Selection Process

The Al Rashid Education Foundation (AREF) places the highest value on the integrity, fairness, and transparency of its scholarship adjudication process. Selection decisions are made independently by the Adjudicating Committee (AC), which operates at arm’s length from AREF management.

The AC is composed of distinguished academics, scientists, and internationally recognized experts who apply consistent and uniform standards across all scholarship categories. AREF management does not participate in reviewing applications or making selection decisions. Each year, the following process takes place:

  • Applicants submit their materials before the stated deadline, in accordance with the specific requirements of the scholarship category to which they are applying.

  • Following the close of the final application deadline, all submissions undergo an initial administrative review by the Scholarship Committee to confirm that applicants meet the minimum eligibility requirements outlined for their chosen scholarship.

  • Applications that meet the minimum eligibility requirements are forwarded to the Adjudicating Committee for formal review.

  • Each member of the AC independently reviews eligible applications. Candidates are evaluated and ranked based on how effectively they fulfill the defined objectives and criteria of the scholarship. Each application is reviewed by at least two judges to ensure it receives fair consideration.

  • Unless there are mitigating circumstances that require an online meeting, the AC convenes in person to:

    • Compare individual rankings

    • Discuss each eligible application collectively

    • Reach consensus on final ranking

  • Upon conclusion of deliberations, the AC submits its final list of nominated recipients to AREF.

  • AREF contacts nominated candidates to confirm their acceptance of the award.

  • Scholarship recipients are formally announced at AREF’s annual awards gala.

Important Notes:

  • Meeting the stated eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.

  • Scholarship allocation is competitive, and awards are granted only to the highest-ranked candidates.

  • All decisions rendered by the Adjudicating Committee are final.

  • No appeal process is available.