Catching up with: Abdallah, Graduate of the Main Scholarship Program

“Thanks to the Main Scholarship, I didn’t just complete my degree; I found opportunities I never imagined.”

Abdallah, now a graduate of an HBO-ICT program with a specialization in Software Development, has just completed his studies and looks back on a journey filled with both challenges and breakthroughs. His study focused on web development, coding, and collaborative projects, key skills in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

“I chose this field because I’ve always been fascinated by how things work behind the screen,” Abdallah shares. “Software development is like learning the language of the future. It’s logical, creative, and collaborative all at once.”

A Lifeline When It Was Needed Most

Abdallah came across the Main Scholarship Program three years ago on his university’s intranet. What began as a spontaneous application turned into a defining chapter of his student life.
“At that time, my father was very ill and wasn’t able to work anymore. My mom worked part-time, but it wasn’t enough to carry everything,” he says candidly. “This scholarship didn’t just help me financially; it helped my family keep things together. It gave me the chance to focus on school without constantly worrying.”

Beyond the Financial Support: A Gateway to Growth

The program stood out from the start for more than just financial aid. “I was told there were no strings attached, but you’d get a mentor from the industry. In the beginning, I didn’t know what to expect, and our contact was a bit limited,” he admits. “But later we spoke regularly, and in the end, I even found my graduation internship at his company. The support came exactly when I needed it.”, he recalls

Highlights and Hardships

From networking with new people to real-world internships, Abdallah lists several highlights from his time in the program.

“You get thrown into a team of strangers and are expected to deliver a project in one semester. Ours involved building a talking teddy bear,” he laughs. “It was tough. We had trouble working together, got critical feedback from our teacher, but in the end, we pulled it off.”

His final presentations were equally demanding. “I’ve never had such tough questions thrown at me. Not in high school, not in college. But it made me sharper.”

Eyes on the Future

Now that he’s graduated, Abdallah is taking a moment to breathe and reflect. “I’m considering either entering the workforce or continuing my studies. This summer, I’ll weigh my options.”
Regardless of the direction he chooses, he feels confident in his foundation: “The experience, the contacts, the practical skills I’ve gained, it all adds up. I feel like I’m ready.”

Advice for Future Students

Abdallah encourages other students, especially those facing personal or financial struggles, to consider applying.

“Do it. The scholarship isn’t just about money. It opens doors, it connects you to the industry, and it gives you the confidence that someone’s got your back.”
Abdallah’s story is a powerful example of how the Main Scholarship Program, established by the Main Social Institute, is doing more than funding studies, it’s building futures. As the next generation of scholar’s step into the world of software and innovation, they do so on the shoulders of trailblazers like Abdallah, who’ve shown just how much can be achieved with the right support at the right time.

Interested in joining the next cohort of Main scholars? Keep an eye out on our website for the upcoming application round and detailed information on how to apply. New opportunities will be announced soon.