UAE Sets New Criteria for Emirati Students Studying Abroad

• UAE sets new criteria for Emiratis studying abroad to align with national goals.
• Non-compliant degrees risk rejection for official recognition.
• A special committee was formed to fairly review exemption requests.

Following the UAE's strategic aim to improve the quality and results of higher education and human development, while aligning these outcomes with national development objectives and market demands, the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council (EHCD) has ratified a series of criteria for Emirati students seeking higher education abroad.

The standards are designed to improve students' skills and preparedness for the workforce, while also governing international scholarship opportunities in line with the UAE's goals, national strategies, key sectors, and upcoming advancements, thus fostering the best investment in Emirati talents.

This initiative seeks to enable students to make informed choices based on transparent standards that guarantee the quality of chosen programs and educational institutions. It also seeks to enhance the value of the qualifications they obtain, supporting their future career opportunities both within the UAE and abroad.

These criteria are derived from a clear vision to elevate the higher education experience abroad by guiding students toward accredited and high-quality academic institutions and specializations.

The Council emphasised the significance of following the outlined criteria to avoid non-acknowledgment of qualifications earned abroad. Non-compliance may result in these qualifications not being recognized for reasons such as job opportunities, promotions, study leave, exam leave, thesis discussions, or eligibility-related benefits within the federal government sector in the UAE.

To maintain a clear and equitable method, considering exceptional situations, Emirati students studying overseas, whether they are self-financed or supported by a scholarship organization, will receive a one-year grace period from the effective date of this decision to modify their academic standing.

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A dedicated committee, led by the General Secretariat of the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, has been formed to evaluate exemption requests.

The committee will evaluate these requests using specific criteria that take into account the specialization, the educational institution, and the unique circumstances of each case, to promote the students' best interests and improve their educational and career prospects.

The Council directs students and the concerned parties to directly contact the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for questions regarding the established criteria and the procedure for submitting exemption applications.

This mechanism is a component of a larger array of policies and initiatives being formulated by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council in collaboration with pertinent organizations.  These initiatives aim to improve the standard of higher education, bolster the accreditation recognition framework, and assist Emirati students both domestically and abroad.

These initiatives aid in strengthening Emirati talents, enhancing human capital, and cultivating generations with the skills, abilities, and knowledge that correspond to the UAE's goals and embody its vision for the future.