic excellence and leadership, shaping a brighter future for our community and beyond. Together, we are empowering young minds to become drivers of innovation and positive change. We remain dedicated to building a strong and inclusive foundation for the leaders of tomorrow.”
Ibrahim Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dar Al Marefa, said:“Dar Al Marefa School is honoured to participate in the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme for the second consecutive year. Our continued participation in this programme aligns with our mission to empower young minds through inquiry-based learning while upholding Emirati and Islamic values. Together, we will continue to contribute to the development of future Emirati leaders, in line with the vision of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.”
Dr. Farah Sarraj, Chief Corporate Officer, Al Futtaim Education Foundation, said:“This partnership is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Emirati leaders. By aligning with the UAE’s vision for education and Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, we are investing in ensuring that Emirati students have access to schools that can meaningfully, and positively, impact their future prospects and onwards educational journeys.”
Navin Valrani, CEO, Arcadia Education, said:”We are delighted to have been selected as a contributing partner to the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme and will be accepting our first students in the secondary school in 2025-26. The initiative is an integral part of educational growth and opportunity in Dubai whereby students who exemplify strong leadership potential and academic ability have the chance to further enhance their abilities in high-quality schools such as Arcadia British School. The school relishes the chance to contribute to Dubai’s vision of creating a world-class educational ecosystem.”
Ajay Rajendran, Chairman and CEO, North London Collegiate School Dubai, said:“We are delighted to have been asked to take part in the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme. Despite being a relatively young school here in the UAE, taking part in this programme seems a natural progression for NLCS Dubai, and we look forward to seeing the selected students achieve great things in the future.”
Sir Christopher Stone, Chief Academic Officer, Emirates International School, said: “We are proud to be part of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme. As Dubai’s longest-standing IB school, we are committed to providing Emirati students with access to a world-class IB education, empowering them to become future global leaders.
