Majority of Emiratis Studying Abroad Independently Pursue Education at Only Two Universities (UAE)
New Policy on Emirati Students Studying Abroad Sparks Concern
In a shocking revelation, nearly half of self-funded Emirati students studying overseas are enrolled in just two universities that have been exploiting these students for commercial gain, as revealed by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. These educational institutions are apparently taking advantage of their students, and the minister emphasized the importance of protecting them.
During a discussion at the Federal National Council, Dr. Al Awar pointed out that 46% of these students are studying in two unnamed universities. He stated, "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."
A Policy Designed to Protect and Support
Contrary to initial assumptions, this policy change doesn't revolve around revoking recognition of foreign study. Instead, it aims to safeguard academic integrity, future employability, and uphold the overall educational landscape. Dr. Al Awar clarified, "The decision was not issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research but by the Council for Education, Human Development and Community. Its content relates to the governance of study abroad, not a blanket non-recognition of overseas qualifications."
Thousands of Students Affected
Around 3,000 Emirati students are studying abroad at their own expense, with more than 2,600 on scholarships from various federal and local entities. Although both groups will be impacted, the self-funded students – many of whom have previously received Ministry approval – will likely bear the brunt of the changes.
Dr. Al Awar acknowledged the ambitions of these students and underscored the UAE's ongoing support for their professional and educational goals. He further emphasized that 25% of self-funded students are enrolled in unranked universities, and the Ministry and Education Council adhere to strict accreditation and recognition standards.
Student Hardship and Uncertainty
Dr. Adnan Al Hammadi, FNC member, expressed concerns about the sudden and potentially damaging implications of this decision for students who are near their graduation, as well as those who already have prior Ministry approval and have committed substantial time and financial resources to their studies.
Dr. Al Hammadi questioned the transparency of the decision, pointing out that Emiratis who study abroad and receive official approvals from the Ministry should not be affected by the decision, and called for an immediate suspension of its implementation for these students. He also urged the formation of expert committees to review the classification system to ensure fairness and balance academic requirements with the needs of society.
Addressing the Concerns
Dr. Al Awar confirmed that mechanisms are in place to review individual cases on a case-by-case basis, with a joint committee addressing this issue. He highlighted that since the implementation of a digital linkage between the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Ministry of Higher Education two months ago, over 6,000 job applications were assessed, with around 700 being rejected due to qualifications from unaccredited institutions. The same standards, he added, apply equally to citizens and non-citizens alike if institutions prioritize commercial interests.
This developing situation underscores the rising tension between the UAE's pursuit of academic excellence and the personal investments made by Emiratis pursuing higher education abroad. It presents an important opportunity for the government to address the concerns of students, ensure the protection of their academic futures, and maintain the trust of the educational community.
[1] Data source: Enrichment Insights (based on informed reporting)
- The new policy, designed to safeguard academic integrity and uphold the overall educational landscape, highlights the importance of news about education-and-self-development, as it addresses concerns about Emirati students studying abroad and the quality of education they receive.
- As the discussion about the new policy unfolds, general-news outlets are urged to report on the impact of the policy on students near graduation or those who have already received Ministry approval, and the formation of expert committees to review the classification system and ensure fairness in academic requirements.
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