Reverse Admissions: How Universities Are Now Competing for Students
Higher education is evolving in the UAE, with universities now applying to students instead of the other way around. This innovative approach, known as "reverse admissions," is making higher education more accessible, reducing stress, and increasing scholarship opportunities for students.
A Billion Dirhams in Scholarships
Students across the UAE are tapping into nearly Dh1 billion in scholarships, thanks to initiatives like the GEMS For Life programme. This initiative, in collaboration with global universities and admissions platforms, has already unlocked Dh777 million in scholarships for students pursuing higher education worldwide.
Between August and December 2024 alone, students received 1,770 scholarship offers worth Dh426 million ($116 million) from institutions in the United States. A key partner in this effort is Match by Concourse, a platform that flips the admissions process, allowing universities to actively seek out students rather than requiring them to apply individually.
What is Reverse Admissions?
Traditionally, students must apply to universities, submitting personal statements, test scores, and application fees. The new reverse admissions process changes this dynamic by letting students create a single profile detailing their academic achievements, interests, and aspirations. Universities then review these anonymized profiles and proactively extend offers—sometimes with scholarships attached.
This streamlined approach eliminates much of the uncertainty and stress associated with the traditional application process while also giving students access to multiple offers at once.
Expanding Global Opportunities
According to Chris Goodbourn, Director of GEMS For Life, the initiative aims to provide lifelong value to GEMS students by supporting them in three key areas:
Careers & Employability – Helping students discover their passions and future career paths.
Higher Education – Partnering with universities to provide scholarships, masterclasses, and engagement opportunities.
Alumni Support – Assisting graduates throughout their professional journeys.
Through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with over 100 university partners worldwide, the initiative ensures that institutions remain engaged with students by offering scholarships, school visits, and mentorship opportunities.
Life-Changing Scholarships
Students who have benefited from this programme share how it has transformed their educational journeys:
Natali Alkhatib, a Year 13 student at GEMS Founders School Dubai, received 12 university offers, including scholarships totaling Dh1.8 million. She was awarded scholarships from prestigious institutions such as Illinois College (Dh91,750 per year) and Ohio Northern University (Dh93,600 per year). She describes the experience as "life-changing," as it lifted the financial burden and gave her confidence to pursue higher education.
Ahmad El Jechi, a former student at GEMS Wesgreen International School, Sharjah, secured a 45% scholarship at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). This reduced his family's financial stress and allowed him to focus on his studies.
A New Era of College Admissions
With scholarships pledged for the next few years, the reverse admissions model is set to redefine university applications worldwide. By shifting the power from institutions to students, this approach ensures that deserving candidates receive the recognition—and financial support—they need to pursue their dreams.
Would you like to see this admissions model expand globally? Let us know in the comments!
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