In celebration of its 19^th anniversary, Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation (QHSF) announced the names of the recipients of its scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year, bringing the total number of scholarships awarded since its establishment in 2007 to over 225 across more than 36 academic disciplines and over 65 top-tier global universities.

Monday, June 23, 2025

InIn celebration of its 19^th anniversary, Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation (QHSF) announced the names of the recipients of its scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year, bringing the total number of scholarships awarded since its establishment in 2007 to over 225 across more than 36 academic disciplines and over 65 top-tier global universities. The Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in empowering talented Egyptian youth to compete on a global scale, especially as the higher education landscape undergoes rapid transformation and demand grows for multidisciplinary skill sets. As one of the largest privately funded postgraduate scholarship initiatives in Egypt, the foundation enables outstanding students to pursue master's degrees at leading international institutions. This effort is further supported by the Egyptian Refining Company—Qalaa Holdings’ largest investment in the energy sector—as part of its unwavering commitment to education, human capital development, and long-term sustainable growth.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including H.E. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, and Former Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Mohamed El-Akkaby, Official Spokesperson and Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for Strategic Communication and Media, and Dr. Shaimaa Mahmoud Naeem, Director General of the Strategy Department at the National Council for Women.

Qalaa Holdings was strongly represented by senior leadership, including Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Chairman and Founder; Hisham El-Khazindar, Co-Founder and Managing Director; and Ghada Hammouda, Group Chief Sustainability and Marketing Officer. Members of the QHSF Board of Trustees were also present, including Eng. Mohamed Aly El-Hamamsy, Vice Chairman, Marianne Ghali, Treasurer, Dr. Hany Sarie-ElDin, member, and Yasmine El-Dorghamy, Executive Director of the Foundation. Representatives of the Egyptian Refining Company also joined, including Aliaa Heikal, Chief Financial Officer, and Hany Ismail, Head of Corporate Community Relations, along with other senior executives.

This year, 10 exceptional students were awarded scholarships across 8 fields of study: Law, International Trade, Economics, Public Policy, Artificial Intelligence, Railway Safety and Control Systems, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and Computer Science. The recipients were selected following a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process that included in-depth academic assessments and structured interviews aimed at gauging their technical knowledge, personal attributes, and leadership potential. The selection also involved a comprehensive review of academic records, professional résumés, and alignment with the Foundation’s eligibility criteria—demonstrating not only their academic distinction but also a strong commitment to research and sustainable impact in their respective fields.

This year marks the inclusion of a new discipline, Artificial Intelligence, among the awarded fields, underscoring the Foundation’s responsiveness to emerging global trends. With this addition, the number of students supported in STEM-related fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has reached 48, including 29 young women. This reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to fostering inclusive access to world-class education, empowering talent from diverse regions and socio-economic backgrounds, and advancing gender balance in high-impact, future-oriented sectors.

H.E. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, and former Minister of Social Solidarity, praised the QHSF for its enduring commitment to human capital development, saying: “I deeply value QHSF’s continued investment in education, especially amid today’s significant macroeconomic challenges—underscoring the Foundation’s long-term vision and resilience. It is easy to launch initiatives, but it is the ability to sustain them over time that demonstrates true impact and long-term vision.”

Addressing the scholars, She Added: “In an increasingly complex and uncertain world—marked by political, economic, social, and moral challenges—resilience is no longer a virtue; it is a necessity for individuals, institutions, and nations alike. To navigate today’s pressures, I urge you to embrace three core principles: commit to lifelong learning, draw strength from your religious conviction and the belief that God is always with you, and, above all, take pride in your Egyptian heritage—a civilization that has long stood for justice, equity, and human dignity.”

Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Chairman and Founder of Qalaa Holdings, expressed his pride in the scholarship recipients who have transformed global learning opportunities into meaningful contributions to Egypt’s economic and social development, stating: “Education is not a privilege—it is an urgent necessity, particularly in today’s fast-evolving world and amid growing geopolitical complexity. We believe that no nation can achieve real progress without high-quality education. In line with this belief, the QHSF reflects a robust and sustainable model that offers real opportunities for learning, growth, and development. At QHSF, we don’t simply grant scholarships—we invest in future leaders capable of driving impactful change and building lasting success stories. The Foundation’s continuity and sustainability are key to its impact, and reaching over 225 scholars to date—despite global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic pressures—is a testament to our long-term commitment.”

He added: “Looking at the Chinese example—with more than 279,000 Chinese students currently studying in the United States—we see how strategic investment in education can fuel national advancement. I urge each of you to make the most of this opportunity. Your academic journey is just the starting point. The real value lies in how you give back—by applying what you’ve learned, creating opportunities for others, and contributing to a sustainable cycle of impact. That is the essence of true sustainability: creating momentum that endures and multiplies across generations.”

Hisham El-Khazindar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Qalaa Holdings, expressed his pride in the continued success of the Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation, emphasizing: “We firmly believe that investing in human capital is not only a cornerstone of sustainable development—it is the engine of long-term economic growth and the pathway to a more inclusive and innovative society. The idea behind the Foundation was born from our conviction that promising Egyptian youth deserve the same transformative educational opportunities abroad we once benefited from—experiences that foster global perspective, critical thinking, and a lifelong commitment to contributing to one’s country. It's not just about academic success—it’s about broadening perspectives, adopting new ways of thinking, and preparing a generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers capable of driving meaningful change.”

He Add: “The many success stories among our scholars are a testament to the Foundation’s sustained impact. To all current recipients, I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity—embrace it fully, forge meaningful networks, and carry this experience with you into every stage of your life and career. I encourage you to stay connected to the Foundation and committed to multiplying this opportunity for others. True, sustainable impact is measured not just by personal advancement, but by your role in fostering inclusive growth and strengthening the human capital foundation of our society.”

Dr. Mohamed El-Okaby, Official Spokesperson and Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for Strategic Communication and Media, commended QHSF, stating:
“At the Ministry of Social Solidarity, we take great pride in the outstanding work of QHSF and its impactful role in supporting academic excellence. It stands as a model of how civil society can play a pivotal role—alongside the public and private sectors—in shaping a resilient and inclusive future. The Foundation’s work reflects the power of cross-sector collaboration, and its commitment to human capital development embodies the very essence of sustainability: investing in people to unlock long-term national potential.

He Added: “This year carries particular significance, as it marks the 200^th anniversary of Egypt’s first educational mission abroad—an historic milestone that reminds us of iconic figures like Rifa’a Al-Tahtawi and Nobel Laureate Dr. Ahmed Zewail, who left a lasting legacy through science and service. Today, our scholars follow in their footsteps. With access to world-class education, they are now entrusted with carrying the torch—giving back not only through knowledge, but through purpose, commitment, and a deep sense of social responsibility.”

Ambassador Hussein El-Khazindar, Chairman of the QHSF Board of Trustees, stated: “The true strength of this Foundation lies in the clarity of its vision and the depth of its mission. Over the past 19 years, we’ve built enduring bridges between Egypt and leading global institutions, graduating highly capable individuals who remain rooted in their commitment to national development. Our aim is not only to continue this legacy but to expand it, making the program more inclusive and responsive to the needs of a rapidly evolving global workforce.”

He added, “We are committed to advancing this journey by making our scholarships more inclusive and responsive to the evolving demands of the global job market. Our goal is to build more bridges and expand the horizons of Egyptian youth—paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.”

Yasmin El-Dorghamy, Executive Director of the QHSF, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding the breadth of scholarship disciplines, stating: “Our vision is to support Egyptian talent across the full spectrum of fields—from the humanities to cutting-edge digital innovation. What we offer goes beyond financial assistance; we provide mentorship and support throughout the entire journey, from university acceptance to their return home.”

She added, “Since our inception, we have made it a priority to diversify the areas of study we support. This year, we introduced scholarships in Artificial Intelligence, one of the most transformative and rapidly evolving fields, underscoring our commitment to staying ahead of global trends and empowering future-focused disciplines that will shape tomorrow’s world.”

Mohamed Saad, President of the Egyptian Refining Company (ERC), stated: “We are proud to continue supporting this transformative initiative for the eighth consecutive year. Education is a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable development, and the QHSF has consistently demonstrated its ability to create real impact, empowering individuals and communities to shape their own futures. This aligns closely with ERC’s vision of investing in people as catalysts for meaningful, long-term change.”

Ghada Hammouda, Chief Sustainability and Marketing Officer at Qalaa Holdings, stated: “Egypt’s youth are its greatest resource and competitive advantage. Preparing them for the future—through knowledge, exposure, and values—is not just a strategic priority; it’s the pathway to a more resilient and inclusive economy. As global dynamics evolve rapidly, equipping young people with critical skills and the capacity to lead with purpose becomes all the more essential.”

She continued: “At QHSF, we have always believed that the future is shaped by the choices we make today. Since 2007, as the first private-sector initiative of its kind in Egypt, the Foundation has worked to democratize access to world-class education. We’ve also integrated fields like AI, FinTech, STEM, and Sustainable Development into our offerings, while embedding values of responsible citizenship to ensure our graduates are not just educated but also prepared to lead transformation at home and abroad.”

The sustained success of QHSF over the past 19 years is a testament to the vision and enduring commitment of its founders, the sound governance of its independent Board of Trustees, and Qalaa Holdings’ provision of sustainable funding since inception. These pillars, combined with a clear focus on inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunity, have enabled the Foundation to reach more than 15 governorates across Egypt. Notably, 46% of scholarship recipients are women—demonstrating strong progress toward gender equity.

Applicants must be Egyptian citizens residing in Egypt, under the age of 35 at the time of application, and must have received unconditional acceptance from a globally recognized university in their chosen field. They must also demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need—criteria that have become even more vital as international students face shifting employment landscapes and limited access to short-term internships abroad. In this context, long-term, mission-driven scholarships like those offered by QHSF provide a future-focused gateway to education and global competitiveness.

QHSF remains the cornerstone of Qalaa Holdings’ human capital strategy and a key pillar of its integrated community development approach. This strategy is built around five pillars: advancing education, developing talent, economically empowering youth and women, creating sustainable income-generating opportunities, and fostering inclusion for people with disabilities. Together, these efforts contribute directly to Egypt’s national development priorities and support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Qalaa Holdings’ community development strategy also includes support for women’s empowerment and the inclusion of people with disabilities through initiatives such as Tamkeen and Takaful, implemented by the Egyptian Refining Company. Tamkeen supports women’s economic participation through training and assistance in launching small enterprises that provide them with dignified livelihoods. Takaful focuses on integrating people with disabilities into society and the labor market.

Its worth noting that as part of its long-standing commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, Qalaa Holdings adopts a holistic approach to education—investing across the full learning journey to help build a resilient and future-ready society. Through the efforts of the Egyptian Refining Company, the company supports early childhood and primary education with initiatives such as “Mostakbaly for Teachers” in collaboration with the American University in Cairo, as well as the “Nadarty” vision program and student support schemes that ensure access and continuity in learning.

Qalaa’s impact extends to university-level education through the “Mostakbaly for Students” program and the Qalaa Financial Services Center at AUC—bringing the total number of beneficiaries to more than 59,400 individuals across different education stages. The company also invests in technical education and workforce development through partnerships with institutions like Don Bosco and ASEC Academy.

At the heart of this education ecosystem stands the Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation (QHSF)—the company’s flagship initiative—offering outstanding students the opportunity to pursue world-class postgraduate education in Egypt and abroad. Together, these programs reflect Qalaa’s belief that unlocking human potential is the most powerful driver of sustainable growth and long-term national prosperity.

Founded in 2007, the Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation (QHSF) is the first fully private-sector-funded initiative in Egypt dedicated to supporting graduate education. To date, it has awarded over 225 scholarships to outstanding Egyptian students at more than 65 of the world’s leading universities. The Foundation continues to serve as a cornerstone of Qalaa Holdings’ corporate responsibility strategy, focused on building human capital, expanding opportunity, inspiring hope, and shaping a new generation of future Egyptian leaders.

QHSF Class of 2025\2026