Abu Dhabi: 140 UAE national scholars have been selected for their higher education studies at community colleges in the US and Canada under the inaugural Khotwa (RizeUp) scholarship program, launched by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
The selected students study for two years at community colleges in North America, with 114 scholars set to travel to the US and 26 to Canada, before transferring their credits to an international or local university to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
The 140 scholars were selected from among the 1,600 students who registered for the program after scoring the highest points in the assessment criteria.
Our students are about to embark on an exciting journey of discovery where they will learn beyond the classroom and gain invaluable insights into international mindsets and cultures.
Dr. Bashaer Almatrooshi, the acting executive director at ADEK, shared.
The executive director added that “Khotwa embodies ADEK’s commitment to offer unique learning opportunities that empower Emiratis to fulfil their potential and empower them to contribute to the development of the national economy.”
A fully-funded home-stay program will be made available to the candidates while pursuing their studies, to ensure them with a safe and welcoming atmosphere during their studies. The opportunity will also help students improve their English language skills while fostering their cultural understanding and tolerance.
The candidates attended a pre-departure gathering, ahead of the beginning of the winter term in January, where the group of 94 male and 46 female scholars were briefed by ADEK’s Khotwa advisors. Representatives of the American and Canadian embassies also interacted with the scholars on what to expect in their respective countries of study.
Khotwa students will also receive a living allowance each in addition to covering tuition fees at the community colleges and living costs throughout their homestay program, as well as during their bachelor’s degree.