At Curtin University Dubai, student athletes are showing up to lectures, training sessions, and competitions without treating one commitment as secondary. The Curtin University Dubai scholarships programme makes that balance possible — and the Sports Excellence Scholarship is at the centre of it.
What the Sports Excellence Scholarship Covers
The Sports Excellence Scholarship is open to students competing at inter-state or national level who are enrolled full-time in a degree programme. Applicants must submit official documentation from a recognised national or state sports organisation confirming their competitive status.
The scholarship sits within Curtin University Dubai's Elite Athlete Program. Students accepted into this programme receive academic consideration linked to training schedules, competitions, and travel commitments. When exams or assessments overlap with verified sporting obligations, faculty awareness is applied so students can manage both calendars without penalty.
Access to the Curtin Fitness Centre is included. The programme also offers professional development sessions covering performance preparation, time management, and long-term career planning.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ammar Kaka has stated that student athletes contribute "ambition and motivation within the university community, influencing how academic and extracurricular life function side by side."
Student Athletes Already on Campus
Several current students reflect the real-world scope of the Curtin University Dubai scholarships on offer.
Rachit Ghosh represents the UAE Under-19 cricket team while completing a double major in Finance and Marketing. His international cricket commitments continue alongside a full academic workload, supported through campus-based arrangements.
Ed Talma represents Seychelles at the Indian Ocean Games and is enrolled in the MBA in International Business. His background in competitive sport aligns with his postgraduate focus on leadership and decision-making.
Dias Zhampeissov holds a notable distinction as the first boxer to officially represent Curtin University Dubai. He secured first place at the 2024 Inter-University Boxing Tournament while completing his International Business degree — a milestone for the university's presence in inter-university sport.
Other Scholarship Options at Curtin Dubai
Curtin University Dubai scholarships extend well beyond sport. Women enrolled in Engineering, Science, and IT programmes may qualify for STEM-focused scholarships supporting participation in those fields. Students involved in performing arts clubs linked with The Junction at Alserkal Avenue may access funding connected to creative involvement.
Academic Excellence Scholarships are available to students with strong academic records and may cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Students may also be considered for the Pro Vice Chancellor's Scholarship or the Zafar Siddiqi Innovation Scholarship, subject to stated criteria.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 intake opened in December 2025 and remain available until November 2026. Applicants for the Sports Excellence Scholarship must submit official confirmation of elite sporting status from a national or state sports organisation.
Prospective students can reach Curtin University Dubai admissions by email at admissions@curtindubai.ac.ae, by visiting the university website at curtindubai.ac.ae, or via WhatsApp at +971 50 900 6403.
For athletes already competing at inter-state or national level, the Sports Excellence Scholarship offers a path to stay enrolled, stay competitive, and keep both commitments moving forward at the same time.
