3 days ago
China's Tsinghua University Launches First Scholarship Program for Moroccan, Arab Students
Marrakech – A historic scholarship program targeting Arab students, including Moroccans, was officially launched at China's prestigious Tsinghua University on Thursday, June 26.
The Hazem Ben-Gacem Scholarship Program will provide world-class educational opportunities to students from Arab League member states, strengthening Arab-Chinese relations through academic collaboration.
The launch ceremony brought together prominent ambassadors, dignitaries and university officials at Tsinghua University. This groundbreaking initiative will fund six Arab students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies at the renowned Chinese institution beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.
According to a statement from the university, Tsinghua University is recognized as one of China's top institutions, known for its excellence in technology and engineering fields. Often compared to MIT, the university was founded in 1911 and encompasses 20 faculties with 90 undergraduate programs covering a wide range of disciplines.
The university's graduates have significantly contributed to the economic, cultural, scientific, and technological development of the People's Republic and far beyond. Current Chinese President Xi Jinping is among its most distinguished alumni.
'For over a thousand years, the Arab region and China have been connected through dynamic exchanges of goods, knowledge and cultural dialogue,' said Hazem Ben-Gacem, founder and CEO of BlueFive Capital.
'By giving talented Arab students the opportunity to study at Tsinghua, a beacon of Chinese academic excellence, we hope to develop leaders who will continue this spirit of curiosity and strengthen this centuries-old cooperation,' he continued.
Professor Yang Bin, Vice-Chancellor of the Chinese university, noted that the scholarship program 'represents an important step in Tsinghua's commitment to developing international talent.'
He added, 'By welcoming these exceptional students from the Arab world, we enrich our campus intellectually and culturally, while also providing Arab students with a valuable opportunity to benefit from Tsinghua's rigorous academic environment.'
The Hazem Ben-Gacem Scholarship Program is the first of its kind specifically designated for Arab students at Tsinghua University.
The program will provide annual funding for students from Arab League member countries for five years, supporting up to fifteen students in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Hazem Ben-Gacem, who founded BlueFive Capital, previously served as co-CEO of Investcorp, the largest non-sovereign private equity firm in the Middle East, until September 2024.
Throughout his 30-year career, he has overseen more than 40 private investment deals across various regions worldwide. Ben-Gacem has funded several scholarship programs at prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Kennedy School, and Oxford University.
The Tsinghua University Education Foundation, established in 1994, was China's first university foundation created after the country's reform and opening.
Its mission is to support education development in China, improve the quality of university teaching and research, promote Tsinghua University's culture and vision, and solicit philanthropic support from domestic and international organizations and individuals.
The foundation aims to mobilize resources effectively and maintain added value, helping to strengthen Tsinghua University's position as one of the world's top universities.
It leverages the university's scientific and technological capabilities to support community initiatives and enhance social progress through education advancement. Tags: Morocco China RelationsscholarshipsTsinghua University
