UAE Higher Education Criteria: New Rules for Emiratis Studying Abroad

June 3, 2025 | Abu Dhabi: The government of the UAE has introduced an updated rule for Emiratis who want to study at foreign universities. Thus, the new UAE higher education criteria seek to enable students to choose only the best universities and to prepare them for prominent professional careers. This framework has been introduced as part of the education policy of the UAE, which aims to synchronize the education system with the national agenda and the requirements for the future.

New UAE Higher Education Criteria for Studying Abroad

These modifications now constitute the UAE higher education standards with regard to where Emirati students can study abroad. The standards ensure that certain universities are chosen by students, which otherwise do not meet the best professional standards. These reforms are in accordance with the UAE education policy to improve the quality of education for its nationals.

Here are the main rules under the new UAE higher education criteria:

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• The university must be within the world’s top 50 in the field.
  
• If the student is to choose a university in the US or Australia, it should be within the top 100 for the subject matter and overall.
  
• Other English-speaking countries (except the US and Australia) will have a university that ought to appear on the list ranking in the top 200 for the subject and overall.
  
• If the country is non-English speaking, the university should be ranked within the global top 300 for the field and overall.

The UAE higher education criteria are based on the reputable international rankings, duly recognized by the Ministry of Education. It is aimed at allowing Emirati students to get a quality education commensurate with the vision of the UAE for the future. The UAE education policy permits students to consider their options carefully and choose their program based on what would help further their career.

Transition Period and Exemptions

The new UAE higher education criteria are accompanied by a period of transition for current students. There is a period of adjustment given to Emirati students who are currently abroad to get themselves in line with the new rules. They may also request an exemption should the need for it arise. Such requests will be reviewed by a special committee constituted under the leadership of the General Secretariat of the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council.

The UAE education policy is designed to support the students and, at the same time, maintain a high standard. Being part of a bigger initiative, the new UAE higher education criteria strive to ensure that the students enter the job market well-prepared and actively contribute to the development of the country.

Flexible Admission Rules for UAE Universities

Besides the new set of rules for studying abroad, the UAE education policy also makes room for more flexibility in the local universities. Higher education institutes within the UAE can now prescribe their own admission criteria to be followed. This implies that schools may not always be required to produce their high school scores, with universities instead opting for grades in subjects related to the chosen major of a student.

This flexible approach is encompassed within the criteria of higher education in the UAE to give students more opportunities. It allows universities to design their programs in accordance with students’ skills and interests in order to facilitate their choice of career. The UAE education policy also enables universities to provide a conditional acceptance status, which requires an applicant to complete additional credited courses that demonstrate his/her preparedness for the chosen discipline of study. This further aims to enhance access to higher education while ensuring its quality. 

The revised criteria for higher education can be regarded as a landmark shift in the UAE education policy. With very high standards set to study abroad and with the relative flexibility afforded to local universities, the UAE aims to craft a future for its nationals.

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