Girls for Life scholarship

The Girls for Life Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for ambitious young women seeking to develop their educational and professional skills and contribute to their communities.

The scholarship aims to empower girls through education, training, and financial support, opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise be unattainable. Through this scholarship, beneficiaries can build a promising future that reflects their ambitions and true potential.

About the Daughters for Life Scholarship

In a world increasingly recognizing the importance of education as a cornerstone of human and societal development, initiatives like the Daughters for Life Scholarship stand as beacons of hope for ambitious young women. Offered by the Canadian foundation Daughters for Life (DFL), this scholarship is more than just financial support; it’s a comprehensive vision aimed at empowering girls and young women from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by providing access to prestigious higher education opportunities.

Founded in 2012, this Canadian-registered charity is driven by the firm belief that education is the key to positive change and building a better future. The scholarship draws its name and inspiration from a powerful story, underscoring its profound mission to celebrate life and empower the next generation of female leaders.

Since its inception, Daughters for Life has supported thousands of students from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, demonstrating its commitment to promoting equality and education as a powerful tool for sustainable development. With each new cycle, the scholarship continues to expand its reach, becoming a vital option for female students seeking to study at prestigious Canadian, European, and international universities.

The Girls for Life Scholarship goes beyond simply providing financial support; it is a comprehensive program that includes mentorship, training, and capacity building, empowering students to meet global challenges and contribute effectively to their communities.

Benefits of the Girls for Life Scholarship

The Girls for Life Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive and competitive scholarship programs, offering a complete support package to empower female students. Key benefits of the scholarship include:

1. Generous and Fully Funded

• Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers full or a significant portion of tuition fees at partner universities, for both undergraduate and graduate studies.
• Living Cost Support: In many programs, students receive financial support to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, health insurance, and travel, as well as daily expenses like books and transportation. This comprehensive support significantly reduces the financial burden on students and their families.
• Discretionary Scholarship Value: In some programs, the value of a single scholarship can reach up to $50,000 CAD per year, highlighting the generous support provided.

2.Global Educational Opportunities at Prestigious Universities

• Distinguished Academic Partnerships: Daughters for Life collaborates with leading universities worldwide in North America and Europe, such as York University in Canada and KU Leuven in Belgium. These partnerships ensure students receive a high-quality education and access to advanced research facilities.
• Option to Study at Multiple Levels: The scholarship is available for various study levels, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees, allowing students to pursue their academic journeys without interruption.

3. Supporting Personal and Professional Development

• Mentorship and Leadership Programs: The scholarship extends beyond financial and academic support; it includes career mentorship programs and workshops on leadership and critical thinking, empowering students to become agents of change in their communities.
• A Strong Support Network: Students benefit from joining a broad network of alumni and female leaders, providing valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and experience sharing, and supporting their professional and personal development after graduation.

4. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

• Open scholarships to all backgrounds: The scholarship is open to female students from all ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, with a focus on developing countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.
• Support for Cultural Adaptation: The foundation provides assistance in obtaining student visas and offers the necessary support for cultural adaptation, facilitating students’ integration into their new study environment.

Available Fields of Study

The Girls for Life Scholarship covers a wide range of academic disciplines, with a general focus on fields that empower women and contribute to social and economic development. The specific fields of study available depend on the partner universities and the programs they offer in each scholarship cycle, providing flexibility and diversity for the students.

1. Bachelor’s Degree Majors
   For a bachelor’s degree, major majors often include:

• Humanities and Social Sciences such as Sociology, Psychology, Women’s Studies, Political Science, International Relations, International Studies, and Women’s Studies.
• Economics and Business Administration, particularly fields with a developmental or social focus.
• Natural Sciences and Engineering such as Computer Science, various types of Engineering (e.g., Environmental Engineering), and Applied Sciences, depending on the programs offered at partner universities.

2. Postgraduate Studies (Master’s and PhD)

For postgraduate studies, the scholarship focuses on advanced fields that serve development and justice issues, such as:

• International Law and Human Rights to enable female students to contribute to promoting justice and women’s rights.
• Public Health and Health Sciences, such as Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health, with preference given to non-clinical fields to avoid the logistical challenges associated with clinical medical studies.
• Education to prepare female teachers and educational leaders capable of developing educational systems.
• Interdisciplinary programs, such as Environmental Studies, Public Policy, and Technology, which enable female students to acquire comprehensive skills to address complex issues.
• It should be noted that there are limited exceptions for certain medical specialties, such as clinical medicine, pharmacy, and basic life sciences, where the institution prefers fields that can have a broader societal impact and align with the scholarship’s logistical framework.
• Female students are encouraged to choose a specialization that aligns with their career goals and their vision of contributing to their communities.

Admission requirements for the Girls for Life scholarship

To qualify for the Girls for Life Scholarship, applicants must meet a set of rigorous requirements that reflect the foundation’s commitment to supporting ambitious girls with high academic potential and challenging backgrounds. These requirements are essential to ensure that the most deserving students, aligned with the scholarship’s vision, are selected.

1. Target Group: The scholarship is exclusively for female students.
2. Citizenship and Residency: Applicants must be citizens and current residents of a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) country. These countries typically include Palestine, Morocco, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
3. Residency Requirements: Preference will be given to applicants who have lived in these countries for most of their lives and can provide proof of current residency. Applicants with dual citizenship or permanent residency outside the region are generally not considered.
4. Academic Grade Point Average: The scholarship requires a strong academic record. For undergraduate studies, a high school GPA of at least 75% to 80%, or its equivalent, is required. For Master’s programs, a Bachelor’s degree with a good cumulative GPA (3.0/4.0 or higher) is required, while for PhD programs, prior research experience is required.
5. English Proficiency: Proficiency in English is essential. Applicants must submit scores from recognized tests such as TOEFL (minimum 80), IELTS Academic (with an overall average of at least 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in each section), or Cambridge English (at least B2 level and 176 points).
6. Financial Need: Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need, showing that they cannot cover the costs of studying abroad without the scholarship. Priority will be given to applicants from low-income families.
7. Resilience: The scholarship seeks applicants with a proven track record of academic achievement despite challenging economic, social, or political circumstances.
8. Leadership and Empathy: Applicants should possess leadership qualities, empathy, and a strong desire to make a positive impact on their communities. Commitment to Return and Community .
9. Service: Participants are required to commit to returning to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to the development of their communities, particularly in areas such as women’s issues, education, and health.
10. Adherence to Rules: Participants must adhere to the institution’s policies, including maintaining a good academic standing throughout their studies.

Documents required for the Girls for Life scholarship

To successfully complete a Daughters for Life scholarship application, applicants must prepare and submit a precise set of documents. Details vary slightly from year to year, but the general framework of required documents typically includes the following:

• The online scholarship application form must be completed carefully in English, ensuring consistency in all answers. This form includes questions about personal background, academic goals, and community contributions.
• Financial Needs Analysis Form: This form requires detailed information about the student’s and her family’s financial situation, including income and expense data, to demonstrate the need for financial support.
• Certificates and transcripts:
  • High school diploma with transcript for applicants for bachelor’s degrees.
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate with transcript for applicants for Master’s or postgraduate studies.

• These documents must be official, and translated into English if they are not already.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed and up-to-date resume that outlines educational background, training courses, volunteer or work experience, skills, and achievements.
• Motivation letter: A personal essay of at least 500 words, in which the applicant explains:
  • Why did she choose this particular major and university?
  • How does she plan to use her education to serve her community and country after graduation?
  • Her personal story, her challenges, and how she will benefit from the scholarship.
• Letters of recommendation: Typically, at least two letters are required: one academic letter from a teacher or university professor, and another from a community organization, such as a volunteer group, civil society organization, or a well-known figure connected to the student’s activities. The letters must be on official letterhead, signed, and sent directly from the recommender to the institution.
• Proof of English proficiency: An official certificate of IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or equivalent test, meeting the minimum required level.
• A clear copy of the passport or national identity card.
• Official personal photo (if requested).
• Short video: In some courses, a short video (2-3 minutes) may be required in which the applicant expresses her motivations and ambitions.

All files must be specifically named (e.g., “Student_Name_High_School_Certificate.pdf”) and uploaded via the online platform or sent to the designated email address, such as application@daughtersforlife.com . Incomplete or non-compliant documents may result in application rejection; therefore, it is strongly advised to carefully review all requirements before submission.

Steps to apply for the Girls for Life scholarship

Applying for the Girls for Life scholarship requires a structured process and careful follow-up to ensure the application is complete and increases the chances of acceptance. The basic application steps include the following:

Phase One: Preparation and Self-Assessment

• Visit the official website of Daughters for Life ( daughtersforlife.com ) and carefully review all the updated eligibility requirements, including nationality, residency, academic GPA, and English language requirements.
• Make sure that the application period is open for the current session, as it usually starts in September and ends in March for the following session.
• If you have not obtained a certificate of English proficiency, book an appointment for tests such as IELTS or TOEFL well in advance of the application deadline.
• Work towards achieving the required score or higher, as an incomplete language requirement may significantly weaken the application.

Phase Two: Collecting and Preparing Documents

• Extracting official copies of all previous academic certificates and transcripts (high school for bachelor’s, bachelor’s for master’s), with their translation into English if necessary.
• Preparing a professional and detailed CV.
• Obtain a copy of your passport or national identity card.
• Crafting a strong and persuasive statement of purpose that highlights the student’s story, achievements, vision for the future, and how she will contribute to her community.
• Request letters of recommendation from professors or previous supervisors early on, and make sure they are written on official letterhead, signed, and sent directly to the institution.
• Prepare a financial needs analysis form, along with any supporting documents for the financial situation.

Phase Three: Actual Submission

• Apply via the official online scholarship application form on the website. The form must be completed carefully and accurately in English.
• Upload all required documents in the specified formats (usually PDF), with the files named correctly.
• Submit the application before the specified deadline, and ensure that all parts are complete before final dispatch.
• In parallel with the scholarship application, the applicant must submit applications for admission to the partner universities where she wishes to study.
• Adherence to the application deadlines and requirements of each university, which may differ from the scholarship deadlines.
• Receiving an offer of acceptance (even if conditional) from one of these universities greatly strengthens the scholarship application.

Phase Four: Evaluation and Follow-up Process

• Review of initial applications: (usually between November and January) to verify that the files are complete and meet the basic requirements.
• Interviews: Applicants may be invited for virtual interviews (usually in February and March) to assess their readiness, language skills, and personalities. Subsequent interviews may include representatives from partner universities.
• Final approval: (usually between April and May) The final decision is made by the grant committee and the partner university.
• After receiving final acceptance, the student begins the visa procedures, travel arrangements, and coordination with the university regarding accommodation and registration.
• The entire process usually takes 4-6 months, with results announced around June.

Frequently asked questions about the Girls for Life scholarship

1.Who are the target groups for the Bmat for Life grant?

The scholarship is exclusively for girls who are citizens or residents of Middle Eastern and North African countries, with a focus on financial need and outstanding academic performance.

2.Does the Girls for Life scholarship cover all costs (full scholarship)?

Yes, the scholarship is described as fully or strongly funded, covering full tuition fees, plus support for living costs (housing, food, travel, health insurance, and personal expenses) in most cases, but the exact level of coverage may vary depending on the university and program.

3.Is it possible to apply for scientific or medical specialties?

Yes, you can apply to multiple disciplines including health and medical sciences (with preference given to non-clinical fields), social sciences, humanities, economics and engineering, provided that the discipline is available within the partner universities.

4.Can a student with dual citizenship or who lives outside the region apply?

The criteria stipulate that the student must be a citizen and currently residing in a country in the Middle East and North Africa. Students with dual citizenship or permanent residency outside the region may not be eligible to apply.

5.What is the minimum required academic GPA?

The institution requires a minimum grade of 75% to 80% or its equivalent in the previous qualification, with a focus on students with strong academic performance.

6.Does the scholarship require returning to the country after graduation?

Yes, one of the basic conditions is the commitment to return to the home country after completing the studies, with the aim of employing the acquired experiences in the service of the community and local development.

7.What is the importance of volunteer work or community service in the evaluation?

The committee gives great importance to female students who have shown active participation in community service, volunteer initiatives, or leadership, as it considers this an indicator of their future ability to make a real difference.

8.What level of English proficiency is required?

The minimum requirement depends on the requirements of the partner universities, but examples include a minimum TOEFL iBT of 80, an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 (and 6.0 in each skill), or a minimum Cambridge English B2 score of 176.

9.When is the application deadline?

The dates vary from year to year, but they typically begin in September and end in March of the following year. You should check the official website for the exact dates for each course.

10.What increases the chances of acceptance into the scholarship program?

Increases the chances of acceptance: a high academic average, a good score on an English language test, a personal story reflecting resilience and achievement despite difficulties, clear experience in volunteer or community work (especially related to women or education), a strong and convincing motivation letter, and complete and error-free documents sent before the deadline.

The Girls for Life Scholarship embodies a pioneering model for promoting education and empowering women in the Middle East and North Africa region. It is not merely a financial grant, but a transformative pathway that enables girls to build academic and professional careers that positively and sustainably impact their communities. Those selected for this scholarship bear the responsibility of representing the region’s girls at the world’s most prestigious universities, then returning home enriched with knowledge, experience, and vision to become voices for change, leaders in development, and role models for future generations.

Through its comprehensive support and unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, this scholarship opens doors of hope for a new generation of ambitious female leaders, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and vision necessary to build a better world. The success stories that have emerged from this scholarship are a powerful testament to the power of education and its pivotal role in achieving dreams and overcoming challenges.

If you see in yourself the passion for learning, the ability to achieve despite circumstances, and the sincere desire to serve your community after graduation, then applying for the Girls for Life scholarship may be one of the most important decisions in your academic and professional life, and a real step towards a future that you create yourself and through which you contribute to creating a better future for others as well.