How to Apply for the UAE Spring 2026 Academic Scholarship Program

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has officially opened applications for its Spring 2026 Study Scholarship Program. This program offers UAE students the opportunity to study abroad and gain high-quality education at leading global universities.

According to the Ministry, applicants must meet 12 eligibility requirements to qualify. The registration process will close on November 7, and all necessary documents must be submitted by November 21. The final list of selected candidates will be announced on November 28. The Ministry also released a list of nine reasons that could result in the rejection of admission letters, urging all applicants to carefully read and follow the guidelines before applying.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must fulfill the following conditions:

• Be citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Meet all academic and degree-specific criteria outlined for their chosen program.
• Obtain admission to a university and specialization approved by the Ministry’s official list.
• Successfully complete interviews and competency assessments conducted by the Ministry.
• Ensure that all previous academic certificates are attested and equivalised by the relevant authorities.

In addition, applicants must:

• Study full-time and attend classes on campus at an overseas university (online or hybrid courses are not accepted).
• Male applicants must provide documentation showing exemption, deferment, or completion of national service.
• Sign a commitment declaration, agreeing to follow all scholarship rules and regulations.
• Not receive any other full scholarships, whether from a local or foreign source.
• Not have been previously sponsored for the same or a lower degree, regardless of who funded it.
• Have a clean scholarship record, meaning they have never had a previous scholarship revoked.

Academic Admission Conditions

The Ministry stressed that all admission letters must clearly mention the field of study and, if not stated, should include a direct link to the program on the university’s official website.

The Ministry will not accept admission letters for:

• Training or preparatory programs such as Pre-Master’s.
• English language or foundation courses.
• Dual-degree or double-major programs.
• Programs that include an extra academic year (for example, a master’s program requiring an additional undergraduate year).
• Distance learning or hybrid education formats.
• MBA or Executive MBA programs focused on professional development.
• Programs offered through continuing education or professional studies centers.

These conditions ensure that all scholars are enrolled in recognized, full-time, and academically rigorous programs that meet international standards.

Scholarship Specializations

Scholarships are available for a wide range of academic fields, but the chosen university and program must meet one of the following ranking criteria:

• The university ranks within the top 50 worldwide in the chosen field.
• The university and program rank within the top 100 in the United States or Australia.
• The institution ranks within the top 200 in other countries, or within the top 300 in non-English-speaking nations.

This ensures that students are studying in institutions that offer world-class education and research opportunities, helping them gain global exposure and skills that can benefit the UAE.

A Prestigious and Competitive Program

Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mualla, representing the Ministry, described the Academic Scholarship Program as one of the UAE’s oldest and most respected educational initiatives.

He explained that when the program was first launched, it aimed to broaden access to higher education abroad, as there were limited opportunities for advanced studies within the UAE at that time. Over the years, however, the focus of the program has evolved toward academic excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Each year, around 3,000 students apply, but only 10% are selected—making this scholarship highly competitive. At present, 592 Emirati students (both new and continuing) are studying at 115 leading universities in 22 different countries. Furthermore, 187 students graduated during the 2024–2025 academic year, returning home to contribute to national development.

Dr. Al Mualla emphasized that this initiative plays a vital role in building a knowledge-based economy by empowering talented Emirati youth with advanced education and international experience. Upon their return, these graduates are expected to serve in key sectors, applying their global expertise to strengthen the UAE’s progress in education, science, technology, and innovation.

He concluded,

“This program started alongside the Union’s foundation, when higher education options in the UAE were limited. Today, it continues to evolve—promoting excellence, innovation, and preparing our brightest minds to compete on the global stage.”

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