SDG 1: NO POVERTY

1.3.1 Does your university as a body have targets to admit students who fall into the bottom 20% of household income group in the country? (domestic)

University Scholarships and Financial Aid

Al Maarefa University provides scholarships and financial aid programs aimed at easing the financial burden on low-income students. These include need-based grants and merit scholarships that cover tuition fees and other educational expenses, ensuring that financial challenges do not become barriers to access [1].

New students

Comments:

For Saudi high school graduates:

Weighted percentage = 30% of high school GPA + 40% of the achievement test score + 30% of the General Aptitude Test score.

For American curriculum graduates:

Weighted percentage = 70% of the SAT score or equivalent + 30% of high school GPA.

SAT score calculation: (SAT score ÷ 100) × 1600 = Final score

Then calculate the percentage: (70% × Final score) + (30% × High school GPA).

For international high school graduates or those from outside the Kingdom (which do not require the General Aptitude Test and Achievement Test):

• Only the cumulative high school GPA is used as the weighted percentage.
• The English language certificate is valid for two years from its issuance date.

Scholarships for regular students

Scholarships for outstanding students

Outstanding continuing students from the 2022 cohort and earlier (222) are granted a semester scholarship, provided they meet the scholarship requirements, and receive a payment discount as specified for each category, in the event of adherence to payment according to the specified date for semester tuition fees, starting after the first academic year, as follows:

Outstanding continuing students from the 2023 cohort and beyond (231) will be granted a semester scholarship, provided they meet the scholarship requirements, and will receive a payment discount as specified for each category, provided they adhere to the payment schedule for semester tuition fees, starting after the first academic year, as follows:

Additional multi-skills:

Obtain an IELTS score or equivalent (6 for medicine, 4.5 for other majors). Or pass the "Progress Test" as determined by the college board.

The validity period of the English language certificate is two years from its date.

Combining the English language discount with the comprehensive test discount is not permitted.

Excellence Table for Batch 231 and beyond

Scholarships for industrial engineering majors

Excellence scholarships for postgraduate studies for graduates of Almaarefa University

Excellence scholarships for postgraduate studies for graduates of Almaarefa University

Scholarship guidelines:

• The student is required to pay 50% of the basic tuition fees before the start of the semester.
• The student is not allowed to combine any scholarship or discount offered by the university
• The internship program is not included
• Excellence Scholarships for Continuing Students are quarterly regression grants; To determine the student's eligibility for it or not, and it is not an annual grant.

Jeelpay in partnership with Almaarefa University

Scholarship controls

• The student is required to pay 50% of the basic tuition fees before the start of the semester.
• The student is not allowed to combine any scholarship or discount offered by the university
• The internship program is not included
• Excellence Scholarships for Continuing Students are quarterly regression grants; To determine the student's eligibility for it or not, and it is not an annual grant.

Social Development Bank

Government Support Programs

Saudi Arabia, through the Ministry of Education and related agencies, supports low-income students across universities, including private institutions like Al Maarefa. Initiatives such as government scholarships, financial allowances, and subsidized loans help students from disadvantaged families pursue higher education.

Community and Outreach Initiatives

The university participates in outreach programs to identify and encourage talented students from low-income backgrounds to apply. By partnering with community organizations and schools in less affluent areas, Al Maarefa ensures that opportunities are extended to a broader segment of society.

Commitment to Vision 2030

Al Maarefa University aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s educational goals, which emphasize inclusivity and the empowerment of underprivileged communities. These national policies encourage universities to broaden access for students from various income groups.

Through these combined efforts, the university demonstrates a commitment to supporting low-income students, fostering equity in education, and contributing to the socioeconomic development of the nation. However, the specific tracking and setting of formal admission targets for the bottom 20% income group could be an area for further development.

The College of Applied Sciences at Almaarefa University organized the first orientation session for new students from the Army's scholarship program.

The College of Applied Sciences at Almaarefa University organized the first orientation session for new students from the Army's scholarship program. The session included a warm welcome and provided detailed information about the university's educational programs. The meeting featured an overview of the academic programs and services available to students, as well as an introduction to the opportunities available to them throughout their academic journey [2].

STC Employees and Their Children Meet with Almaarefa University Representatives to Explore Scholarship Opportunities

As part of ongoing collaboration between the academic and commercial sectors, a significant event took place at the STC Educational Exhibition, where employees of Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and their children met with representatives from Almaarefa University [3].

Objectives of the Meeting

This meeting is part of Almaarefa University's efforts to expand its educational and academic impact and to present its educational programs to the STC community. The goal of the meeting is to raise awareness about the importance of higher education, the available majors at Almaarefa University, and how these programs can contribute to the professional and personal development of the participants.

Events and Activities

During the exhibition, Almaarefa University representatives provided detailed presentations on the various academic programs offered by the university, including Engineering, Business Administration, and Health Sciences. They also provided information on the study opportunities, scholarships, and grants available to students at the university.

Expected Impact

This meeting is expected to strengthen the ties between Almaarefa University and Saudi Telecom Company, opening new avenues for future cooperation in training and skills development. It will also encourage STC employees and their children to take advantage of the exceptional academic opportunities offered by the university and inspire them to continue their learning and professional development.

Conclusion

This meeting represents an important step towards enhancing the partnership between the educational sector and major companies in the Kingdom, reaffirming the role of education in supporting and developing human resources across all sectors.

Official social posts (Instagram / Facebook) advertising scholarships and bank awareness events.

Official social media posts advertise limited scholarships, discount windows and joint awareness events with the Social Development Bank — these public messages increase visibility of financial support channels for potentially low-income applicants [4].

#Almarfa_University: Scholarships (limited places) in Bachelor's degree programs for male and female students. #Almarfa University Scholarships for the academic year (1442 AH-2021/20 AD). For more information, see the scholarship page on the website, link in bio [5].

Al-Riyadh newspaper article — Social Charity Fund grants to the college (archive)

Historical press coverage shows the college/university accepted students sponsored by the Social Charity Fund (e.g., 80 students for a semester/year), demonstrating precedents of channeling charity funding to cover tuition for needy students. The Social Charity Fund and Al-Maarefa Private College of Science and Technology signed an educational grant agreement between the two parties within the framework of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ directives. The Social Charity Fund was represented by Adel bin Naseem Farhat, while Al-Maarefa College of Science and Technology was represented by Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Mulhem, Dean of the College. Dr. Zaid Al-Zamil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al-Maarefa College, explained that the agreement stipulates the admission of 80 male and female students for the 1432-1433 AH academic year to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Social Welfare Fund will cover tuition fees, while Al-Maarefa College will provide the students with education and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve their living conditions. He clarified that the target beneficiaries of this agreement are children from needy families receiving social security benefits, as well as those from approved charitable organizations, charitable housing projects, the Prisoners' Welfare Committee, orphanages, and the National Committee for Drug Control. Priority will be given to children from families receiving social security benefits. The agreement's duration is the same as the students' enrollment at the college [3].

University news & events mentioning JeelPay partnership and financing facilitation (news / tweets)

University news posts and social communications repeatedly mention partnerships with payment/financing providers (JeelPay) and participation in events with financing partners to offer “financing facilities” for tuition fees — an institutional outreach to reduce cash-flow barriers for students. As part of #Diriyah Governorate and #AlMaarefa University marking #Gulf_Healthy_Cities_Day and #National_Walking_Day, the university interacts with a professional health team to educate the local community about the vital role of regular physical activity in avoiding chronic diseases [6] [7].

BNPL / fintech industry report (contextual) referencing JeelPay & tuition financing as common solution

Industry reports show that BNPL and tuition instalment providers (JeelPay among them) are increasingly used in Saudi Arabia to facilitate payments for education — these providers are referenced in university pages as partners, confirming a practical mechanism to support students with limited immediate resources.

Dialogue meeting with Kuwaiti scholarship students

Al Maarefa University hosted a dialogue session with scholarship students from Kuwait, providing orientation and direct university support to facilitate their academic integration and success.

In a friendly dialogue meeting, the delegation students from the sisterly State of Kuwait were gathered, in the presence of the Dean of the College of Medicine in Almaarefa university Dr. Khaled Al-Qamizi, and the head of the Kuwaiti Cultural Office, Mr. Ahmed Al-Khanfar [9].

We wish them a successful academic journey. pic.twitter.com/c5G8huRcSM

References