PURPOSE
Qatar Foundation International, LLC (QFI) is launching the 2024 First-Year University Awards to support Arabic students who are preparing to continue their language learning journey at the higher education/post-secondary level. This award aims to celebrate highly motivated students who have demonstrated their passion for the Arabic language through academic records, extracurricular activities, and involvement in their local AHS clubs or Arabic programming at their school. The academic awards program incentivizes Arabic students to continue their Arabic studies, strengthening connections for students to continue their study of Arabic at the higher education level. While the awards celebrate high achieving students, they are also meant to provide support to those students who have demonstrated passion for learning Arabic and an openness to learning about different cultures. We encourage all eligible students to apply!
FUNDING
Award Recipients will receive up to $10,000 to cover tuition costs for a post-secondary program that includes Arabic language course/s. The award amount will depend on the strength of the application.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Applicants for the First Year University Awards have committed themselves to attending an institute of higher education to continue studying Arabic during their first semester so special eligibility guidelines apply. Students must meet the following conditions to be eligible:
Current high school senior (12th grade/Year 13) student studying Arabic in a public/state-funded secondary school program located in the countries where QFI is currently operating (Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States).Student must be planning to attend a university, college, or community college and majoring or minoring in Arabic, or related fields which require a strong command of the Arabic language by graduation. Students should make a case for their selected program in their application essays.If selected, funding is contingent upon proof of acceptance to school and registration to an Arabic language course in their first semester of their post-secondary program in the fall of 2024. Student must provide proof of tuition costs if selected. Students must show that they owe tuition equal or greater than the award amount. Award amount cannot exceed the total tuition costs the student is responsible for.
HOW TO APPLY
Make a profile on the grant management portal: qfi.smapply.org. Student must complete the Eligibility Quiz to apply for the academic award.Complete the First Year University Award Application form. The form will require general information about the student, essay s for the student to complete, and uploads of supplementary documentation including school transcripts. Submit application by 11:59pm ET March 11, 2024.
FAQs
1. I do not plan on minoring or majoring in Arabic. Can I still apply?
Yes. We welcome applications from students who are planning to study Arabic as part of their academic focus. For example, students may plan to major in a related field such as International Affairs/Relations, Middle Eastern Studies, or any academic focus with a regional component that includes Arabic language proficiency. Students may also apply to pursue academic or professional goals that do not require Arabic language proficiency, but that the applicant wants to build into their academic program in order to accomplish their professional goals. For example, a student may apply with plans to major in a STEM field as long as they explain how they will continue their study of Arabic and how they plan to use it in their future career. Students will have the opportunity to explain how Arabic fits into their academic and professional goals, so we encourage you to make a case for your selected field of study.
2. How are award recipients selected?
We select award recipients based on the information provided in the application form, essay questions, and optional supplementary documentation. It is up to the applicant to demonstrate their passion for Arabic, showcase their strengths, and demonstrate a need for funding. We take each of these things into consideration, but the awards are merit based.
3. Are there language proficiency requirements?
Students learning Arabic as a world language or as a heritage language are welcome to apply as long as the student meets the eligibility requirements. There is no specific level of proficiency required to apply. We want to see that the student has studied Arabic and is committed to continuing their study of the language.
4. Is it mandatory for me to be a part of an Arabic Honor Society club?
No, you do not have to be an official participant in an AHS club at your school. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you studied Arabic at your secondary/high school with your academic transcripts.
5. Do I need a teacher recommendation?
No, we do not ask for recommendations. The review process focuses on the information you provide in your application.
6. I was awarded merit or need-based tuition support from my school (such as financial aid or a scholarship). Can I still accept this award?
It depends. Did the organization select you for full funding? If so, then you are no longer eligible for the award since your tuition fees are already being covered.
7. How can I make my application stand out?
One of the main goals of this award is to support students who are passionate about learning the Arabic language. Students can demonstrate that in their essay responses and they can share how they’ve been active in their AHS clubs or Arabic programming at their schools.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Students can reach out with any questions by emailing arabichonorsociety@qfi.org.
2024 First-Year University Award
PURPOSE
Qatar Foundation International, LLC (QFI) is launching the 2024 First-Year University Awards to support Arabic students who are preparing to continue their language learning journey at the higher education/post-secondary level. This award aims to celebrate highly motivated students who have demonstrated their passion for the Arabic language through academic records, extracurricular activities, and involvement in their local AHS clubs or Arabic programming at their school. The academic awards program incentivizes Arabic students to continue their Arabic studies, strengthening connections for students to continue their study of Arabic at the higher education level. While the awards celebrate high achieving students, they are also meant to provide support to those students who have demonstrated passion for learning Arabic and an openness to learning about different cultures. We encourage all eligible students to apply!
FUNDING
Award Recipients will receive up to $10,000 to cover tuition costs for a post-secondary program that includes Arabic language course/s. The award amount will depend on the strength of the application.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Applicants for the First Year University Awards have committed themselves to attending an institute of higher education to continue studying Arabic during their first semester so special eligibility guidelines apply. Students must meet the following conditions to be eligible:
Current high school senior (12th grade/Year 13) student studying Arabic in a public/state-funded secondary school program located in the countries where QFI is currently operating (Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States).Student must be planning to attend a university, college, or community college and majoring or minoring in Arabic, or related fields which require a strong command of the Arabic language by graduation. Students should make a case for their selected program in their application essays.If selected, funding is contingent upon proof of acceptance to school and registration to an Arabic language course in their first semester of their post-secondary program in the fall of 2024. Student must provide proof of tuition costs if selected. Students must show that they owe tuition equal or greater than the award amount. Award amount cannot exceed the total tuition costs the student is responsible for.
HOW TO APPLY
Make a profile on the grant management portal: qfi.smapply.org. Student must complete the Eligibility Quiz to apply for the academic award.Complete the First Year University Award Application form. The form will require general information about the student, essay s for the student to complete, and uploads of supplementary documentation including school transcripts. Submit application by 11:59pm ET March 11, 2024.
FAQs
1. I do not plan on minoring or majoring in Arabic. Can I still apply?
Yes. We welcome applications from students who are planning to study Arabic as part of their academic focus. For example, students may plan to major in a related field such as International Affairs/Relations, Middle Eastern Studies, or any academic focus with a regional component that includes Arabic language proficiency. Students may also apply to pursue academic or professional goals that do not require Arabic language proficiency, but that the applicant wants to build into their academic program in order to accomplish their professional goals. For example, a student may apply with plans to major in a STEM field as long as they explain how they will continue their study of Arabic and how they plan to use it in their future career. Students will have the opportunity to explain how Arabic fits into their academic and professional goals, so we encourage you to make a case for your selected field of study.
2. How are award recipients selected?
We select award recipients based on the information provided in the application form, essay questions, and optional supplementary documentation. It is up to the applicant to demonstrate their passion for Arabic, showcase their strengths, and demonstrate a need for funding. We take each of these things into consideration, but the awards are merit based.
3. Are there language proficiency requirements?
Students learning Arabic as a world language or as a heritage language are welcome to apply as long as the student meets the eligibility requirements. There is no specific level of proficiency required to apply. We want to see that the student has studied Arabic and is committed to continuing their study of the language.
4. Is it mandatory for me to be a part of an Arabic Honor Society club?
No, you do not have to be an official participant in an AHS club at your school. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you studied Arabic at your secondary/high school with your academic transcripts.
5. Do I need a teacher recommendation?
No, we do not ask for recommendations. The review process focuses on the information you provide in your application.
6. I was awarded merit or need-based tuition support from my school (such as financial aid or a scholarship). Can I still accept this award?
It depends. Did the organization select you for full funding? If so, then you are no longer eligible for the award since your tuition fees are already being covered.
7. How can I make my application stand out?
One of the main goals of this award is to support students who are passionate about learning the Arabic language. Students can demonstrate that in their essay responses and they can share how they’ve been active in their AHS clubs or Arabic programming at their schools.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Students can reach out with any questions by emailing arabichonorsociety@qfi.org.