Five students affected by regional conflict have received financial support to pursue undergraduate degrees at De Montfort University Dubai, awarded through the institution’s GCC Impact Scholarship at a ceremony held at the campus.
The scheme targets GCC nationals and residents whose schooling was interrupted by conflict, offering funding meant to lower the cost of enrollment and keep affected students on an academic track. University representatives described the program as part of a broader effort to broaden access to higher education.
Zach Pilapil received the only full award, a 100 percent scholarship, and will begin the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree. His certificate was presented by Philippine Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Ensiso The Third, whose diplomatic postings over more than twenty years have included the United States, China, Southeast Asia, and the United Nations system.
Two 75 percent awards went to Aseel Sliman and Hadeel Sliman, who will enter the LLB (Hons) Law and BSc (Hons) Psychology programs respectively. Ilhaam Al Obaidli, Head of Higher Education Policies at Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, presented one of the certificates; Joyce Nicodeme of the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation presented the other.
The remaining two recipients, Akshara Praveen Nair and Jane Ann Thomas, each received 50 percent awards toward BSc (Hons) Psychology and BSc (Hons) Economics degrees, with certificates handed over by faculty head Rebecca Page Tickell and Head of Education Nadia Gauoa.
Opening remarks were delivered by Simon Bradbery, Pro Vice-Chancellor International at De Montfort University, with closing comments from the Dubai campus’s Academic Director, Gisela Loehlein. Al Obaidli’s background includes public administration training and professional diplomas in future foresight, policy writing, and cultural management, reflecting a KHDA role centered on education-sector policy in the emirate.
