Abu Dhabi A seminar to improve the scholarship system in the UAE took place on Monday at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education, several government entities, private industry and international scholars gathered to share experiences, discuss challenges and identify ways to improve the UAE’s scholarship system.
“Education and human development top the strategic priorities and are among the basic two pillars of vision 2021,” said Nasser Al Hameli, assistant undersecretary for the technical affairs office, at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs (MOPA).
The seminar is intended to synchronise and coordinate efforts, exchange information and best practices to improve the system and match the scholarships awarded to the UAE’s strategy, national needs and market demands.
“The objective of the seminar is to foster awareness about the role of over 20 entities offering scholarships in the development of the nation and the need for coordination to improve the scholarship system,” said Al Hameli.
The number of scholarship recipients in the UAE has dramatically increased over the past four decades from 12 in 1972 to more than 8,000 students who are funded to continue their higher education in various countries and disciplines.
Among the key topics of discussion was the selection of students and the challenges Emirati students face when relocating abroad. “Selection should be based on student’s capabilities and interests. Students should complete standard examinations, complete a certain level of education and have language proficiency — the key challenge for Emirati students — to be able to study abroad,” said Professor Chew Beng of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore who shared some of his country’s experiences in this regard.
The challenges for granting scholarships go beyond identifying the students. Developing the capabilities and skills of people must be complemented with a developing national economy and opportunities to sustain the inflow of scholars back into the country.
“Development of human capital and economy must be done in tandem. Scholarship is important to human capital development, but is insufficient unless there is good economic growth and development in the home country,” he said.
“We must also create an infrastructure to keep unit labour cost and unit business cost competitive,” he added.
In the UAE, opportunities exist in numerous disciplines. However, it is important to ensure that scholarships are granted to satisfy the nation’s social and developmental needs. In doing so, coordination and sharing data between the various institutions is essential.
“Lack of database sharing between universities, majors or specialties and the need for improved coordination between all entities granting scholarships is the main challenge in the UAE,” Dr Ali Al Arri, director of the scholarship office at MOPA, told Gulf News.
The seminar recommended the creation of a committee with representatives from participants tasked with continued coordination for improvement of the scholarship system.
