Purpose
Scholarships at Rugby School Dubai recognise and reward students who demonstrate excellence, commitment, and character, and who make a positive contribution to the life of the School. Scholarships support students who embody the values of the Rugby Learner Profile and who will act as ambassadors for the School within and beyond the classroom.
Areas of award
Academic (including Visual Arts)
Arabic
Performing Arts
Sport
All-Rounder
Ruwad al Emarat (Emirati students only)
Eligibility
Scholarships may be awarded to students who are currently studying at the School or to students who are applying to join. For all standard scholarships, our typical entry points are into Years 7, 9 and 12. Applications from students who join the School outside of these year groups will be considered by the Principal.
Value and duration of awards
For all scholarships (Academic, Arabic, Performing Arts, Sport, and All-Rounder), the standard financial value of any award will typically be 10% of the annual published KHDA fees, subject to the School’s Discount Policy.
Provided that scholars continue to meet the expectations of the School and fulfil the relevant scholarship criteria, all scholarships awarded in Years 7 to 11 will continue until the end of Year 11. At this point, students will be reviewed and may be asked to reapply for an ongoing award into the Sixth Form. Scholarships awarded in Year 12 will continue for two years.
The Ruwad al Emarat scholarship is awarded at a value of 50% of the annual published KHDA fees and operates under separate eligibility and allocation rules.
General expectations of all scholars
All scholars are expected to demonstrate excellent behaviour and attendance, consistently uphold the values and expectations of Rugby School Dubai, and act as positive role models within the school community. Scholars are expected to engage fully in the Scholarship Programme and contribute positively to school life. This programme includes enrichment opportunities, leadership pathways, mentoring, performance and exhibition opportunities, and the chance to represent the School.
Rugby Learner Profile
All scholarship applications, assessments, and reviews are considered through the lens of the Rugby Learner Profile. This does not replace the published scholarship criteria but informs how evidence is evaluated, how interviews and auditions are conducted, and how ongoing engagement as a scholar is reviewed.
Application process
Any student wishing to apply for a scholarship must complete the School’s scholarship application form, available via Admissions.
The application requires evidence demonstrating how the student meets the relevant criteria, alongside a statement of motivation and an explanation of how the student would contribute to the School as a scholar.
The School will also organise and advertise bespoke days in individual disciplines; shortlisted students will be invited to take part in the next stage of the process. This may include interviews, auditions, assessments, or trials, depending on the scholarship applied for. Scholarship-specific requirements will be communicated directly to applicants. Outcomes of the scholarship process will be communicated to students and parents.
Applicants for the All-Rounder Scholarship must indicate this on the application form and will be required to meet the criteria and assessment requirements for each scholarship area applied for.
The Ruwad al Emarat scholarship follows the same overall policy and process, with additional eligibility and allocation rules outlined below.
Discretionary Scholarships
Notwithstanding the provisions of this policy, the Principal may award a scholarship to an incoming student who demonstrates exceptional ability, achievement or potential, at any time in the academic year. Any such discretionary scholarship will be subject to the same expectations regarding conduct and contribution to the School as other scholarship awards and will typically see a fee reduction of 10% of annual school fees, subject to the School’s Discount Policy.
Scholarship criteria
These criteria set out the minimum expectations for scholarship applicants and should be considered in line with the age and stage of the student.
Resilient and Enquiring
- Evidence of sustained academic excellence as reflected in attainment data, internal assessments, and/or external examination outcomes where applicable.
- Demonstrates curiosity, intellectual ambition, and an enquiring approach to learning that goes beyond age-related expectations.
- Shows determination and perseverance when faced with academic challenge.
Reflective
- Able to think deeply about learning and engage analytically with complex concepts.
- Demonstrates the ability to reflect on feedback and use it to improve academic outcomes.
Versatile
- Applies knowledge and skills flexibly across subjects and unfamiliar contexts.
- Demonstrates higher-order thinking and the ability to make connections between disciplines.
Communicative and Collaborative
- Contributes positively to the academic life of the School through societies, competitions, mentoring, or enrichment activities.
- Seen as a role model by peers, demonstrating strong communication and collaboration.
Resilient and Enquiring
- Achieves proficiency levels at or above CEFR B2, adapted as appropriate to Arabic pathway.
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills, with confidence in discussion, debate, and extended writing.
- Demonstrates advanced understanding of both modern standard Arabic and classical Arabic texts.
Reflective
- Engages thoughtfully and critically with language and literature.
- Applies feedback to improve fluency, accuracy, and expression.
Versatile
- Applies Arabic language skills effectively across contexts and genres.
- Demonstrates flexibility and creativity in language use.
Communicative and Collaborative
- Contributes to the Arabic and Islamic life of the School through clubs, competitions, events, or performances.
- Acts as a positive role model within the Arabic-learning community.
Resilient and Enquiring
- Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in their chosen discipline, delivering high-quality performances with strong technical control.
- Shows commitment to rehearsal and performance, persevering through challenge and critique.
Reflective
- Engages constructively with feedback and direction to refine performance.
- Demonstrates artistic self-awareness appropriate to age and stage.
Versatile
- Demonstrates flexibility across styles, genres, roles, or performance contexts.
- Contributes to productions, concerts, or ensembles in a range of capacities.
Communicative and Collaborative
- Plays an active role in the cultural life of the School.
- Works effectively with others and is seen as a role model within the performing arts community.
Resilient and Enquiring
- Demonstrates exceptional skill and proficiency in their chosen sport, performing at a highly competitive level appropriate to age and stage.
- Shows commitment to training, preparation, and physical development.
Reflective
- Reflects on performance and applies feedback to improve technique, tactics, and decision-making.
- Demonstrates maturity in responding to success and setbacks.
Versatile
- Applies tactical understanding effectively across different roles or competitive situations.
- Adapts positively to changing demands in training and competition.
Communicative and Collaborative
- Plays a significant role within teams or sporting pathways, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Contributes positively to the wider sporting life of the School.
All-Rounder Scholarship
The All-Rounder Scholarship is awarded to students who meet the criteria for two or more scholarship areas. Applicants must demonstrate sustained excellence across each area, the ability to balance commitments effectively, and a strong contribution to school life.