Filipino student Zach Pilapil has been awarded the first‑ever 100 % GCC Impact Scholarship by De Montfort University Dubai, a grant that covers three full years of tuition. The scholarship, described as a prestigious grant, is intended for students whose education and personal circumstances have been affected by regional instability, and it lifts a massive financial burden from Zach’s family.
The award was announced after Zach attended an open day at the university’s Dubai campus, where he learned about the scholarship’s purpose and eligibility. By covering the entire cost of tuition for three academic years, the grant removes a key barrier that many students in the Gulf Cooperation Council face, especially when the cost of living in Dubai is high and higher‑education expenses are rising.
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Zach’s mother, Daisy, has lived in the United Arab Emirates for 21 years and previously worked as a procurement specialist in the oil and gas sector. As a single parent, she faced hiring freezes that made it difficult to secure stable employment. She kept her unemployment hidden from her children, especially during crucial exam periods, because she did not want to add to their worries. By April, she managed to obtain a short‑term three‑month contract, but the uncertainty of future work remained a constant concern.
Despite these challenges, Daisy remained determined to keep her family in the UAE, a place she considers home. She relied on personal savings to cover daily expenses and to support Zach and his younger sister, who is currently in Grade 11. The financial strain of tuition and the broader cost of living in Dubai had threatened the family’s ability to stay, making the scholarship’s full coverage especially significant.
Zach responded to his mother’s sacrifices by focusing intently on his studies. He explained, “Doing my best is my way of showing her that her efforts will not go to waste, and the future she’s trying to build for us will really bear fruit.” He also noted that his mother never let them feel the weight of their struggles, encouraging him to seek opportunities and maintain academic excellence as a form of gratitude.
The scholarship not only eases the immediate financial pressure but also underscores De Montfort University Dubai’s commitment to supporting students facing instability. For Zach and his family, the award represents a tangible pathway to continued education and stability within the UAE, reinforcing the broader role of higher‑education institutions in fostering resilience among students from diverse backgrounds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GCC Impact Scholarship?
The GCC Impact Scholarship is a prestigious grant from De Montfort University Dubai that covers full tuition for three years, aimed at students whose education and personal circumstances have been affected by regional instability.
Who can receive the GCC Impact Scholarship in Dubai?
It is intended for students whose education and personal circumstances have been affected by regional instability, such as those facing financial hardship in the Gulf Cooperation Council.
How much tuition does the GCC Impact Scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition for three academic years, removing the key financial barrier for students in the GCC.
How did Zach Pilapil learn about the GCC Impact Scholarship?
Zach attended an open day at De Montfort University Dubai’s campus, where he learned about the scholarship’s purpose and eligibility.
Why was the GCC Impact Scholarship awarded to Zach Pilapil?
Zach met the eligibility criteria and his family faced financial strain due to his mother’s employment challenges and the high cost of living in Dubai.
