Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has allocated more than Dh11.4 million ($3.1 million) for financial aid, scholarships and family tuition discount during the 2010 – 2011 academic year, said the university's Chancellor.

More than 500 students benefited in academic year 2010-2011, added Dr Nabil Ibrahim.

The first scholarship available to students is the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Scholarship. The scholarship is granted to the top 10 secondary school graduates across the UAE. It is applicable for a maximum of four years per student, or upon graduation, whichever is sooner, and includes the English requirement levels.

The Chairman’s Scholarship, the second category of scholarship available to ADU students, is given to students who can demonstrate outstanding academic records and excellent personal capabilities.

It is for the duration of four years, or upon graduation, whichever is sooner, and is applicable post completion of the English Requirement, which must be completed within one year. It offers a 100 percent discount on tuition and university fees.

The third category is the University Scholarship, offered to first year students who graduate from secondary school with a high level of academic distinction. It is awarded automatically to all candidates who meet the specified criteria.

The fourth category is an Academic Scholarship, which is available to continuing students who maintain a high level of academic distinction offering 20 per cent discount on tuition. It is awarded automatically to all candidates who meet the specified criteria. This scholarship is not applicable to English requirements.

The fifth category is the Athletic Scholarship, which is awarded to applicants with outstanding athletic skills who may receive up to 25 per cent discount on their tuition fees.

The Family Tuition Discount is available to students of the same family, i.e. members with a direct relation such as siblings, husband and wife, father and son, and so on. The discounts are applicable for a maximum of four years per student, or upon graduation, whichever is sooner. The discount is applicable to English Language Levels. – TradeArabia News Service