The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a new initiative to offer scholarships to outstanding Emirati students in more than 100 academic disciplines. This program covers elite and creative specialisations, with current beneficiaries including 1,222 students enrolled in 150 universities worldwide.

Applications for the Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme (Batch 2025) are now open and will remain available until April 30, 2025. The assessment process will continue into May, while the selection and orientation of candidates will occur in June and July. The program offers undergraduate scholarships in essential fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Renewable Energy, Clean Technology, Healthcare, Biotechnology, Financial Technology, Digital Banking, Sustainable Agriculture, and Food Technology.

For those seeking postgraduate opportunities, the scholarships include specialised fields like Marriage and Family Therapy, Child and Family Development Studies, Child and Family Psychology, Counseling, Medical Sciences, Mental Health Counseling, and Behavioural Medicine.

The Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme aims to provide a supportive and tailored academic journey for students. This includes direct access to dedicated advisors for academic and professional guidance, specialised workshops, and one-on-one sessions designed to prepare students for significant milestones in their studies. The program also offers performance-based financial incentives and stipends, as well as internship and employment opportunities with over 180 partnering organisations.

Additionally, comprehensive career support services are available to assist graduates in securing employment after they complete their studies. The program has expanded its global reach, now featuring universities from China, Italy, Russia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. ADEK has established a network of over 200 industry partners, reinforcing its commitment to equipping students with the skills necessary to meet the demands of leading global organisations.

To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must be UAE nationals aged between 17 and 24 years, achieve a minimum grade of 85% in Grade 11 and 90% in the first semester of Grade 12, secure unconditional admission to one of the top 150 universities globally by May 2025, and attain a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS Academic or 60 in TOEFL iBT.

ADEK has also introduced an Enrichment Programme for Outstanding Students, aimed at enhancing eligibility for the Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme. This initiative is open to students in Grades 10 to 12 (Years 11 to 13) with a minimum academic average of 85%. It provides access to academic and extracurricular activities, competitions, community service programs, mentorship sessions with experienced advisors, standardised test preparation, and guidance for university admissions, along with tailored preparation for the scholarship applications.