The Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmanan al-Awar, clarified the governance framework regarding Emirati students pursuing higher education abroad.

The initiative, sanctioned by the Council for Education, Human Development, and Society, aims to enhance the regulatory landscape for UAE nationals studying overseas, rather than disregarding their qualifications.

In a parliamentary response to Dr. Adnan Hamad Al-Hamadi, al-Awar noted that over 2,600 Emirati students are enrolled in prestigious universities, sponsored by federal and local government entities, preparing them for future roles within the UAE's workforce.

Conversely, nearly 3,000 Emirati students are pursuing studies abroad at their own expense.

The recent decision from the ministry is designed to assist these students in attaining academically recognized qualifications, thereby improving their competitive prospects and enabling them to contribute effectively to their home country.

Al-Awar revealed that 46% of self-funded students are enrolled in two specific private universities, which have reportedly exploited their circumstances, offering qualifications characterized as commercial and not reflective of genuine academic rigor.

Additionally, he highlighted that 25% of these self-funded students are studying at institutions that lack global accreditation.

The new standards established aim to regulate the educational journeys of Emirati citizens abroad.

The framework includes mandatory criteria to ensure the quality of education received by Emiratis outside the UAE and to confirm that their resulting qualifications are officially recognized within the country.