UAE sets global ranking criteria for recognising foreign degrees

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has outlined four key conditions for recognising academic qualifications obtained from institutions outside the UAE. Meeting at least one of these four conditions is mandatory for a qualification to be officially recognised.

In a virtual media briefing, the Ministry explained that the new initiative introduces mandatory standards and regulations for Emirati students studying abroad.

This move reflects the UAE’s commitment to ensuring the quality of higher education pursued overseas, safeguarding students' academic and professional futures, enhancing the outcomes of international scholarship programs, encouraging academic excellence, and ensuring students return equipped to contribute to national development.

During the briefing, the Ministry clarified that Emirati students intending to enroll in higher education institutions abroad—whether self-funded or sponsored—must ensure the institution meets international ranking criteria. Specifically, the university must:

Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla, Undersecretary for Higher Education and Scientific Research, referred to a recent decision by the Council for Education and Human Resources Development that sets these criteria for Emirati students studying abroad. He emphasised that the goal is to ensure students enroll in reputable, internationally accredited institutions to enhance the quality of academic outcomes.

He further stated that this decision regulates international scholarships and study abroad in a way that serves the public interest. It addresses the urgent need for improved governance of foreign education and aims to align academic pursuits with global quality standards. It also seeks to protect students, families, and sponsoring bodies from investing in low-quality programs or institutions whose degrees may not be recognised.

Dr. Al Mualla stressed that this decision aligns with the UAE’s broader education reforms, aiming to ensure that higher education outcomes match the nation’s future vision and labor market demands. He reiterated that foreign academic qualifications must meet official recognition standards to be valid in the UAE.

Dr. Al Mualla explained that setting a top 100 ranking threshold for institutions in the US and Australia—and a top 200 limit for institutions elsewhere—helps prevent the over-concentration of Emirati students in specific countries. It also encourages exploration of diverse academic and cultural environments. He clarified that university rankings will be assessed at the time of the student’s enrollment, and any changes in ranking afterward will not affect qualification recognition.

Failure to comply with these conditions—by either the student or the sponsoring entity—may result in non-recognition of the qualification. Consequently, the degree would not be valid for employment, promotion, study leave, examinations, thesis discussions, or qualification-based entitlements within the UAE federal government.

The Ministry acknowledged that exceptional cases may warrant flexibility. It clarified that such cases would be reviewed individually, taking into account the sponsoring body, country of study, specialization, and personal circumstances.

Under Article (6) of the regulations, scholarship entities may submit exemption requests for certain universities or specializations that do not meet standard criteria. These requests may be general (covering multiple institutions or disciplines) rather than individual. Students may also submit personal exemption requests via the Ministry’s website, where a dedicated Exemptions Committee will review and assess each case.