UAE sets new rules for Emirati students studying abroad
The Ministry of Higher Education approves standards for students studying abroad
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has activated a new service enabling Emirati students to inquire about academic programs abroad. According to the Ministry’s official website, the service is designed for UAE nationals seeking information on diploma, higher diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral programs—or equivalent professional qualifications—offered by leading international universities.
This initiative provides detailed verification of both the selected academic program and the institution, resulting in an official document from the Ministry confirming the accreditation status of the program and university upon completion of the review process.
The newly introduced regulations apply to all Emirati students pursuing higher education abroad—whether through official scholarships or self-funding—at all academic levels. All federal and local scholarship authorities are required to adopt the new policy when nominating students, ensuring educational quality and standardisation across the board.
Enabling students to make informed decisions
Through this initiative, the Council aims to empower students to make informed academic choices based on clear, standardised criteria. This ensures the quality and recognition of the qualifications they obtain, both within the UAE and internationally.
The Ministry emphasised that these standards were created to enhance the higher education experience abroad and to guide students toward accredited, high-performing institutions. All students—regardless of whether they are self-funded or sponsored—must choose institutions listed in official rankings approved by the Ministry.
New university eligibility criteria
The Council outlined the following standards for university eligibility:
The university must rank among the top 50 globally in the specific field of study (regardless of overall or national ranking), based on Ministry-approved international rankings.
For study in the United States or Australia:
The university must rank among the top 100 globally in the field of study and among the top 100 overall.
For study in other English-speaking countries (excluding the US and Australia):
The university must rank among the top 200 globally in the field of study and among the top 200 overall.
For study in non-English-speaking countries:
The university must rank among the top 300 globally in the field of study and among the top 300 overall.
The Council stressed the importance of adhering to these criteria to prevent the rejection of qualifications obtained abroad, particularly when applying for employment, promotions, study or exam leave, thesis defense, or any benefits tied to academic credentials within the UAE’s federal sector.
Steps to use the academic program inquiry service
The Ministry’s website outlines the following steps for accessing academic information and guidance:
Click on “Create New Request.”
Select “Inquire about Academic Program.”
Enter the university’s details.
Upload the required documents.
Click “Submit” to send your request for evaluation.
Applicants may be contacted for additional documentation to support their inquiry. The review process is conducted by specialized experts and may take 1 to 5 working days. If additional documents are not submitted within seven days of the request, the case will be closed. If a request is rejected or if a student wishes to enroll in a university not listed in the approved rankings, they may file an exception/review request.
For any queries, students can contact the Ministry at: Recog.comm@mohesr.gov.ae
Required documents
This service is offered free of charge through the Ministry’s smart app or official website. Required documents may vary depending on the university, country of study, and the student's academic background, but generally include:
Emirates ID
Passport copy (with Unified Number)
Background: Decision No. (5) of 2025
This service is part of the implementation of Decision No. (5) of 2025, issued by the Council for Education, Human Development, and Society. The decision aims to regulate and monitor higher education studies for UAE nationals abroad.
Its key goals include:
Regulating international study in line with public interest and the national need to manage scholarship processes and ensure global quality compliance.
Protecting students, families, and sponsors from unaccredited or substandard programs whose qualifications may be rejected in the UAE.
Aligning international education outcomes with the UAE’s future vision and labor market needs, and ensuring that degrees earned abroad are officially recognized and meet national standards.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
