UAE’s 2025 Service Helps Emirati Students Study Abroad Easily

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a bold step to empower its students with a groundbreaking academic program inquiry service launched by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in 2025. This innovative initiative, introduced under Decision No. (5) of 2025, aims to guide Emirati students pursuing higher education abroad, ensuring they select accredited universities and programs that align with the UAE’s national standards and global quality benchmarks. For Emirati scholars, whether self-funded or sponsored, this service offers a streamlined way to verify international academic programs, from diplomas to doctoral degrees, fostering informed decision-making and protecting students from unaccredited institutions.

Empowering Emirati Students with Informed Choices

The UAE’s commitment to educational excellence is evident in its new academic program inquiry service, designed to support Emirati students navigating the complex world of international higher education. Launched on July 12, 2025, this service allows students to verify the accreditation status of academic programs and universities abroad, ensuring their qualifications are recognized both in the UAE and globally. By providing an official document confirming program and institutional credibility, the Ministry ensures that students invest in high-quality education that aligns with the UAE’s labor market needs and national development goals.

This initiative is part of Decision No. (5) of 2025, issued by the Council for Education, Human Development, and Society. It reflects the UAE’s strategic vision to regulate international study, protect students from substandard programs, and align educational outcomes with the country’s future aspirations, such as the UAE Centennial 2071 plan. Whether pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the United States, a master’s program in Europe, or a doctoral degree in Asia, Emirati students can now make informed choices with confidence, knowing their credentials will be recognized for employment, promotions, or further academic pursuits in the UAE.

A Unified Framework for International Study

The new regulations apply to all Emirati students studying abroad, whether through official scholarships or self-funding, covering diplomas, higher diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral programs, and equivalent professional qualifications. This comprehensive scope ensures standardization across all academic levels, benefiting both students and sponsorship authorities. Federal and local scholarship bodies, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Distinguished Students Program and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), must adhere to these guidelines when nominating students, ensuring consistency and quality assurance.

The service is accessible via the Ministry’s official website or smart app, offered free of charge to all Emirati nationals. By streamlining the process of verifying international universities and programs, the Ministry eliminates guesswork, enabling students to focus on their academic journey without worrying about unrecognized qualifications. This is particularly crucial in the UAE’s federal sector, where credentials must meet strict standards for benefits like study leave, thesis defense, or career advancement.

Stringent University Eligibility Criteria

To ensure Emirati students enroll in world-class institutions, the Ministry has outlined rigorous eligibility criteria based on international university rankings approved by the Council for Education, Human Development, and Society. These standards prioritize academic excellence and global recognition, ensuring that qualifications earned abroad are valued in the UAE’s competitive job market. The criteria vary by country and language of instruction, reflecting the diverse landscape of global higher education:

• Global Top 50: For any field of study, the university must rank among the top 50 globally in that specific discipline, regardless of its overall or national ranking. This applies universally, ensuring students target top-tier programs.
• United States and Australia: Universities must rank in the top 100 globally for the field of study and top 100 overall, reflecting the competitive academic environments in these countries.
• Other English-Speaking Countries: Excluding the US and Australia, universities must be in the top 200 globally for the field and top 200 overall, accommodating reputable institutions in countries like the UK and Canada.
• Non-English-Speaking Countries: Universities must rank in the top 300 globally for the field and top 300 overall, ensuring quality in regions like Europe, Asia, or Latin America.

These criteria, based on rankings like QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education, protect students from enrolling in unaccredited programs that may not be recognized in the UAE. For example, a student pursuing a master’s in engineering at a university ranked 51st globally in engineering but 101st overall would not qualify unless studying in a non-English-speaking country. This ensures that Emirati scholars invest in high-value education that supports their career goals.

How to Use the Academic Program Inquiry Service

The Ministry’s smart app and official website make the inquiry process user-friendly and efficient. Emirati students can follow these steps to verify their chosen academic programs:

1. Visit the Ministry’s website or smart app and click “Create New Request.”
2. Select “Inquire about Academic Program.”
3. Enter the university’s details, including name, country, and program specifics.
4. Upload required documents, such as Emirates ID and passport copy (with Unified Number).
5. Click “Submit” to send the request for evaluation.

The review process, handled by specialized experts, takes 1 to 5 working days. Applicants may be contacted for additional documents, which must be submitted within seven days to avoid case closure. If a request is rejected or a student wishes to enroll in a university not listed in the approved rankings, they can file an exception/review request to appeal the decision. For support, students can contact the Ministry at Recog.comm@mohesr.gov.ae.

This digital service aligns with the UAE’s Digital Government Strategy 2025, leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and efficiency. By offering a free service, the Ministry ensures that all Emirati students, regardless of financial status, can access reliable guidance for their international education.

Required Documents and Flexibility

While specific required documents vary based on the university, country, and student’s academic background, common submissions include:

• Emirates ID: To verify UAE nationality.
• Passport copy: Including the Unified Number for identification.
• Academic transcripts: To confirm prior qualifications.
• Program details: Including the university’s ranking and accreditation status.

The Ministry’s flexible approach allows students to submit additional documents if requested, ensuring thorough evaluations. This transparency helps students avoid unaccredited institutions, protecting their academic investments and future career prospects.

Impact on Emirati Students and the UAE’s Future

The academic program inquiry service is a game-changer for Emirati students, offering several key benefits:

• Informed Decision-Making: Students can choose accredited programs with confidence, reducing the risk of unrecognized qualifications.
• Global Competitiveness: By targeting top-ranked universities, students gain skills that align with the UAE’s labor market needs.
• Quality Assurance: The service ensures that degrees meet national standards, supporting employment and career advancement.
• Protection from Risks: Students and sponsors are safeguarded from substandard programs that could lead to rejected credentials.

This initiative supports the UAE Vision 2021 and Centennial 2071, which aim to build a knowledge-based economy driven by highly skilled professionals. By ensuring that Emirati scholars graduate from world-class institutions, the UAE is investing in its human capital, fostering innovation, and strengthening its position as a global hub for education and business.

Challenges and Considerations

While the service is a significant step forward, Emirati students may face challenges:

• Stringent Criteria: The top 50–300 ranking requirements may limit options for some students, particularly in niche fields.
• Document Submission: Gathering required documents can be time-consuming, especially for self-funded students.
• Review Process: The 1–5 day review period may delay decisions for students with tight application deadlines.

However, the exception/review request option and Ministry support via email mitigate these challenges. The free service and digital platform further enhance accessibility, ensuring that all Emirati students can benefit from this initiative.