The United Arab Emirates through it’s Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD) has come up with new criteria for students seeking to study overseas.
In a bid to enhance employment prospects for future graduates, the gulf nation has taken steps to regulate international scholarship options in accordance with the UAE’s aspirations, national plans, priority sectors, and future developments, supporting optimal investment in Emirati talents.
Steps Taken by UAE
in a bid to elevate the higher education experience of UAE citizens abroad, the emirate seeks to guide students toward accredited and high-quality academic institutions and specialisations globally.
As part of this initiative, students wishing to enrol in a higher education institution outside the UAE are now required to only study at institutions recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in accordance with the following approved classifications and standards:
The institution must be ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide in the intended field of study, regardless of overall ranking or country, according to the Ministry’s approved international rankings, or if studying in the United States or Australia, the institution must be ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in the intended field of study, and among the top 100 universities overall, according to the Ministry’s approved international rankings.
If studying in any other English-speaking country (excluding the USA and Australia), the institution must be ranked among the world’s top 200 universities in the intended field and among the top 200 universities overall, according to the Ministry’s approved international rankings, or if studying in a non-English-speaking country, the institution must be ranked among the world’s top 300 universities in the intended field and among the top 300 universities overall, according to the Ministry’s approved international rankings.
Non-compliance to these guidelines may lead to qualifications obtained from such institutions not being acknowledged for purposes such as employment, promotion, study leave, exam leave, thesis discussion, or eligibility for qualification-related benefits within the federal government sector in the UAE.
Emirati students currently pursuing their studies abroad, whether self-funded or sponsored by a scholarship entity, will now be granted a one-year grace period to adjust their academic status.
Significance of New Rules
This is part of a broader set of policies and initiatives being developed by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council in coordination with relevant entities to enhance the quality of higher education, strengthen accreditation recognition system, and support Emirati students both within and outside the UAE.
This is to ensure emirati students are equipped with the skills, capabilities, and knowledge that align with the UAE’s aspirations and reflects its vision for the future.
