How can international students get scholarships in Abu Dhabi?

I'm an international student considering studying in Abu Dhabi, and I'm curious about the scholarship opportunities available. How do I find scholarships for international students in Abu Dhabi, and what are the usual eligibility requirements?

Certain universities in Abu Dhabi offer scholarships to international students, and the eligibility requirements vary. It's often based on academic merit, leadership potential, unique talents or skills, and sometimes financial need. Some universities provide merit-based scholarships that could range from partial to full coverage of tuition. Additionally, some might also offer Financial Aid packages that could help with living expenses.

For instance, New York University Abu Dhabi offers substantial financial support to international students and considers all admitted students, regardless of nationality, for their Merit scholarships. Similarly, Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University, and Zayed University are known to offer scholarships to international students.

Some specific types of scholarships you can find include:

- Merit scholarships: based on academic achievement and, in some cases, extra-curricular involvement and leadership qualities.

- Need-based scholarships: based on the student's financial situation. You might be required to provide documents to support your claim of financial need.

- Other scholarships: these might be tied to a specific course of study or awarded based on unique factors like nationality, personal achievements, etc.

To find scholarships, start by researching on the universities' official websites. Look at their scholarships/Financial Aid sections to see available opportunities and understand the application procedure. You can also ask the university's admissions office for further information about scholarship opportunities for international students.

For eligibility requirements, again, they differ from one university or scholarship to another. It could be based on your academic record (usually your GPA), your SAT/ACT scores (if applicable), your family's financial strength (for need-based scholarships), or other specific requirements related to the scholarship.

To increase your scholarship chances, you should:

1. Maintain a high GPA: Given that many scholarships are merit-based, having a strong academic record can go a long way.

2. Show evidence of leadership or other skills: For instance, if you have participated in or organized events at your school or in your community, include those in your application.

3. Apply early: Some universities have deadlines for scholarship applications, so do not wait till the last minute to apply.

Remember, applying for scholarships can be a laborious task, but with due diligence, you can find opportunities that help reduce your financial burden.