Latest news with #EmiratiStudents
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Study abroad criteria for UAE students: All you need to know
The UAE's Council for Education, Human Resources, and Community Development has approved a set of standards and regulations governing the enrollment of Emirati students in higher education institutions abroad. These standards require students to enrol in internationally recognised universities and academic programmes, ensuring the quality of academic qualifications and their alignment with the needs of the national labour market and future development directions. For students currently pursuing their studies abroad, they can adjust their status in accordance with the newly adopted criteria. To ensure fairness and account for special cases, especially students studying abroad, Emirati students continuing their education overseas, whether self-funded or sponsored, will have a one-year grace period from the date this decision takes effect to adjust their academic status. This was announced during a virtual media briefing on Wednesday. New adjustments Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Mohamed Ebrahim AlMualla, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, clarified that the decision applies to all citizens wishing to study abroad or those already on scholarships to pursue education outside the UAE. This is regardless of whether they are sponsored by official entities, self-funded, or nominated by their employers. The decision applies to all levels of higher education, from diploma to PhD, and encompasses professional qualifications equivalent to these academic degrees. AlMualla explained, 'There are two categories of students currently studying abroad. The first category includes those who meet the criteria, and they are only required to ensure that their current university and major fall within the approved standards.' 'As for the second category, which does not meet the criteria, they have two options: the first is to adjust their academic path by switching to another major within the same university — if that major is classified or meets the criteria — or to transfer to another university that does meet the criteria.' He confirmed that the Ministry will provide the necessary support to students in the process of adjusting their status, by guiding them to universities that meet the standards and assisting them through embassies and cultural attachés abroad, enabling them to make the required changes. AlMualla also added that students may apply for an exemption through the Ministry's website. The exemption request will be referred to the Exemptions Committee, chaired by the Council for Education, Human Resources, and Community Development, which will review the applications and decide whether to grant the exemption or request that the student adjust their academic situation. He stated, 'Today, we are announcing a decision that reflects the UAE's commitment to regulating the education of its citizens abroad to ensure they receive high-quality education in line with the best global standards. Studying abroad is an investment by the student, the sponsoring entity, and the employer if the student is employed. It is also an investment of the student's own time and effort. Therefore, this investment must be properly placed, and this is what the decision seeks to ensure.' He explained that the decision is based on rigorous global university rankings. Students are required to enroll in the top 50 universities for their major, or among the top 100 universities in countries with high student populations, such as the United States and Australia, and up to the top 300 universities in non-English-speaking countries — an approach aimed at promoting both academic and cultural diversity. He elaborated, 'We rely on two primary rankings: the overall university ranking and the specific major ranking. Students must be enrolled in a university ranked within the top 100, 200, or 300, depending on the country, and in a major that falls within the approved rankings. As for exemptions, they are received through the Ministry and forwarded to the committee chaired by the Education Council." The Council emphasised the importance of adhering to the specified standards to avoid non-recognition of degrees obtained from abroad. Failure to meet the criteria may affect the use of such qualifications for employment, promotion, study leave, exam leave, thesis defense, or qualification-based benefits within the federal government sector in the UAE. Also, the Ministry's website offers services related to the recognition of higher education qualifications, providing a set of digital tools to help users make informed decisions. These tools include a search service for approved study programmes, a list of eligible universities and majors, and an online platform for submitting exemption requests. These services are available to all students, parents, and sponsoring institutions.
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE approves mandatory higher education criteria for Emiratis studying abroad
UAE has approved certain criteria for Emirati students pursuing higher education in universities abroad. The decision grants citizen students currently studying overseas a one-year period to adjust their academic status.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research collaborates with Emirates Global Aluminium on advanced engineering scholarships
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced a strategic collaboration with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to support the National Scholarship Programme to provide better educational and career opportunities for Emirati students in priority engineering disciplines. This partnership reflects both entities' shared commitment to developing local talent, aligning higher education outcomes with labour market demands, and advancing the UAE's long-term economic vision. It also marks a new milestone in public-private sector collaboration aimed at boosting the quality of the National Scholarship Programme. Under the agreement, MoHESR will offer scholarships to Emirati students pursuing studies in mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as other specialisations to be mutually agreed upon with EGA, at some of the world's top universities. The two partners will work together to select the most relevant universities and academic programmes, evaluate scholarship applications and identify suitable candidates – including new as well as current students – and align the selection criteria with the admission requirements. The Ministry will cover tuition fees and associated allowances, monitor students' academic progress, and coordinate with educational attachés abroad, particularly in matters related to overseas training and employment. H.E. Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector and Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department at MoHESR, said: 'The collaboration with EGA marks a significant step in building integrated academic and career pathways for Emirati students – from the selection of in-demand specialisations to employment within key sectors that drive the UAE's economic progress. Our objective is to equip national talent with high-quality education in priority disciplines and support their transition to the workforce, empowering them to play an active role in achieving the nation's goals.' He added: 'Our ongoing efforts to enhance the scholarship programme focus on aligning the included academic specialisations with the needs of national economic sectors. This approach fosters a culture of specialised employment, enabling students to succeed in the future job market and excel in their careers.' For its part, EGA will provide practical training, professional support, and post-graduation employment opportunities, in addition to helping design career pathways. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: 'Empowering UAE National talents is fundamental for the future growth of our national economy and industrial sector. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is a step forward towards driving academic excellence to meet the dynamic workforce. At EGA, our goal is to develop future leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields for their critical role in driving a sustainable knowledge-based economy, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.' The partnership includes a joint follow-up mechanism to ensure seamless post-graduation transitions, with periodic feedback from EGA on graduates' readiness and areas for programme improvement. In collaboration with its public and private sector partners, MoHESR is continuously enhancing the National Scholarship Programme as part of its broader strategy to develop qualified Emirati talent capable of fostering sustainable national growth.
