UAE okays new rules for Emirati students studying abroad

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.

- Sara AlKuwari

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.

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.