In a significant achievement, 87 exceptional high school students have qualified for the Summer Academy programme at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). This prestigious initiative lasts for 18 months and is part of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Scholarship programme for outstanding high school students, Class of 2027.
Now in its 16th year, the programme offers a transformative academic and cultural experience that prepares Emirati students for admission to leading global universities. This scholarship represents one of the most prestigious opportunities available to Emirati high school students.
Academic Courses and Skills Development
Participants in the programme are equipped with essential skills, confidence, and vision for success on the global stage. Graduates from previous cohorts have continued their studies at renowned institutions, including Yale, Princeton, New York University, NYUAD, the London School of Economics, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, King’s College London, among others across the globe.
Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated, “The Summer Academy programme reflects our commitment to investing in our talented youth who are driven by curiosity and determination to shape the future of our nation. By fostering academic excellence, critical thinking, and leadership skills, this programme enables students to seize opportunities to study at premier universities while remaining connected to our national values and aspirations. I congratulate the Class of 2027 and look forward to witnessing their achievements.”
The programme commences in the summer following the 10th or 11th grades and spans 18 months, featuring two intensive summer sessions in Abu Dhabi, complemented by academic enrichment activities throughout the academic year.
Each summer, students spend five weeks at NYUAD, engaging in rigorous courses that enhance critical thinking and focus on academic writing skills. This prepares them to develop and apply their cognitive abilities effectively.
Additionally, the programme includes a course on leadership and public speaking, aimed at refining communication and collaboration skills. It also prepares students for standardised tests in language and mathematics, facilitating their academic trajectories. Extracurricular activities complement classroom learning, fostering leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
A unique aspect of the programme is the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the NYUAD environment, where they explore research and study at the university level. During their first summer, participants visit research facilities across various academic fields, connecting research and innovation with global challenges.
In the second summer, students undertake a university-level course designed specifically for participants of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Scholarship programme, guided by university faculty across disciplines such as engineering, biology, and entrepreneurship. This hands-on experience encompasses laboratory work, research projects, and field studies—enriching their understanding of the NYUAD academic environment and its rigorous demands.
Support and Guidance
In the final two years of high school, students participate in online lessons and weekend sessions to refresh essential skills. In their 12th or 13th grades, the programme provides guidance through the university application process, from researching universities to crafting essays and submitting applications.
The programme concludes with a graduation ceremony, celebrating students and their families as they acknowledge their accomplishments and receive official completion certificates.
Fatima Abdullah, Senior Associate Dean and Vice President for Strategy and Planning at NYUAD, noted that each cohort comprises an elite group of high achievers eager to embrace challenges that test their capabilities to contribute positively both locally and globally.