The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 179 of 2026, introducing new conditions, requirements and procedures for scholarships offered to Emirati students.
The Resolution aims to strengthen the national scholarship system by improving governance, academic outcomes and government spending while ensuring scholarships support the UAE’s future priorities and labour market requirements.
Under the new framework, scholarship destinations and educational institutions will be selected according to internationally recognised rankings and other criteria. Depending on the destination country, universities must meet specific global rankings for both the chosen field of study and their overall academic standing.
Priority will be given to fields linked to the UAE’s strategic sectors, including energy, transport and logistics, technology and engineering, healthcare, water and the environment, creative industries, science and finance.
Applicants will be assessed through a comparative selection process based on academic performance, the quality of the educational institution, the priority of their chosen field and the type of admission. Children of martyrs, beneficiaries of social support programmes and students living in remote areas will also receive consideration as priority groups within the selection process.
The Resolution establishes clear responsibilities for scholarship students, including maintaining academic progress, protecting the UAE’s reputation and informing the Ministry about other scholarships or circumstances affecting their studies.
Students will also have access to training, research, innovation and professional development opportunities. The Ministry plans to strengthen partnerships with universities, research organisations and employers abroad to create training and early employment pathways.
The framework also sets rules covering scholarship deferrals, suspensions, extensions, cancellations and distance learning. In approved cases, students may undertake courses at other institutions through joint programmes, academic partnerships or student exchanges.
Overall, the Resolution seeks to create a more transparent, efficient and sustainable scholarship system that develops Emirati talent and supports the UAE’s long-term economic and knowledge-based development.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
