By Rayan Al-Ruwayeh

KUWAIT: Government scholarships for master’s or PhD programs are frequently awarded to students who have studied abroad rather than those who have pursued their education within Kuwait. Several students complained of the unfair distribution of scholarships in Kuwait, noting that such opportunities can allow young Kuwaitis to gain exposure to global academic standards and practices.

Speaking to Kuwait Times, Jawaa Abdullah, 23 years old, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from one of the Kuwaiti universities, said that she sank into a deep depression, feeling as though all her future plans had evaporated when her application to complete her master’s scholarship was rejected. The denial of this opportunity left her grappling with a profound sense of loss and uncertainty. She added, “Studying abroad was my dream when I was a kid, but when it was time for me to pursue my studies for a bachelor degree abroad, my parents refused. I was still a kid to them and not ready to live abroad, but they told me when I grew up, I could go for my master’s and PhD degrees. But when it was time for me to do what I wanted, I found it very hard. I felt like a door was slammed in my face.”

She continued that it was challenging to travel and complete my studies abroad, despite having all the necessary requirements and paperwork in order, explaining, “This disparity raises questions about fairness and equity. Others are getting this opportunity just because they studied abroad, while those who study in Kuwait face significant obstacles when trying to pursue further education abroad. Both groups of students should have equal rights and support from the government.”

She noted that if the student wants to complete his higher study in the country, then two choices are available: either Kuwait University or Abdullah Al-Salem University’. “There is a monopoly requirement when you graduate - you have to work for the university,” he pointed out. Abdullah indicated that scholarships for master’s or PhD programs abroad must be given first to people who studied in the country because others got their opportunity financially and international universities are more expensive.

Meanwhile, Yousef Abu-Ghazaleh, 26, who did his bachelor’s in London, completed his master’s easily, saying, “It was easy for me to complete my masters. I just applied and got it accepted in two weeks. If you hit the requirements, it is quite easy. I do not think it is a wise step from the government to make it hard for students who studied in the country. They should let them study abroad; they need to have the opportunity to further their studies abroad to expand their perspective. I’m a different person now because of my seven years of studying abroad. I became smarter, wiser, and globally conscious.”

Abu-Ghazaleh pointed out that students studying abroad after a bachelor degree should be provided with a scholarship in order for them to complete their studies and gain much useful knowledge and experiences. They will serve and raise their country and fulfill the country’s needs.