Dubai - MENA Herald: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) and the University of Oxford, UK, established a graduate scholarship programme at the prestigious British university – one that is expected to “last for centuries”.
The partnership follows directives by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of MBRF – a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum global initiatives.
The Oxford-Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Graduate Scholarships target students from Arab League nations looking to pursue graduate studies at Oxford – namely, full-time Master’s and DPhil courses (except the Master of Business Administration - MBA) – and who intend to return to one of the eligible countries after completing their studies.
One full scholarship is available for nationals of – or people who are ordinarily resident in – one of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Applications are particularly encouraged from nationals of the UAE, where MBRF is headquartered. Preference will be given to UAE applicants, as well as to those seeking to pursue courses relevant to the study of Arab heritage.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, said: “This scholarship presents valuable opportunities to young Arabs, encouraging them to make the most of their intellectual abilities in one of the world’s most prestigious universities. As they embark on their future careers, these scholars will become global leaders who actively create and share knowledge to the benefit of all of humanity. Studying at such a prominent institution as Oxford University will provide a notable leverage for the scholars in their academic and professional careers.”
The scholarship covers course fees, college fees, and a grant for living costs for full-time students. The application deadline has been set for January 6 or 20, 2017, depending on the course, while selection is expected to take place in April 2017. The first scholars will commence their studies at the beginning of academic year 2017-2018.
Moreover, Professor Nick Rawlins, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Development and External Affairs) at Oxford University, said: “We are delighted that the Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum Foundation has created such a wonderful opportunity for students from all Arab League nations to undertake graduate studies at Oxford. This landmark grant creates a partnership that will offer students access to a world-class education, and underlines Oxford’s status as a truly global university.”
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s second oldest surviving university. Oxford has been ranked the best university in the world according to the Times Higher Education (THE) world university rankings. . The university comprises 38 faculties that work synergistically, allowing for teamwork and an exchange of ideas. Each faculty employs around 40 experts and scientists. Oxford University is renowned for its numerous facilities that serve to support the academic development of its 22,000 students.
MBRF was established by an initiative from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which he announced as he addressed the World Economic Forum in Jordan in 2007. The Foundation aims to provide support for knowledge and development in the Arab region and beyond. MBRF actively promotes education at all levels to enable individuals to make the best use of their abilities to benefit themselves and others, catalysing the production and dissemination of knowledge.
