'Nearly half of self-funded Emirati students abroad enrolled in 2 commercial varsities'

It is our duty to protect them from such institutions, says minister

- Haneen Dajani [e-mail]

A major policy shift limiting the recognition of academic qualifications earned by Emirati students abroad came under scrutiny at the Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday, as members raised concerns about its impact on students and the broader education landscape.

In response to a question raised by FNC member Dr Adnan Hamed Al Hammadi, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, revealed that nearly half of self-funded Emirati students studying overseas are enrolled in just two universities that have exploited students for commercial gain.

“It became clear that 46 per cent of these students are studying in two universities which, unfortunately, exploited these students to obtain academic qualifications commercially,” Dr Al Awar said. “It is our duty to protect them from such institutions.” The minister emphasised that the recent decision aims to safeguard academic integrity and future employability rather than simply revoke recognition of foreign study.

“The decision was not issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research but by the Council for Education, Human Development and Community,” he clarified. “Its content relates to the governance of study abroad, not a blanket non-recognition of overseas qualifications.”