Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has issued Ministerial Resolution No. (179) of 2026, introducing a comprehensive framework governing scholarships for Emirati students and aligning scholarship outcomes more closely with national priorities and labour market needs.The new resolution represents a significant step in developing the UAE's scholarship system by strengthening governance, improving programme quality and ensuring optimal investment in national talent.It establishes clear procedures governing scholarships, defines the rights and obligations of scholarship students and reinforces the principles of fairness and transparency in scholarship allocation.The ministry said the framework aims to improve the efficiency of government spending, enhance the quality of academic programmes and prepare Emirati talent capable of responding to future developments and supporting the UAE's economic and knowledge-based development.Under the resolution, updated lists of approved scholarship destinations and educational institutions have been introduced based on internationally recognised rankings and other criteria.To qualify, educational institutions must generally meet one of the following requirements:Be ranked among the top 50 universities globally in the relevant field of study.For institutions in the United States and Australia, be ranked among the top 100 globally in both the relevant field and overall university rankings.For institutions in English-speaking countries excluding the US and Australia, be ranked among the top 200 globally in both the relevant field and overall university rankings.For institutions in non-English-speaking countries, be ranked among the top 300 globally in both the relevant field and overall rankings.The resolution gives preference to fields of study that support strategic sectors and future national priorities, including:EnergyTransport and logisticsTechnology and engineeringHealthcareWater and environmentCreative industriesScienceFinanceTo ensure fairness and equal opportunities, the ministry has adopted clear academic eligibility requirements and a comparative evaluation system based on academic performance, university quality, priority fields of study and the type of admission received.The resolution also identifies priority groups, including children of martyrs, beneficiaries of social support programmes and students residing in remote areas.Applications from these groups will be assessed within the established selection framework alongside academic and institutional criteria.The new framework outlines scholarship students' responsibilities, including maintaining satisfactory academic progress, upholding the UAE's reputation, disclosing any additional scholarships or benefits and informing the ministry of developments that could affect their studies.It also seeks to enhance academic and professional development opportunities by linking scholarship recipients to training, innovation and research programmes through educational and science and technology missions and offices.In parallel, the ministry is working to build strategic partnerships with leading universities, research institutions and labour market entities in scholarship destination countries to expand opportunities for training, professional development and employment pathways.Subject to approvals, scholarship students may also be allowed to take courses at another institution through joint academic programmes, exchange programmes or cooperation agreements when such opportunities provide additional academic value.The resolution further establishes provisions governing scholarship deferrals, suspensions, resumptions, extensions, cancellations and distance-learning arrangements, while defining circumstances that may lead to warnings, suspension or cancellation.The ministry said the reforms will strengthen the role of educational and science and technology missions in supporting scholarship students and monitoring their academic, administrative and financial affairs throughout their studies.The resolution reflects the ministry's vision of building a more efficient and sustainable scholarship system that supports high-quality educational outcomes, develops national talent and strengthens the UAE's competitiveness globally.
