According to the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the applications are opened now regarding the Spring 2026 scholarship program.
The Ministry states that there are 12 eligibility conditions that the applicants have to fulfil. The registration deadline is November 7 and all documents supporting the registration must be submitted before November 21. The top list of shortlisted candidates will be posted on November 28.
There were also officials stating nine potential reasons which might result in rejection of an admission letter, therefore it is highly recommended that the students should carefully study all requirements and apply.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the scholarship, candidates must:
- Meet the academic and qualification standards for their chosen degree.
- Receive university admission in a program and specialization listed in the Ministry’s approved list.
- Pass interviews and competency tests successfully.
- Have all previous certificates attested and equivalised.
Other conditions include:
- Studying full-time and on-campus abroad (outside the UAE).
- Male applicants must show proof of completing, postponing, or being exempted from national service.
- Signing a declaration agreeing to follow all scholarship-related rules.
- Not receiving any other full scholarship from any source.
- Not having previously received a scholarship for the same or lower degree.
- Not having had any previous scholarship canceled for any reason.
Academic Rules
The Ministry stated that all admission letters must clearly mention the field of study and, if not directly mentioned, include a link to the program on the university’s official website.
Admission letters will not be accepted for:
- Preparatory or training programs (e.g., Pre-Master).
- English language or foundation programs.
- Dual-degree or double-major programs.
- Master’s programs with an extra academic year for bachelor-level students.
- Distance-learning or hybrid study programs.
- MBA or Executive MBA programs focused on professional development.
- Courses offered by continuing education or professional training centers.
Approved Specializations
Scholarships will be offered for majors that meet one of the following standards:
- The university ranks among the world’s top 50 in that major.
- The university and major rank within the top 100 in the US or Australia.
- Within the top 200 globally in other countries, or top 300 in non-English-speaking nations.
Only 10% of Applicants Selected
According to Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mualla, the Academic Scholarship Program is one of the UAE’s oldest and most respected education initiatives.
He clarified that the program was initially initiated to offer study opportunities in foreign countries at the time that the UAE had few higher education opportunities. Today it is determined to encourage excellence and international competitiveness.
Approximately 3,000 students are applying every year, and only 10% are selected. Presently, the number of Emirati students (new and enrolled) pursuing their studies in 115 best-ranked universities in 22 countries is 592 list and 187 students graduated in the 20242025 academic year.
Dr. Al Mualla also added that the scholarship program is a national initiative aimed at equipping the exceptional Emirati students with world education and leadership. On their coming back, these scholars will be required to impart their knowledge and skills in developing the UAE.
He concluded,
“This program began in the early years of our nation when educational options were few. Today, it continues to evolve, promoting innovation, excellence, and global competitiveness among the UAE’s brightest minds.”
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