Students in the UAE have access to nearly Dh1 billion in higher education scholarships, as universities change the traditional admissions process by proactively reaching out to potential candidates. The GEMS For Life programme, in partnership with global universities and admission platforms, is at the forefront of this initiative, providing significant scholarship opportunities to students across its 47 schools in the UAE and Qatar.

To date, the GEMS For Life programme has facilitated the allocation of Dh777 million in scholarships for students seeking higher education worldwide. Notably, between August and December 2024, students received 1,770 scholarship offers valued at Dh426 million ($116 million) from institutions in the United States alone.

A significant aspect of this initiative is the collaboration with Match by Concourse, which has transformed the admissions process by allowing universities to apply to students instead of the conventional method where students seek admission. This innovative approach simplifies the process and expands the opportunities available for students to secure funding and gain admission to top-tier institutions worldwide.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, Chris Goodbourn, director of GEMS For Life, explained the vision behind the initiative, which aims to provide lifelong value to students. He emphasized that the programme focuses on three key areas: careers and employability, higher education opportunities through partnerships with universities, and ongoing support for alumni in their professional journeys.

The programme includes collaborations with various universities, such as Leeds University and the University of Birmingham in the UK, as well as several notable institutions in the UAE. Offers from these universities may include scholarships or bursaries specifically for GEMS graduates, with a total of Dh350 million pledged over the coming years.

Goodbourn highlighted that more than 100 active GEMS For Life university partners worldwide have committed to providing scholarship opportunities. In the academic year 2023-24, one in five GEMS graduates benefited from scholarships, with 3% enrolling in a global top 100 university. Notably, 52% of these students chose to pursue their education in the UK, attending prestigious Russell Group universities.

The “reverse admissions” process allows students to create a single profile outlining their academic achievements and interests. Universities then review these profiles and extend offers based on their assessments, eliminating the need for students to submit multiple applications. This year, GEMS graduates have received offers worth Dh426 million from institutions around the world, including the US, Switzerland, and Canada.

Students have shared their positive experiences with the programme. For instance, Natali Alkhatib, a Year 13 student at GEMS Founders School Dubai, received 12 university offers through Match, with scholarships ranging from approximately Dh3,670 to Dh91,750 per year. She described how receiving these scholarships alleviated her financial concerns and boosted her confidence in pursuing higher education.

Similarly, former GEMS Wesgreen International School student Ahmad El Jechi, now at the American University of Sharjah, received a 45% scholarship through this programme. He expressed how the scholarship alleviated the financial burden on his family and provided him with validation and support during his academic journey.

The GEMS For Life initiative represents a significant shift in the higher education landscape, enabling students to access valuable scholarships while simplifying the admissions process.