Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply?

• On our website it says, 'AT PRESENT THERE ARE NO OPEN PROGRAMMES'. This means that we are not accepting any applications at the moment. Check the website every few months to see if new schemes have been announced.

• Our scholarship programmes vary from year to year, and sometimes focus on different countries of the Arab world, so please do not consider applying for a scholarship until you see that an appropriate scheme is advertised.

What do you look for in an MBI Scholar?

• We look for applicants who meet the criteria and, having completed the application forms thoroughly and correctly, have explained why they feel they deserve to be an MBI scholar.

• We are looking for people who have that extra spark, who know where they wish to go and - above all - are determined to use this opportunity to help not only themselves but, most importantly, the people with whom they live - that is, their country, their region and their community.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility depends on the criteria of each scholarship scheme. Generally, unless otherwise specified, applications are open to all Arab residents of the Middle East who have an unconditional offer from a well respected university, for example a UK university or MODUL University, Vienna.

In addition, for our Masters' programmes each applicant must have:

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject

• A score of at least 6.5 in the IELTS English Exam

• A secured offer on a Masters Degree programme from a university in the UK

• Financial need

What will my scholarship cover?

This varies according to the type of scholarship. Our UK Masters’ Degree scheme, for example, is a full scholarship that includes university tuition fees, accommodation, a return economy class airfare from your country to the UK or Europe, and a stipend.

Do you award any other scholarships for PhDs or research fellowships?

No, unless stated otherwise, we do not award scholarships to support PhDs or research fellowships. All scholarship schemes will be stated clearly in the Scholarships section of our website. We cannot consider any other submitted applications.

Do you award partial scholarships?

No, we do not award partial scholarships of any kind. Applicants may apply only for the scholarship schemes listed in our Scholarships section.

Do you award scholarships retrospectively?

No, we want to understand your motivation and drive right from the start, therefore we will not award a scholarship once a programme of study has commenced.

Can I apply to the university course through the MBI Al Jaber Foundation or its website?

No. All applicants MUST apply to the university of their choice by contacting that university directly. The MBI Al Jaber Foundation cannot interfere with the application procedures of other organisations. The Foundation cannot apply to universities on behalf of any applicant. Applicants must consult their universities for any matter to do with the courses or application process at the university. Once applicants secure a place at the university, if they wish to apply for a scholarship, they MUST fill a separate application form for the MBI Al Jaber Foundation scholarship.

When is the deadline for applications?

Our deadlines vary each year and according to the type of scholarship programme, however, typically our deadline is somewhere between March and May of each year.  Generally, deadlines will be stated in the Scholarships section of our website.

Do both my references have to be academic?

If you are a fresh graduate or a current student, we require two academic references. If you have been working for more than two years, we will accept one academic reference and one professional reference. However, your professional reference must comment on your academic and professional abilities.

In addition to the two required references, could I also supplement my application with letters of support/testimonials from other sources, as well as a detailed resume?

Please note that testimonials will not be accepted in place of academic/professional references or to supplement your application. Any received testimonials will not be considered when we short list.

Can I ask my referees to send the reference letters to the Foundation directly?

Yes. Please inform your referees to send the reference letters directly to the MBI Al Jaber Foundation. This will save time and money for the applicants.

Will I have to attend an interview?

You should be available to attend a telephone interview, or an interview in the region should it be required. Your interview will help enable the Foundation to make a decision on your application.

Is there any particular subject I should apply for?

Priority is given to those wishing to study subjects of practical benefit to the Arab world. The UNDP on the Arab world report highlights areas of particular need. However, our advice is to select a subject that you are interested in, in a field that you feel you can make a contribution to.

Is there any particular university I should apply to?

The MBI Al Jaber Foundation has strong links with our partner institutions. Priority will be given to those applicants who have applied to and are accepted at one of these universities. However, should you have chosen a highly ranked subject in an elite institution, your application may also be considered. We want the best!

What if I have studied abroad before?

We do give preference to those who have not previously studied outside the region, however, this is not necessarily a deciding factor. Applicants who have studied abroad before are more than welcome to apply.

Do I have to take the IELTS or will you accept other proof of English language skills?

First and foremost, you must have secured an offer from the university for which you are applying for the scholarship. University requirements may vary and applicants must check with their admissions departments. However, to apply for a scholarship from the MBI Al Jaber Foundation, you must have a minimum score of 6.5 in the IELTS or a proven equivalent.

When is the best time to apply to the MBI Al Jaber Foundation?

We usually advertise the relevant information in the Scholarships section on our website and provide all the information applicants need to know about our schemes, times and dates. However, you must secure an offer from a university before you submit an application for our scholarships.

What will happen if I apply for the scholarship before I apply to the university?

We will most likely not be able to consider your application. Priority will be given to applicants who meet our eligibility criteria and have secured a place at one of our partner institutions.

When will I be notified?

We will acknowledge receipt of each application. Applicants will then be shortlisted, interviewed and then notified of the results of their application, after the deadline. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email. Please note that we do not give feedback on our decisions.

What kind of visa do I need for the UK, and will the MBI Al Jaber Foundation help me with the visa process?

You will need a student visa to enable you to pursue your studies in the UK. The Foundation will provide all successful MBI scholars with a letter stating that we are sponsoring your studies. You might also need a letter from your university. Usually the British Embassy in your country will provide you with all the necessary information and application documents. Please note that it is best to consult your British Embassy as early as possible.

What are the conditions of the MBI Scholarships?

All students will sign a contract to agree to the scholarship conditions. We require all our scholars to return to the Middle East region upon completion of their studies. Students who fail to do so will be required to pay their scholarship back to the Foundation, to be awarded to another student.
Also, all of our scholars are expected to be active students while they study, and then become active Alumni upon graduation. Students and Alumni are expected to fully participate in any events arranged by the Foundation. These events are not onerous and will not affect the studies or employment of the students.

What help with my application can I expect from the Foundation?

We are trying to chose the best, most independent students and future leaders. Therefore we don't expect to help you with your application other than via the information you can find on our website.

What shall I do if I can’t find the information I need on the website?

You should be able to find the information you need, but in the rare case that you can't, you can email your query to [email protected]. Please note that we do not accept telephone inquiries.