DMU Dubai GCC Impact Scholarship cohort. Image Courtesy: DMU Dubai
Part of a wider package of student welfare measures
Press Release
De Montfort University Dubai has awarded five UAE resident high school students GCC Impact Scholarships, launched earlier this year to support students whose education and circumstances were affected by the regional situation.
The scholarships, part of a wider package of student welfare measures, were made following a competitive selection process that assessed academic achievement alongside leadership, community engagement and personal resilience, ensuring that talent is never limited by circumstance.
Leading this year’s cohort is Zach Pilapil, who has been awarded a 100% GCC Impact Scholarship. A High Honors graduate of Philippine School Dubai and multiple Academic Excellence Award recipient, Zach has excelled in engineering and STEM innovation while overcoming significant financial challenges. Raised by a single mother whose employment was affected by regional instability, he has also served as a School Ambassador and student leader, demonstrating exceptional perseverance and leadership.
The University also awarded 75% GCC Impact Scholarships to sisters Aseel Sliman and Hadeel Sliman, whose journeys reflect the transformative power of education.
Having rebuilt her education following displacement and personal hardship, Aseel went on to achieve 37 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and earned a partial scholarship to continue her studies in Dubai. She will study Law at DMU Dubai, driven by a commitment to human rights and advocacy for communities affected by conflict.
Her sister Hadeel, who remained committed to academic excellence through her own experience of displacement and interrupted education, will study Psychology, bringing lived experience to a field she intends to dedicate her career to, with a focus on trauma, resilience and mental health support across the region.
Commenting on the scholarships, Professor Simon Bradbury, Pro Vice-Chancellor of DMU Dubai, said:
“The GCC Impact Scholarship celebrates students who have demonstrated not only outstanding academic ability but also exceptional resilience, leadership and determination. Their inspiring journeys remind us that education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and create lasting positive change.”
He added:
“By investing in these remarkable students, we are investing in the future of the UAE and the wider GCC. We are proud to support the next generation of engineers, lawyers, psychologists and leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society.”
The GCC Impact Scholarship forms part of DMU Dubai’s wider mission to make world-class British education accessible to outstanding students while nurturing graduates who are globally minded, socially responsible and equipped to shape the future of the region.
About De Montfort University Dubai
De Montfort University Dubai is the international branch campus of De Montfort University Leicester (UK), offering internationally recognized British degrees across Business, Law, Computing, Engineering, Architecture, Art and Design, Psychology and Health. Located in Dubai Internet City, the University combines academic excellence with industry engagement and global opportunities to prepare graduates for successful careers worldwide.
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