Empowering Exceptional Talent

Our Scholarship Programme for Gifted & Talented Students

#sunmarkefellows

sunmarke fellows

Recognising Talent. Shaping Futures.

At Sunmarke, we believe exceptional talent deserves recognition, opportunity and the right environment to flourish. The Sunmarke Fellows Scholarship Programme celebrates students who demonstrate outstanding ability, dedication and potential across a range of disciplines.

Through personalised support, expert mentorship and access to enriched learning experiences, our scholars are encouraged to challenge themselves, deepen their
passions and pursue ambitious pathways. Whether in academics, sport, the arts or innovation, Sunmarke Fellows are inspired to lead, create and make a meaningful impact within our school community and beyond.

Explore the different types of scholarships offered at Sunmarke.

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Awarded to high-achieving students with exceptional academic records, strong critical thinking skills, and ambitions to join top global universities.

Sports Scholarship

For students who demonstrate outstanding skill, dedication, and achievement in competitive sports at school, club, or national level.

Performing & Creative Arts Scholarship

This scholarship supports talented students in the performing and/or visual arts including drama, music, dance, and visual art who show creative excellence and commitment to their craft.

Innovation & Future Readiness Scholarship

For students with demonstrated interest and potential in emerging fields such as AI, sustainability, entrepreneurship, or innovation those ready to shape the future.

The Founder’s Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional potential in any one area – or across a combination of academics, leadership, innovation, community impact, or personal achievement. It’s designed for individuals whose unique strengths and contributions set them apart.

HEAR FROM OUR SCHOLARS

Introducing the Sunmarke Scholarship Programme

Fortes Music Scholarship Programme

Fortes Academic Scholarship Programme

Fortes Sports Scholarship Programme

Fortes Academic Scholarship Programme

Fuel Your Passion, Fund Your Ambition.

From the sports field to the science lab, we provide the resources and financial support to help gifted students shine. Secure your place among Dubai’s brightest minds.

Start Your Journey

Programme Details & Eligibility

Scholarship FAQs

What are the available Scholarship Categories?

Currently, our Fortes Schools are offering the following scholarship categories:

Academic Excellence Scholarship
Awarded to high-achieving students with exceptional academic records, strong critical thinking skills, and ambitions to join top global universities.
Sports Scholarship
For students who demonstrate outstanding skill, dedication, and achievement in competitive sports at school, club, or national level.
Performing & Creative Arts Scholarship
This scholarship supports talented students in the performing and/or visual arts — including drama, music, dance, and visual art — who show creative excellence and commitment to their craft.
Innovation & Future Readiness Scholarship
For students with demonstrated interest and potential in emerging fields such as AI, sustainability, entrepreneurship, or innovation – those ready to shape the future.
Founder’s Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional potential in any one area – or across a combination of academics, leadership, innovation, community impact, or personal achievement. It’s designed for individuals whose unique strengths and contributions set them apart.

What are the Scholarship Criteria?

Do keep the following documents ready before you fill in the application form:

Criteria for All Scholarships

2 references
3 Essay questions

Personal statement (< 500 words)
Scholarship question (<500 words)
Leadership essay (< 500 words)

Video presentation (< 7 mins) Video must have:

Introduction to yourself
Why do you deserve this scholarship?

Additional Criteria for Academic Excellence Scholarship

CAT score = or > 133
For students applying for Year 10, 11 and 13: GL Data in Y9 and Y10 to be Stanine 8 or above in English, Maths and or Science
For students applying for Year 12: 10 or more GCSEs taken with scores of 7-9’s or A to A*

Additional Criteria for Sports Scholarships

The student should have achieved national/international sporting representative honours in at least 1 of the following sports – Football, Swimming, Basketball, Cricket, Netball, Golf, Rugby, Volleyball, Athletics, Tennis. Valid for the last 2 years or any notable awards received.

Additional Criteria for Performing & Creative Arts Scholarship

Grade 6 (or above) in at least one instrument or voice, through Trinity or ABRSM, achieved within the last 3 years (3 Minute Performance Video)
Video evidence of a solo live performance outside school
A portfolio with evidence of exhibition (internal and/or external)

Additional Criteria for Innovation & Future Readiness Scholarship

Portfolio and evidence of having a future skill. The skill can be related to Coding, Crypto, Social Work, Robotics, etc.
Certifications/endorsements required.

Additional Criteria for Founder’s Scholarship

Recognition in areas such as sports, arts, STEAM, or other exceptional accomplishments.
Proven leadership skills through school or community involvement, extracurricular activities, or innovative projects.
Consistently high performance across subjects, demonstrating strong intellectual ability and a passion for learning.

What do we expect from a scholar?

We would like to set expectations with the scholar on performance during the scholarship year. This is essential for the Scholarship Performance Review.

For All Scholars

Consistent commitment to growth and development
Active participation in internal and external activities. For example, the World Scholar’s Cup, MUN, TEDx, Duke of Edinburgh, Internships, social work among others
To act as a brand ambassador of the school across all platforms. For example, social media, PR, videos, etc.

For Academic Excellence Scholarship

To be in the 95 percentile of their Year Group (for Year 10 and 12)
To achieve Level 7-9 in all their GCSE subjects (for Year 11)

For Sports Scholars

Maintain national/international representation in the sport or participate and represent the school in a notable tournament
To be in the 70 percentile of their Year Group (for Year 10 and 12)
To achieve Level 6-9 in all their GCSE subjects (for Year 11)

For Performing & Creative Arts Scholarship

Participate in school showcases (concerts, musicals, productions)
Contribute to bands, choirs, ensembles
Be in the top 75 percent of their year group (Years 10 and 12)
For GCSE Art, Music and Drama related subjects: achieve A or grades 8 to 9*
Maintain a strong portfolio and evidence of external exhibition (where relevant)

For Innovation & Future Readiness Scholarship

Maintain an exceptional portfolio of future skill
To be in the 80 percentile of their Year Group (for Year 10 and 12)
To achieve Level 7-9 in all their GCSE subjects (for Year 11)

For Founder’s Scholarship

Show initiative, inspire peers, and take responsibility in school and community activities.
Consistently demonstrate strong academic performance and a love for learning.
Contribute positively to the school and wider community through service and participation.
Work effectively with others, valuing diverse perspectives and ideas.

What will we offer?

Our Fortes School will create an environment conducive for a scholar’s growth. A Fortes School will:

For All Scholars

Ensure that the student receives guidance to develop a strong character and become a well-rounded individual
Ensure the student has adequate support to perform academically
Ensure opportunities to explore leadership positions within the Student Leadership Team
Ensure opportunities to participate in activities outside the curriculum

For Academic Excellence Scholars

Provide an environment that encourages the student to achieve the highest academic standards

For Sports Scholars

Provide an environment that ensures the student is able to maintain and improve performance
Ensure that the student has access to facilities to practise and improve skills

For Performing & Creative Arts Scholars

Provide an environment that ensures the student is able to maintain and improve performance
Ensure that the student has access to facilities to practise and improve skills
Provide an environment that ensures the student is able to maintain and improve performance
Ensure that the student has access to facilities to practise and improve skills

For Innovation & Future Readiness Scholars

Provide an environment that encourages the student to achieve the highest academic standards
Ensure that the student receives opportunities to meet mentors in the field of interest

Students from which Year Groups are eligible for a Scholarship?

Students in Year 9 (British Curriculum) or equivalent in other curriculums applying for Year 10 and upwards are eligible for scholarships.

Where to apply for the Fortes Scholarship Programme?

New Student to the School

After filling out the Admission Application Form
Complete the admission application form to Fortes School. At the end of the application form, select the button to ‘Apply for Scholarship’. You will be directed to the Scholarship Form.
Request for the Scholarship Form
You can also request for the Scholarship Form from the admissions team, who will send you a unique link. However, the Application Form is mandatory in this case as well.

Sunmarke Student

You may apply for the scholarship via the VLE where you will find a link to the Scholarship Application Form. Click here to log in.

What to expect after submitting the Scholarship Form?

Application Review: Your application will be reviewed by our Academic Panel.
Audition: Should you get shortlisted, you will be invited to the school for an audition.
Interview: If you make it as a finalist, you will be invited for an interview with the Principal of the school.

Finally, your application will be assessed and successful applicants could receive a partial scholarship on the annual fees.

Is the Scholarship only for the Year of admission or all subsequent years?

A scholarship is renewable yearly between Year 10 and Year 13. The student’s scholarship continuation is subject to a termly Panel Review that showcases his/her participation, growth and development.