UAE Overhauls Scholarship System: New Rankings, Priority Fields, and Added Destinations
The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has rolled out a fresh set of scholarship rules under Ministerial Resolution No. 179 of 2026. Announced on Tuesday, the resolution reshapes how Emirati students secure overseas study places, tightening university quality checks, expanding the list of eligible destination countries, and earmarking strategic fields of study.
Who benefits The changes apply to every Emirati student who applies for a government‑funded scholarship. Within that pool, the ministry singled out three priority groups: children of martyrs, beneficiaries of social‑support programmes, and students living in remote areas. Applications from these groups will be weighed alongside academic merit, the relevance of the chosen field, and the standing of the host institution.
New destination environment Eight additional countries have joined the priority destination list, although the resolution does not name them individually. All approved institutions must now meet specific global‑ranking benchmarks that vary by region and language of instruction:
- Any university that ranks in the world’s top 50 for a particular subject qualifies, regardless of its overall position.
- Institutions in the United States and Australia must sit inside the top 100 for both the subject and the overall university ranking.
- Other English‑speaking countries are required to be within the top 200 for the subject and the overall ranking.
- Non‑English‑speaking nations need to reach at least the top 300 for both subject and overall standings.
Fields the ministry wants to grow The resolution earmarks eight priority sectors that align with the UAE’s long‑term economic blueprint. Students aiming for programmes in energy, transport and logistics, technology and engineering, healthcare, water and the environment, creative industries, science, or finance will enjoy a higher chance of selection. By steering talent toward these areas, the ministry hopes to plug skill gaps and fuel the nation’s shift toward a knowledge‑based economy.
Obligations for scholarship holders Receiving a scholarship now comes with a clear set of duties. Scholars must maintain steady academic progress and keep the ministry informed of any changes that could affect their studies, such as switching majors, dropping courses, or receiving additional financial aid elsewhere. They are also expected to represent the UAE positively while abroad. The ministry says these requirements will make it easier to monitor students throughout the scholarship term and ensure that the investment translates into tangible outcomes for the country.
What this means for your organisation If your company sponsors Emirati talent or partners with universities that host scholarship students, you’ll need to verify that your programmes meet the new ranking criteria. Aligning corporate training or internship opportunities with the eight priority sectors can also boost a student’s profile during the selection process. For HR teams handling scholarship‑related paperwork, the updated rules imply tighter documentation checks and more frequent status updates to the ministry.
No penalties disclosed The resolution does not specify any monetary fines or sanctions for non‑compliance. It focuses instead on eligibility standards, ranking benchmarks, and student responsibilities.
