UAE introduces new scholarship rules for Emiratis focused on leading global universities and priority sectors

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented updated regulations governing the issuance of scholarships for Emirati students. These new standards place increased emphasis on the global standing of universities, strategic fields of study, and academic performance, as the country seeks to more closely link foreign education with the needs of the future labor market.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research issued Ministerial Decree No. (179) of 2026. This document establishes a new regulatory framework covering eligibility requirements for receiving a scholarship, the selection process, student obligations, and the management of the scholarships themselves.

The decree updates the criteria for selecting educational institutions and fields of study for scholarships. The goal of these changes is to strengthen governance, increase the efficiency of public spending, and ensure that national talents are directed toward areas deemed critical for the UAE's further development.

Under the new system, the ministry has approved current lists of educational institutions and fields based on internationally recognized rankings. Universities must generally meet both subject-specific and general ranking requirements, with thresholds varying depending on the institution's country of location.

One of the main ways to qualify for a scholarship is the requirement that the institution be in the top 50 globally for the relevant specialty, regardless of its overall rank. For universities in the USA and Australia, there is an alternative option: they can apply if they are in the top 100 worldwide in the profile discipline and in the top 100 in the overall ranking.

For educational institutions in other English-speaking countries besides the USA and Australia, the established threshold is top 200 in the profile area and in the overall ranking. For universities in non-English speaking countries, the corresponding threshold is raised to top 300 in both the profile field and the overall ranking.

The new approach means that the university's reputation in the discipline chosen by the student will play a significant role in determining their eligibility for the scholarship. However, selection is not based solely on the university's ranking; candidates will be assessed comparatively, taking into account their academic achievements, the quality of the institution, the priority of the chosen field, and the type of admission.

The decree defines a group of priority disciplines related to the strategic sectors of the UAE economy. These include energy, transport and logistics, technology and engineering, healthcare, water resources and environment, creative industries, science, and finance. Students enrolling in these fields will receive preference, as the scholarship system increasingly synchronizes with national economic and knowledge development priorities.

The ministry has also established priority categories in the scholarship selection process. These include children of deceased individuals, beneficiaries of social support programs, and students residing in remote areas. Their applications will be considered alongside the established academic and institutional criteria, rather than outside the general selection system.

The ministry emphasized that this methodology was developed to ensure fairness and equal opportunities while directing scholarships to qualified Emirati students and nationally important fields.

The decree also details the rights and obligations of scholarship recipients, including the necessity of maintaining satisfactory academic progress, upholding the reputation of the UAE, and disclosing information about receiving other scholarships or benefits. Students are required to notify the ministry of any changes that may affect their academic path.

In addition to academic oversight, the new structure aims to expand students' opportunities to gain practical and professional experience while studying abroad. The ministry is working to establish partnerships with leading universities, research organizations, and labor market structures in the scholarship destination countries. These partnerships are intended to create more opportunities for learning, research, innovation, talent development, and potential early employment.

Subject to approval, students may also take courses at another institution as part of a joint academic program, cooperation agreement, or exchange program if it contributes to increasing academic value.

The decree contains rules regarding the deferral, suspension, resumption, or extension of scholarships, as well as their cancellation when necessary. It also sets out provisions for distance learning and circumstances that may lead to warnings or suspension.

The ministry's missions and offices for foreign education, science, and technology will continue to oversee the academic, administrative, and financial affairs of students, providing them with support throughout the scholarship period. Ultimately, the new system aims to make the UAE scholarship program more targeted, transparent, and closely aligned with the country's future skill requirements—with a greater focus on where students study, what they study, and how their education can contribute to the national economy.