Dubai Launches Dh1.1 Billion Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme for 2026-27 Academic Year
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced the opening of applications for the third cohort of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme, offering 100 fully funded scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. The programme, with a total budget of Dh1.1 billion, aims to support outstanding Emirati graduates in pursuing bachelor’s degrees at leading global universities.
Eligibility and Application Process
Applications are open to eligible students through the ‘Emirati’ section on the Dubai Now app, with a deadline of June 30, 2026. Gulf News reports that to be eligible, students must be UAE citizens who have completed their high school education during the 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26 academic years. Applicants must have a Dubai family register and not hold any other scholarships. Proof of enrollment in a suitable university and program, with full-time study abroad, is also required.
Programme Objectives and Focus Areas
Launched in 2024 under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme is designed to develop a new generation of Emirati leaders capable of driving Dubai’s economic growth. The KHDA states that the programme focuses on future-focused fields that add strategic value to key sectors, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, business, medicine, and law.
Programme Impact and Success
The initiative is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and Dubai Social Agenda 33. Early results demonstrate the programme’s success, with approximately 70% of current scholarship recipients enrolled in universities ranked among the top 100 globally. The Times of India highlights this strong outcome as a testament to the programme’s effectiveness in attracting and supporting talented Emirati students.
Financial Details and Scholarship Coverage
The Dh1.1 billion budget provides for 100 fully funded scholarships annually. This comprehensive funding enables students to pursue undergraduate degrees at leading universities worldwide, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. gccnews24.com emphasizes that the programme is designed to fund academically exceptional students from both public and private schools.
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