Zaha Hadid Foundation Debuts New Initiative Aiding Rising Architectural Talents
The Zaha Hadid Scholars Program, a prestigious scholarship initiative, has been launched in collaboration between the Zaha Hadid Foundation (ZHF) and the American University of Beirut (AUB). This program honours the legacy of Dame Zaha Hadid by supporting emerging architectural talent through full funding and additional assistance for their studies.
Key details of the program include the selection of two architecture students annually based on merit and financial need. The selected scholars will receive full funding for their entire five-year undergraduate architecture program at AUB’s Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. Beyond tuition, the program also offers additional forms of support to assist the students throughout their studies.
The program is set to commence in September 2025 and will run for at least three years, supporting two students each year during their full five-year course at AUB. The program is deeply connected to the American University of Beirut, a place with special significance for Hadid herself. She studied mathematics there between 1968 and 1969, was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2006, and designed the university’s Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, completed in 2014.
The Zaha Hadid Scholars Program is a part of the Zaha Hadid Foundation's focus on education and opportunity. The Foundation, formally launched in 2022, also advances public access to Hadid's archive and promotes architectural research, education, and enjoyment. The program is a continuation of Hadid's influence, reflecting her commitment to empowering talent from diverse backgrounds.
The Zaha Hadid Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving Hadid's work and her legacy in the field of architecture. The program is expected to provide a sustained and holistic support system for the scholars, fostering the next generation of architectural talent in the spirit of Hadid's lifelong commitment to nurturing future architects.
Through the Zaha Hadid Scholars Program, students will experience both personal growth and career development, as they receive comprehensive skills training to excel in the field of architecture. This education-and-self-development opportunity, a part of the Zaha Hadid Foundation's focus, will foster the next generation of architectural talent, reflecting Dame Zaha Hadid's commitment to empowering diversity in the field.
