UAE national students must meet rigorous criteria for overseas study
Criteria aim to improve quality of programs, help students make informed decisions
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has stated that UAE national students wishing to enroll in a university abroad—whether at their own expense or through a scholarship provider—must study at a higher education institution listed in the Ministry’s approved global rankings and meet one of the following conditions:
The institution must be ranked among the top 50 universities globally in the intended field of study, regardless of overall ranking or country of study.
If studying in the United States or Australia, the institution must be ranked among the top 100 universities globally in the intended field of study and among the top 100 in the overall global ranking.
If studying in other English-speaking countries (excluding the US and Australia), the university must be ranked among the top 200 in the intended field and among the top 200 overall globally.
If studying in non-English-speaking countries, the institution must be ranked among the top 300 in the intended field and among the top 300 overall in the global rankings.
Study program inquiry service
The Ministry added: “To ensure that the university a student wishes to join meets the criteria outlined in the decision, students can apply for the ‘Study Program Inquiry Service for Citizens Studying Abroad’ to receive the Ministry’s response regarding the program or institution. In addition, students can consult the approved list of universities and programs available through the Ministry’s ‘Search for Accredited Programs and Universities’ portal.”
New criteria for Emirati students studying abroad
In a related development, the Council for Education, Human Development, and Society approved last month the new criteria governing the study of higher education students from the UAE abroad.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated on the Ministry’s official website:
“The new standards adopted by the Council provide a clear regulatory framework based on globally recognized university rankings. These criteria aim to improve the quality of academic programs and help students make informed educational decisions aligned with the current and future needs of the national labor market.”
The Acting Minister expressed his appreciation for the Council’s adoption of the new standards, affirming that they reflect the wise leadership’s commitment to investing in Emirati talent and ensuring access to high-quality, comprehensive higher education that aligns with the UAE’s ambitions and future aspirations.
Support for students and parents
The Ministry reaffirmed its full commitment to supporting students, parents, and scholarship providers in implementing the approved criteria. It continues to offer academic guidance and essential information regarding recognized institutions through its official website: www.mohesr.gov.ae
The criteria adopted by the Council for Education, Human Development, and Society are precise and carefully designed, focusing on ensuring that students enroll in globally prestigious academic institutions. These standards require that the university be among the top 50 globally in the student’s chosen field, or, in the case of study in English-speaking countries (excluding the US and Australia), that the institution be among the top 100 in the field and top 100 overall in global rankings.
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