140 UAE students set for fully-funded higher studies in US, Canada

As many as 140 Emirati students have been selected for the first batch of a AED 1.9 billion scholarship programme which funds their higher education studies in the US and Canada.

The 'RizeUp' (Khotwa) initiative, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) creates opportunities for high school graduates to study for two years at community colleges abroad, before transferring their credit to any international or local university to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Originally designed for an initial intake of 100 successful applicants, ADEK increased the inaugural programme capacity following the candidates’ results in the selection process and their performance during the bootcamp that included behavioural interviews and self-assessments, group case studies, situational simulation, and soft skills training.

More than 1,600 students registered for the programme with 140 scholars selected after scoring the highest points in the assessment criteria.

.@ADEK_tweet has selected the first cohort of Khotwa (RizeUp) scholarship programme for international study. The first 140 UAE National students will join community colleges in the US and Canada in January 2023. pic.twitter.com/5yigXfX8LR

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) December 23, 2022

Ahead of the beginning of the winter term in January, the first intake of successful applicants attended a pre-departure gathering, where the group of 94 male and 46 female scholars were briefed by ADEK’s RizeUp advisors as well as representatives of the American and Canadian embassies who briefed the scholars about what to expect in their respective countries of study.

The successful candidates will now study for two years at community colleges in North America and Europe, with 114 scholars set to travel to the US and 26 to Canada, before transferring their credit to an international or local university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

While overseas, the students will live with local families rigorously selected by ADEK.

The homestay programme will provide students with safe and welcoming atmosphere during their studies. This will also help them improve their English language skills while fostering their cultural understanding and tolerance.

In addition to covering tuition fees and living costs throughout their homestay programme at community college, as well as during their bachelor’s degree, RizeUp students will also receive living allowances.

The programme aims to enroll a total of 6,000 beneficiaries by 2028.

It's mainly aimed at students who haven't previously received scholarships to study abroad.