Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation partner, has introduced a new merit-based scholarship for outstanding students applying for the 2027-2028 academic year.Intended for new incoming undergraduates, the merit scholarship is valued up to $40,000 per year, with up to five scholarships awarded each academic year. The funding covers tuition and may also support housing or essential academic and living expenses, subject to prior approval. The scholarship is renewable annually and based on continued academic performance.“VCUarts Qatar’s current student body reflects the calibre we want to continue attracting: intellectually curious and creatively ambitious young adults who engage in their disciplines beyond the classroom,” said Dr Caitlin Murphy, director, Recruitment and Admissions VCUarts Qatar. “Our students have the potential to drive change across diverse industries, and VCUarts Qatar equips them with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to realise that potential fully.“This scholarship expands access to a VCUarts Qatar education, enabling talented applicants to fully benefit from academic and creative opportunities that may otherwise have been beyond their reach.”Prospective students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application, as every applicant is automatically considered. Selection is based on academic and creative excellence, assessed through the applicant’s academic record, recommendation letters and a potential structured interview. Art History applicants are assessed through their essay and interview, while BFA applicants are also evaluated on the strength of their portfolio. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.30 or higher and demonstrate English proficiency through a TOEFL score of 90 or above, a Duolingo score of 130 or above, or an IELTS score of 7.0 or above.Students can apply to VCUarts Qatar’s Bachelor of Arts in Art History or Bachelor of Fine Arts programmes. BFA students begin with a one-year Art Foundation programme before choosing a major in Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting + Printmaking or Kinetic Imaging.The application process, with automatic consideration for the Merit Scholarship, is now open, with a priority deadline of November 15 and the final deadline on January 15, 2027.More details can be collected at: https://qatar.vcu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-merit-scholarship/

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has introduced a more integrated approach to student behaviour management, combining clear disciplinary procedures with prevention, counselling and early intervention under the Student Behaviour Management Policy and the preventive project “Hisn 2” for the 2026–2027 academic year. Many education, psychological and family specialists welcomed the approach, stressing that effective behaviour management should go beyond responding to misconduct after it occurs. They said schools need systems that identify early warning signs, understand the factors behind problematic behaviour and provide appropriate educational and psychological support while maintaining clear standards of discipline. The launch of Hisn 2 reflects the ministry’s wider focus on strengthening students’ psychological and social wellbeing. The project was formally launched for government schools, kindergartens and specialised schools, with more than 400 psychological and social specialists attending its launch. According to the ministry, Hisn 2 seeks to enhance psychological and social health, develop protective factors and life skills, reduce risk factors and contribute to a safe, supportive learning environment. Experts said the new policy can provide schools with a clearer and more consistent framework for handling different types of behaviour. Hussein al-Yafei, education expert, said the emphasis should be on balancing school discipline with appropriate educational support, ensuring that preventive awareness becomes part of everyday school practice rather than remaining a stand-alone programme. Education expert Rashid al-Awda al-Fadli noted that schools need to distinguish between ordinary disagreements and behaviour requiring formal intervention. He stressed that cases should be assessed individually, taking account of psychological, social and family circumstances, while disciplinary measures should be objective, gradual and proportionate. A major focus is the early identification of aggression, bullying and other harmful behaviour. Specialists also highlighted the importance of school social workers and psychologists. Their role extends from responding to incidents to monitoring behavioural changes, speaking with students, assessing family and social circumstances and coordinating with teachers and parents to develop appropriate support plans. Education expert Khalifa al-Mannai said the policy gives schools a common reference for dealing with behaviour while maintaining a balance between discipline and student support. Psychological specialists pointed to several factors that may contribute to aggressive or disruptive behaviour, including academic pressure, fear of failure, family difficulties, bullying, anxiety and challenges associated with adolescence. Dr Hussein al-Ajmi, education expert, stressed that understanding the roots of aggressive behaviour is an essential part of intervention, while Dr Asmaa Amin, psychiatrist highlighted the importance of identifying behavioural indicators early and coordinating school-based support with families. The family-school partnership was repeatedly identified as another key element. Experts called for regular communication with parents, consistent guidance between home and school, and approaches that teach students accountability, emotional regulation and constructive conflict resolution. They also stressed that teachers must be protected from verbal or physical abuse, while ensuring that students are treated with dignity and fairness.