Abdulla Al Ghurair STEM Scholars Program

Overview

The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education runs one of the Arab world's most comprehensive scholarship programmes for underserved STEM students. The programme supports high-achieving Arab youth from 17 Arab states who face financial barriers to university education. Scholars study at partner universities across the region, including Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT) in Jordan, on full scholarships that cover not only tuition but also housing, health insurance, travel, and living costs.

The programme is more than financial support. Al Ghurair scholars receive mentorship, access to internship opportunities, and leadership and soft-skills training designed to build professional readiness alongside academic credentials. The foundation's outcomes speak to the programme's reach: 648 scholars supported to date, 47% female, 10% from refugee backgrounds, 39% first-generation university students, and an 84% employment or advanced-education placement rate after graduation. In 2020 alone, the foundation facilitated 358 internships for its scholars.

Eligibility requires a minimum 85% high-school average or a 3.0 university GPA for students already enrolled, and you must be admitted to or enrolled at a partner university. For the Jordan track, this means PSUT. The foundation opens application cycles periodically — check the Al Ghurair Foundation website for the current cycle status, as applications are not continuously open.

Key Facts at a Glance

Category	Details
Funding Body	Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education
Host Country	Jordan (PSUT); other partner universities across the Arab world
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's
Value	Full tuition and mandatory fees, health insurance, on-campus housing, travel and airfare/visa costs for students studying away from family, living-expense support, mentorship, and internship access
Deadline	Annual programme cycles; applications open periodically — check the foundation website for current cycle status
Eligible Nationalities	Arab nationals from 17 Arab states; priority for underserved and financially constrained applicants
Official Website	Al Ghurair Foundation STEM Program

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a minimum 85% high-school average if you are applying as a school leaver, or a minimum 3.0 university GPA if you are already enrolled in a university programme. You must also be admitted to or currently enrolled at one of the Al Ghurair Foundation's partner universities. For Jordan, the partner is Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT).

Nationality Requirements

The programme is for Arab nationals from 17 Arab states. Students from refugee backgrounds are explicitly included as a priority group — 10% of scholars to date come from refugee communities. The programme focuses specifically on students who are underserved or face financial constraints that would otherwise limit their access to university education.

Language Requirements

Language requirements depend on the partner university and the programme you apply to. PSUT, for example, primarily teaches in English. Check the specific language requirements for your chosen university and programme when you apply.

Age and Other Requirements

The programme targets high-achieving but financially constrained Arab youth. First-generation university students are a priority demographic — 39% of scholars have been first in their families to attend university. Demonstrated financial need is central to eligibility, not just academic performance.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees and mandatory university fees
• Health insurance for the scholarship period
• On-campus housing
• Travel costs, airfare, and visa fees for students studying away from their family location
• Monthly living-expense support
• Access to a mentorship programme with professionals in your field
• Internship opportunities (the foundation facilitated 358 internships in 2020 alone)
• Leadership training and soft-skills development
• Professional networking opportunities

How to Apply

1. Check whether the application cycle is open. Visit the Al Ghurair Foundation website to confirm whether applications are currently being accepted. Cycles open periodically and are not continuously active.
2. Confirm your partner university admission. For Jordan, apply to and gain admission to PSUT. You need to be admitted to or enrolled at a partner university to apply for the scholarship.
3. Verify your academic eligibility. Confirm that your high-school average is at least 85%, or your university GPA is at least 3.0 if you are currently enrolled.
4. Prepare your financial need documentation. The programme prioritises underserved students with financial constraints. Gather evidence of your financial situation.
5. Complete the Al Ghurair online application. Fill in the foundation's application form when the cycle opens, including academic records, financial information, and personal essays.
6. Attend any interviews if called. The foundation may interview shortlisted applicants as part of the selection process.
7. Await the decision. Successful scholars are notified through the foundation and receive instructions for activating their award.

Required Documents

• High-school academic transcripts and certificate (showing at least 85% average)
• University transcripts (if currently enrolled, showing at least 3.0 GPA)
• Proof of admission or enrollment at a partner university
• Proof of Arab nationality and relevant national identification
• Financial need documentation (family income evidence or similar)
• Personal statement or essays as required by the application form
• Letters of recommendation from academic or community references
• Passport-size photographs and valid passport or national ID

Key Dates and Deadlines

The Al Ghurair STEM Scholars Program runs on periodic annual cycles. Applications are not open continuously. Check the foundation's website regularly for cycle opening dates and submission deadlines, as they vary by year. When a cycle opens, deadline dates are communicated through the foundation's website and social media channels.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Secure your admission to the partner university (PSUT for Jordan) before or alongside the scholarship application. The two processes may run in parallel but the scholarship requires a confirmed university place.
• Document your financial need clearly and honestly. The programme is specifically designed for students who are underserved, and a thorough, well-evidenced financial picture is central to the assessment.
• Write personal essays that reflect your specific situation — your background, the role your community has played in your education so far, and what you plan to do with your degree. The foundation values students with a clear sense of purpose.
• Highlight any first-generation or non-traditional education background. These are priority demographics, and your story matters as part of your application.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for the scholarship to apply to the university. You need a university place — start the admissions process at PSUT early and independently of the scholarship cycle.
• Missing the cycle opening. The foundation opens applications periodically, not continuously. Monitor the website so you don't miss the window.
• Presenting financial need vaguely. Supporting evidence — not just a statement that you need financial support — carries more weight in the review.
• Ignoring the programme's development and mentorship components. Al Ghurair scholars are expected to engage actively with mentorship and leadership training, not just receive tuition support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are eligible for the Abdulla Al Ghurair STEM Scholars Program?

The programme covers nationals from 17 Arab states. The foundation's website lists the current eligible countries — check before applying since the list may be updated.

Does the Al Ghurair STEM Program cover living costs as well as tuition?

Yes. The full package includes tuition, mandatory fees, health insurance, on-campus housing, travel and visa costs for students studying away from family, and monthly living-expense support.

What is the minimum academic score to apply for the Abdulla Al Ghurair STEM Scholars Program?

You need at least an 85% high-school average if applying as a school leaver, or at least a 3.0 GPA if you are currently enrolled in a university programme.

Which university in Jordan partners with the Al Ghurair Foundation for this programme?

Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT) is the Jordan partner university for this scholarship. You need to gain admission to PSUT to access the Al Ghurair scholarship in Jordan.

How many Al Ghurair STEM scholars have been supported to date?

The foundation has supported 648 scholars to date. 47% are female, 10% come from refugee backgrounds, and 39% are first-generation university students.

What is the employment rate for Al Ghurair STEM scholars after graduation?

84% of Al Ghurair scholars are employed or enrolled in advanced education after graduation.

Does the programme support students from refugee communities?

Yes. Refugees are an explicit priority group. 10% of scholars to date come from refugee backgrounds.

Are Master's students eligible for the Al Ghurair STEM Scholars Program?

Yes. The programme supports both Bachelor's and Master's students. Check the current cycle's eligibility criteria on the foundation's website for the degree levels covered in the active application round.

How do I know when the Al Ghurair STEM Scholars Program application cycle opens?

Check the foundation's website and follow their social media channels. Cycles open periodically and the announcement comes through these channels.