AUS Sheikh Khalifa Scholarships awarded for Academic Year 2026-2027

Photo caption: Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship winners 2026-2027 receiving their Honors List certificates from Chancellor Tod Laursen. Clockwise from top left: Salma Hilal, Lovely Jamil, Brahmishtha Bhattacharjee and Hamza Ratlami

American University of Sharjah (AUS) has awarded the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year to four exceptional undergraduate students in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership potential, community service and active participation in extracurricular activities.

One of the university’s most prestigious honors for undergraduate students, the Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship is awarded through an annual two-stage competition. Before being evaluated by a university-wide committee, applications are reviewed by each college and school.

The scholarship is granted to full-time juniors and seniors holding a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and covers full tuition fees for up to 16 credit hours per semester. To maintain the award, scholars must achieve a minimum semester GPA of 3.25, maintain full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credits) and remain in good conduct standing.

“The Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship represents the pinnacle of undergraduate achievement at AUS, recognizing students who complement rigorous academic inquiry with exemplary leadership and service. Since a balanced student life is an integral part of the AUS academic experience, these four scholars exemplify the values and virtues that define our institution. We remain dedicated to supporting their journey as they develop into future leaders in their respective fields,” said Dr. Matthias Ruth, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at AUS.

The awardees for the current academic year are Salma Hilal from College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD); Lovely Jamil from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); Brahmishtha Bhattacharjee from the College of Engineering (CEN); and Hamza Ratlami from the School of Business Administration (SBA).

College of Architecture, Art and Design

Inspired by her father’s work, fifth-year architecture student Salma Hilal pursued architecture as a problem-solving discipline. Serving as President of the AUS American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and as a student Peer Leader, Hilal has expanded her horizons through interning with the UAE National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and conducting curatorial research with the Barjeel Art Foundation. Hilal also credits her success to her learning under studio professor Samar Halloum.

Looking ahead, Hilal aims to pursue a master’s degree while working in the architectural industry, focusing on multinational project management and design that creates positive social impact.

College of Arts and Sciences

Senior mathematics student Lovely Jamil had always been drawn to her field by a desire to understand the logical systems and patterns governing the natural world. Her leadership achievements include serving as President of the Indonesian Cultural Club, working as an internal coordinator for the History Club and mentoring new students through the Peer Leaders Program.

Jamil has engaged in research on digital finance and blockchain under Dr. Stephen Chan and Dr. Yuanyuan Zhang from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and presented her findings at the EcoSta 2026 conference in Kyoto, Japan. With support from Dr. Abdul Salam Jarrah, Professor and Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Jamil intends to pursue graduate studies in data science, aiming to design analytical models that improve real-world systems.

College of Engineering

Chemical engineering senior Brahmishtha Bhattacharjee is driven by a curiosity for how engineering can shape a more sustainable future. She currently serves as President of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and is a member of the Engineering Dean’s Team. An active participant in public speaking and in performing arts, Bhattacharjee has developed a strong interest in using communication as a means of connecting with and inspiring others. Beyond her academic and leadership commitments, she is actively involved through the Community Services Office and the Sharakah Office. Her journey has also been shaped by industry experience, including an internship with ADNOC. Guided by her advisor, Dr. Karnail Singh, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, and her Fem in STEM mentor, Rithika Chakravarty, Bhattacharjee continues to explore how engineering innovation can contribute to more responsible and sustainable industrial solutions. 

School of Business Administration 

Finance senior Hamza Ratlami developed a passion for ethical finance and corporate governance after authoring a research paper on the topic early in his academic career. As President of the student organization Finance Executives, he spearheaded events promoting sustainable finance. He also co-founded the History Club and the Mental Health Association, and served as Secretary General of AUS Model United Nations, leading a 300-member organizing team.

Mentored by faculty members including Dr. Mohsen Saad, Professor of Finance and Head of the Department of Finance; Dr. Osamah AlKhazali, Professor of Finance; and Dr. Yuting Wang, Head of Department and Professor of International Studies; Ratlami plans to take the CFA Level-I exam in 2027, and to pursue a master’s degree in sustainable and green finance with the aim to ultimately transition into academia.

This recognition of these four exceptional students highlights AUS’ core mission to foster an environment where academic rigor, research and leadership thrive. With such a wide variety of upcoming scholars who excel across diverse disciplines, from architecture and sustainable engineering to ethical finance and mathematical research, AUS aims to continue to cultivate the next generation of global leaders. 

To learn more about financial grants and scholarships at AUS, visit www.aus.edu/admissions/financial-grants-and-scholarships.

To learn more about student life at AUS, visit www.aus.edu/life-at-aus/student-life.