UAE: Nearly half of self-funded Emirati students abroad enrolled in just 2 universities

Khaleej Times

11-06-2025

A major policy shift limiting the recognition of academic qualifications earned by Emirati students abroad came under scrutiny at the Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday, as members raised concerns about its impact on students and the broader education landscape.
In response to a question raised by FNC member Dr Adnan Hamed Al Hammadi, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, revealed that nearly half of self-funded Emirati students studying overseas are enrolled in just two universities that have exploited students for commercial gain.
'It became clear that 46 per cent of these students are studying in two universities which, unfortunately, exploited these students to obtain academic qualifications commercially,' Dr Al Awar said. 'It is our duty to protect them from such institutions.' The minister emphasised that the recent decision aims to safeguard academic integrity and future employability rather than simply revoke recognition of foreign study.
'The decision was not issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research but by the Council for Education, Human Development and Community,' he clarified. 'Its content relates to the governance of study abroad, not a blanket non-recognition of overseas qualifications.'
The FNC debate followed a June 2 announcement that degrees obtained from institutions not ranked within the global top 100, 200, or 300 (depending on the country) would no longer be recognised, even for students who had previously obtained initial approvals from the ministry and were already pursuing bachelor's, master's, or doctoral studies.
Al Awar defended the move, stating that it serves to redirect students to institutions offering quality education and skill development. 'The government seeks through this decision to support students and enhance the recognition granted to them,' he said. 'There is a percentage of students who are studying in commercial universities, and this is a misdirected investment.'
Thousands affected by new policy
According to official figures, more than 2,600 students are currently on scholarships from various federal and local entities, while approximately 3,000 are studying abroad at their own expense. The policy affects both groups, but especially the latter, many of whom began their academic journeys based on prior ministry-issued approvals.
Dr Al Awar acknowledged these students' ambitions and affirmed the government's respect and support for them: 'The majority are striving to achieve their professional and educational goals, and it is our duty to offer them all support to obtain high competitive opportunities and achieve personal and national goals.'
He also noted that 25 per cent of self-funded students are studying in completely unranked universities, and that the ministry and education council follow established standards for accreditation and recognition.
Student hardship
FNC member Dr Adnan Al Hammadi challenged the timing and communication of the decision, calling it 'sudden' and 'damaging' to students already enrolled and nearing graduation.
'The decision caused harm to students who are studying at their own expense, with prior approvals or official letters from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research,' he said. 'Who bears the consequences and responsibilities of this decision, the expenses and commitments that were made?'
He stressed that more than 800 Emirati students currently study abroad, many of whom received official approval for their university and specialisation, and have already committed years and significant financial resources. 'Is the global ranking adopted by the Ministry based on a private company, or an educational authority accredited in the country?'
The FNC member called for immediate suspension of the decision's implementation, at least for current students and those with prior ministry approval, and urged the formation of expert committees to review the classification system. 'We hope the minister will halt the activation of this decision, especially for students studying abroad who received approval from the ministry. The decision should be re-evaluated by specialized committees and academic experts to ensure a transparent and fair classification system that balances academic requirements with the needs of society.'
Dr Al Awar assured the FNC that mechanisms are in place to reassess individual cases, including a joint committee chaired by the Education Council and involving the Ministry of Higher Education and other relevant entities.
He noted that since the implementation of a digital linkage between the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Ministry of Higher Education two months ago, over 6,000 job applications were reviewed, with around 700 rejected due to degrees from unaccredited institutions.
'The same standards are applied to both citizens and non-citizens if it is proven that an institution relies on commercial motives,' he added. 'There is no leniency in dealing with any person or institution that manipulates the future of educational attainment and the competence required in the state.'
The debate underscores a growing tension between the state's efforts to ensure academic excellence and the personal investments made by Emiratis pursuing higher education abroad.