E-system for scholarships

The online scholarship management system of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) went live on Tuesday, making it easier for prospective Emirati students to apply at any of the 17 scholarship programmes offered by the council.

Students can submit their applications online and track their status easily with the system while processing time will be reduced by 40 per cent in addition to creating a paperless environment.

The Adec’s scholarship programme was aimed at guiding students towards career paths that would meet the labour market needs in future. Two weeks ago, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council had approved a budget increase of Dh197 million to be spent over the next four years on scholarship programmes for university students to take up majors in much-needed sectors.

Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili. — Supplied photo

“This is in addition to the scholarship budget of Dh146 million per year,” Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director-General of the Adec, told reporters on Tuesday. “There are currently around 1,834 scholars benefitting from the programme and 500 new applications have been received through the new system so far,” added Mona Majed Al Mansouri, manager of Guidance and Scholarships at the Adec.

The Adec scholarship aims to attract students interested in pursuing degrees in electronic, electrical, chemical and mechanical engineering, economics, accounting, finance and medicine. Although some courses are available at universities here, students taking up degrees in tourism, medicine, engineering, science and technology and aviation, will be sent abroad, said Dr Al Khaili. The scholarship programme is open for all UAE nationals who have scored a minimum of 85 per cent in Grade 12 or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for university students.

Graduates of the Adec scholarship will be assured of a position at any of the government offices when they return.

“Ninety per cent of our graduates have been employed after their studies,” Al Mansouri pointed out.

In keeping with the executive council’s approval, a centralised and standardised system to manage scholarships will be created. The Adec will be responsible for managing all the academic programmes, study leaves and general requirements for all Abu Dhabi Government employees. The Adec will also be responsible for monitoring the scholars’ obligations after completion of study and obtaining their degree. A planning committee will be elected to identify policies and details of the scholarship. As part of the plan, the Adec will have career counsellors “to guide students on their career paths, communicate with parents and highlight the jobs needed by the market,” said Dr Al Khaili.

olivia@khaleejtimes.com