VCUQatar Awards Two Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Scholarships for Creativity

Every year, the university awards two Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Scholarships for Creativity to the best incoming freshmen. The scholarship covers four years of tuition, housing, books and supplies to attend Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

This year, the two full four-year Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Scholarships for Creativity were awarded to Malak Elzahed from Doha College and Dana Chua from the Middle East International School. “After reviewing over 200 applications, the scholarship committee is thrilled to present our top two students with the prestigious Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Scholarship,” said Rodney Hall, director of Admissions at VCUQatar. “Both of these students demonstrate the qualities we seek at VCUQatar, professionalism, the demonstration of potential, and capacity to grow intellectually and artistically. We wish them many years of academic and professional successes.”

Dana Chua said she never thought she would be chosen, “and the four-year scholarship award is just beyond my expectations! I feel overwhelmed with gratefulness to God every time I think of how it could have been me out of all the creative and adept applicants. This opportunity urges me even more to give my all in whatever I do.”

VCUQatar received 218 applications for the 2012-2013 academic year from students from Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Djibouti, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territory (Occupied), Philippines, Qatar (103), Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. Since its inception in 2003, the Scholarship has been offered to 19 students from the region.

In addition, several continuing VCUQatar students were honored for academic excellence. Sixteen merit scholarships, two graphic design, three interior design and three fashion design scholarships were presented to 20 students. Qatar Foundation scholarships, awarded to students with a minimum GPA of 3.6, were presented to seven students – three new recipients and fours continuing recipients. The ABA Group scholarship, nominated by Qatar Foundation, was presented to two students.

“As ever, I am so impressed at the talent and commitment of these students and proud of their achievements. It is wonderful to see them develop during their time at VCUQatar, and all the skills and confidence they gain will equip them for the highly competitive job market when they leave. Thanks to the continued generosity of the Qatar Foundation and our other supporters, we can highlight their achievements and give them the recognition they so richly deserve,’’ said Dean Vanstone.

All students who are in their senior year of high school who will graduate in May/June and be ready to enter university in the August of the same year are eligible to apply to study at VCUQatar. All admission application files need to be completed and submitted online before the February 1, deadline. For more information students may email [email protected]; call +974 44020530 or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu