The updated framework aligns overseas study programmes with the UAE’s national development priorities.
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research hosted an orientation forum for 150 Emirati students preparing to start their studies abroad through the National Scholarship Programme.
Held under the theme “From the UAE to the World… Determination and Ambition,” the forum familiarised students and their families with the academic, administrative and personal support available throughout their overseas study journey.
The event was attended by senior officials, representatives from higher education institutions, strategic partners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Fatwa Council.
Dr Ahmed Sultan Al Shuaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the scholarship programme represents one of the UAE’s key investments in developing national talent.
He noted that success is not defined solely by obtaining a university degree, but also by the quality of the institution, the relevance of the chosen field of study and the impact students make after returning to the UAE.
“You do not represent yourselves alone. You represent the UAE, its values and its national identity wherever you go,” he told the students.
“The ministry will remain your partner throughout this journey, tracking your progress and providing the support you need.”
The forum featured sessions covering administrative procedures, student services and adapting to life abroad.
Current scholarship recipients also shared their experiences and answered students’ questions, while representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Fatwa Council provided awareness sessions.
The programme also highlighted the important role parents play in supporting students throughout their academic journey.
In 2026, the ministry received 2,767 scholarship applications, with 244 students awarded scholarships so far this year.
The programme currently supports 596 students studying across 22 countries, while 116 scholarship recipients have graduated since the start of 2026.
Students are pursuing fields aligned with the UAE’s development priorities and workforce needs, including engineering, technology, medicine, life sciences, social sciences and management.
The ministry has also signed agreements with 11 national organisations to provide 160 scholarship opportunities for Emirati students in priority fields.
Officials said the partnerships are designed to link scholarship recipients with future career pathways and ensure their qualifications align with the requirements of key sectors.
The ministry recently introduced an updated scholarship framework focused on nationally significant fields, offering students academic, administrative and social support from the admission stage through graduation and their return to the UAE.
