The UAE has introduced new scholarship rules for Emirati students, reshaping how authorities select and support scholars. Ministerial Resolution No. 179 of 2026 establishes updated conditions for national scholarship applications and management. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced the resolution Tuesday.
New rules update scholarship destinations, eligible institutions, priority fields and student categories. They also establish procedures for selection, student support and scholarship management. Ministry officials said reforms will improve scholarship outcomes and connect education more closely with national priorities.
Changes also respond to evolving labour market needs across the UAE. Resolution No. 179 builds on existing federal laws and Cabinet decisions. It creates a unified framework for awarding and managing national scholarships.
Officials said new measures will improve government spending efficiency and academic programme quality. They also aim to prepare Emirati talent for future economic and knowledge-based developments.
Several groups will receive priority during scholarship applications and evaluation. Priority categories include children of martyrs and beneficiaries of social support programmes. Students living in remote areas will also receive priority consideration.
However, applicants must continue meeting established academic and admission requirements. Authorities will compare candidates using academic performance and university quality. They will also consider priority fields and admission types during assessments.
Ministry officials said this approach will direct scholarships toward qualified national talent. It will also promote fairness and equal opportunity among applicants.
New standards will determine which international universities qualify for scholarship placements. Authorities will use recognised global rankings to assess institutions. Universities ranked among the world’s top 50 for a specific subject can qualify regardless of overall ranking.
US and Australian institutions must meet stricter requirements. Eligible universities need top-100 rankings for both their subject and overall performance. Universities in other English-speaking countries must achieve top-200 rankings in both categories.
Institutions in non-English-speaking countries must reach top-300 rankings. These benchmarks will guide decisions about eligible scholarship destinations and educational institutions.
Priority academic fields will also guide scholarship decisions under revised rules. Listed sectors include energy, transport, logistics, technology and engineering. Healthcare, water and environmental studies also receive priority status.
Creative industries, science and finance complete the priority field list. Ministry officials linked these disciplines to future UAE economic development plans. They also reflect sectors considered important for national growth.
UAE scholarship system introduces comparative assessment for students seeking overseas education. Authorities will assess candidates using academic performance, university quality, study field and admission type.
Officials will also consider designated priority groups during assessments. Ministry representatives said comparative evaluation will support fair access to scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship recipients will have clear academic and administrative responsibilities. Students must maintain steady academic progress throughout their study periods. They must also represent the UAE appropriately while studying overseas.
Recipients must disclose additional scholarships or other financial support. Students must promptly report changes that could affect their studies. This requirement will help officials monitor progress throughout scholarship periods.
New measures will expand training, research and innovation opportunities for scholarship recipients. Educational and science and technology offices abroad will provide academic and administrative support.
These offices will manage student affairs and provide guidance throughout scholarship periods. They will also connect scholars with training, research and innovation opportunities.
Authorities are developing partnerships with universities, research organisations and employers abroad. These partnerships aim to create structured training opportunities and early employment pathways.
Approved students may take courses at another institution under specific arrangements. Options include joint programmes, cooperation agreements and student exchanges. Students must obtain ministry approval before pursuing these arrangements.
Officials must determine whether additional courses provide meaningful educational or academic value. Approved arrangements must also strengthen academic outcomes and international learning experiences.
UAE scholarship system also establishes procedures for deferrals, pauses, resumptions and extensions. Regulations additionally cover scholarship cancellation and distance learning.
Authorities may issue warnings or suspend scholarships under specified circumstances. They can also cancel scholarships when defined conditions require such action.
Officials said these provisions allow flexibility during exceptional circumstances. They also support efficient management of public financial resources.
Ministry officials described reforms as part of a wider effort to strengthen scholarship governance. They also aim to maximise investment in Emirati talent and improve programme efficiency.
Updated rules connect international education with UAE economic and knowledge priorities. They also support efforts to strengthen national competitiveness and develop future-ready Emirati talent.
