Kuwait student wins prestigious GIIS Global Citizen Scholarship, chooses to stay local
Despite turning down the offer, the achievement stands as a source of pride not just for FAIPS-DPS, but also for the broader Indian and expatriate communities in Kuwait.
In a remarkable achievement that underscores both academic excellence and holistic talent, Netraa Shah, a Grade 11 student from FAIPS–DPS, Kuwait, was awarded the prestigious Global Citizen Scholarship by the Global Indian International School (GIIS), Singapore.
The fully funded scholarship — valued at approximately ₹1 crore (INR one crore) — covers tuition, boarding, and living expenses for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) across Grades 11 and 12.
The scholarship is offered annually to a select group of outstanding students worldwide, and the selection process is known for its rigor.
Candidates undergo an academic evaluation test followed by multiple rounds of interviews assessing leadership, community involvement, and overall potential.
Out of thousands of applicants globally, only 10 students were selected, with two representing Kuwait this year.
The award recognizes Netraa Shah’s exceptional academic record as well as strong participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and a commitment to broader social impact — key values that GIIS seeks to nurture through this elite program.
However, in a thoughtful and personal decision, Netraa Shah has chosen to decline the scholarship offer and continue her education in Kuwait at FAIPS-DPS.
“This was an incredibly difficult choice,” said Netraa, reflecting on the experience. “I’m truly honored to have been selected. The process itself was transformative, and I’m grateful to my school, mentors, and family for their unwavering support.”
Despite turning down the offer, the achievement stands as a source of pride not just for FAIPS-DPS, but also for the broader Indian and expatriate communities in Kuwait.
As Netraa Shah moves forward with their studies, she remains focused on leveraging every opportunity to grow. In line with this vision, Shah also leads a youth-driven nonprofit initiative called TechBridge, which provides students with a platform and mentorship to develop innovative, impact-driven projects in technology.
Through TechBridge, she aims to empower young minds to turn their ideas into real-world solutions—nurturing a spirit of collaboration, creativity, and social change.
