SDG 1: NO POVERTY

1.3.5 Does your university as a body have schemes to support poor students from low income countries (e.g. offering free education, grants)?

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

An agreement/understanding with JeelPay provides tuition instalment options for students. By enabling payment plans, the university reduces the immediate financial barrier that often causes interruptions and dropout, thereby supporting completion for students with constrained cash flow. [2]

Social Development Bank

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.

MOU with Charitable Society for Orphans Care (Ensan) — scholarships & pathways.

The MOU with the “Financial System Alliance” (Maziya Program) offers discounts for employees of that system, which is a form of assistance, but it falls far short of a scholarship program for poor students from other countries. Continuing to strengthen the strategic partnerships that Al Maarefa University is keen to achieve as part of its social responsibilities, a partnership agreement was signed with the Financial System Alliance (Mazya Program) that includes supporting the employees of the Financial System by granting them and their families special discounts on tuition fees at the university, as well as courses offered by the university’s Business Center [3].

Institutional internationalization

As part of its strategic vision Al Maarefa University promotes international collaboration, student exchange and partnerships that facilitate access and support for international students, forming the institutional basis for schemes that can assist learners from low-income countries.

The pursuit of science and knowledge is embodied in AlMaarefa University. It stands as a leading institution in providing higher education and scientific research across a diverse range of disciplines. AlMaarefa University aims to offer an excellent educational environment that fosters the development of students, motivating them to achieve their full academic and professional potential [4].

The pursuit of science and knowledge is embodied in AlMaarefa University. It stands as a leading institution in providing higher education and scientific research across a diverse range of disciplines. AlMaarefa University aims to offer an excellent educational environment that fosters the development of students, motivating them to achieve their full academic and professional potential.

The university boasts a distinguished and specialized faculty, along with modern infrastructure that supports the learning and research process. AlMaarefa University offers advanced graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields.

Furthermore, AlMaarefa University seeks to enhance collaboration with prestigious international universities, aiming to exchange academic and research experiences. The university's goal is to achieve academic excellence and contribute to providing solutions to global challenges in various domains.

In summary, AlMaarefa University is committed to shaping the future of its students and making significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge and sciences on both the national and global levels.

References