Doha: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation’s Qatar Scholarship Programme has enabled more than 100 long-term expatriate students in Qatar to complete their higher education over the years.
Through the partnership between EAA Foundation’s Al Fakhoora programme, the General Directorate of Endowments (AWQAF) and leading universities, the Qatar Scholarship Programme (formerly Dynamic Futures Qatar) was established and has played a life-changing role for students in need.
“The Programme is a unique higher education and empowerment initiative targeting young expatriates who have difficulties continuing their higher education. It provides youth who have spent most of their formative years in Qatar with the opportunity to access quality higher education,” Talal Al Hothal, Programme Director at EAA, told The Peninsula.
The Programme has supported 125 students to become successful, productive and committed members of society.
The Qatar Scholarship Programme currently includes the following partner universities: Qatar University, Qatar Foundation Universities, the University of Doha for Science and Technology, the University of Calgary in Qatar, and Al Rayan University. The Qatar Scholarship Programme follows a rigorous selection process, with a limited number of scholarships available.
Mohammad Hassan Jan, a Pakistan expatriate who has lived all his life in Qatar, was granted the scholarship to continue his nursing education at the University of Calgary in Qatar. He describes his experience with the programme as ‘seamless.’
“When I was in my second year at the university, I could not pay my tuition fee due to my father’s sudden demise, which led to financial difficulties. The situation almost forced me to discontinue my education,” he said.
“I applied for the Qatar Scholarship Programme after learning about it from the university. The scholarship came as a game-changer in my life. Their support was tremendous. It helped me continue my education, find a job, support my family, and educate my siblings,” said Mohammad, who is working for Hamad Medical Corporation temporarily.
Another recipient of the scholarship, Yusra Idris, shared a similar experience and said EAA has positively impacted her life.
“I applied for the scholarship during the pandemic. The process was straightforward and fast. I was granted the scholarship in the second semester. It has given me hope for the future,” said Yusra, an Indian expatriate living in Qatar for more than 20 years. She is in her second year at the University of Calgary in Qatar.
Yusra desires to serve in the medical sector of Qatar’s military as part of giving back to society.
Ragad Althalathini, a new recipient of the scholarship, is in her first year at the College of Law at Qatar University.
She said the scholarship has given her a new lease of life in her academics for the next four years.
“This is my first semester under the scholarship. It will help me continue my studies without any burden,” the Qatar-born Palestinian said.
