Terms & Conditions
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the GEMS Genius Scholarship Programme (the "Programme"). By submitting an application or participating in the Programme, applicants and their parents/guardians agree to be bound by these Terms in full. GEMS Group Holdings Limited Dubai Branch ( “GEMS” or “GEMS Education”) reserves the right to update or amend these Terms at any time, with notice provided via the Programme's official channels.
1. Eligibility
1.1. The GEMS Genius Scholarship Programme is open to students who will be entering Grade 8, Grade 9, or Grade 10 (Year 9, Year 10, or Year 11) in the next academic year.
1.2. Applications are open to both current GEMS students and non-GEMS students across participating schools within the GEMS MENA network.
1.3. Applicants must demonstrate a clearly defined area of excellence such as, but not limited to, academic, athletic, musical, artistic, leadership, innovation, or other specialised fields.
1.4. Evidence of excellence must be presented within the application essay and may be further supported through additional documentation such as certificates, awards, records of achievement, letters of recognition, or other verifiable proof.
1.5. The Programme is offered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, subject to the eligibility criteria outlined herein.
2. Application and Selection Process
2.1. Submission of an application does not guarantee the award of a scholarship.
2.2. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend interviews, assessments, or verification meetings and will be required to present documentary evidence of their stated achievements.
2.3. Scholarship offers are made at the sole discretion of GEMS Education and all decisions are final and binding.
2.4. Where scholarships at the applicant’s first-choice school are no longer available, the candidate may be offered a scholarship at an alternative participating GEMS school. Families may decline such an offer; however, doing so may result in forfeiture of the scholarship opportunity.
2.5. Applicants must disclose any conflicts of interest, such as family relationships with GEMS Education staff or board members, which may affect the selection process.
3. Scope and Value of the Award
3.1. Scholarships provide tuition fee remission of up to 100%. Actual award values may vary based on the applicant’s merit, availability, and the discretion of GEMS Education.
3.2. Scholarships cover tuition fees only. All other associated costs, including but not limited to transportation, uniforms, examination fees, extracurricular activities, technology fees, and optional trips, remain the responsibility of the family.
3.3. The scholarship award is valid for a period of two academic years commencing from the academic year following the award. Upon completion of this period, students may apply again for consideration in a future cycle; renewal or continuation is not guaranteed.
3.4. Scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory academic performance and conduct, as defined by the participating school's policies, to retain the award throughout the award period. Failure to do so may result in review or revocation as outlined in Section 4.
3.5. Scholarships are non-transferable, non-assignable, and have no cash value. They cannot be combined with other scholarships or discounts unless explicitly approved by GEMS Education.
4. Conduct, Integrity, and Revocation
4.1. GEMS Education reserves the right to withdraw or revoke a scholarship at any time if it is determined that:
a. The student engaged in academic dishonesty or misconduct during the assessment or application process;
b. Any information, documentation, or evidence provided was false, falsified, or misleading;
c. The student exaggerated achievements or misrepresented abilities during the interview or evaluation stage;
d. The student subsequently engaged in serious behavioural misconduct, chronic absenteeism, or breach of school policies or code of conduct.
e. The student fails to meet ongoing performance or participation requirements as specified by GEMS Education or the participating school.
4.2. In the event of revocation, the family will remain responsible for the full tuition and associated fees from the date of revocation forward, including any retroactive adjustments if misrepresentation is discovered post-award.4.3. Revocation decisions are final and binding, with no obligation for GEMS Education to provide compensation or alternative remedies.
5. Ambassadorship and Representation
5.1. Scholarship recipients are expected to act as ambassadors for GEMS Education and may be invited to participate in school or network-wide events, media activities, or promotional campaigns highlighting student excellence and achievement.
5.2. Recipients are encouraged to share their stories, accomplishments, and learning journeys to inspire other students across the GEMS network.
6. Data and Consent
6.1. By submitting an application, applicants and their parents/guardians consent to the use of student names, images, written statements, and achievements by GEMS Education and its schools for scholarship promotion and verification purposes only. Applicants may be asked to submit a consent form.
6.2. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws (including but not limited to the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021 on the Protection of Personal Data or equivalent in the relevant jurisdiction) and GEMS Education’s internal privacy policies which are available upon request.
6.3. Applicants may withdraw consent at any time by contacting GEMS Education, though this may affect eligibility or participation in the Programme.6.4. GEMS Education may share data with third parties (e.g., schools, auditors) solely for Programme-related purposes, ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place.
7. Indemnification and Limitation of Liability
7.1. Applicants and their parents/guardians agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GEMS Education, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising from or related to the applicant's participation in the Programme, including any breach of these Terms or misrepresentation.7.2. To the fullest extent permitted by law, GEMS Education shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or in connection with the Programme, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
7.3. GEMS Education's total liability under these Terms shall not exceed the value of the scholarship awarded, if any.
7.4. Nothing in this section limits liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.8. Force Majeure
8.1. GEMS Education shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under the Programme due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemics, natural disasters, strikes, or governmental restrictions.
9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
9.1. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Emirate of Dubai and the federal laws of the United Arab Emirates, as applied in the Emirate of Dubai.
9.2. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms or the Programme shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration in Dubai, UAE, in accordance with the rules of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). The arbitration shall be conducted in English by a single arbitrator, and the decision shall be final and enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction.
9.3. Notwithstanding the above, GEMS Education may seek injunctive or equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect its rights.10. General Provisions10.1. GEMS Education reserves the right to amend, suspend, or withdraw elements of the GEMS Genius Scholarship Programme at its sole discretion, with or without notice.
10.2. Nothing in these Terms shall be construed as creating a contractual obligation for GEMS Education to offer, continue, or renew a scholarship.
10.3. Participation in the Programme constitutes acceptance of these Terms in full.
10.3. These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties regarding the Programme and supersede any prior understandings or agreements.
10.4. If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect (severability).
10.5. No waiver of any breach or default under these Terms shall be effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized representative of GEMS Education.
10.6. Notices under these Terms shall be in writing and delivered via email or registered mail to the contact details provided in the application.
10.7. These Terms are binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
10.8. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and any other Programme materials, these Terms shall prevail.