The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has officially opened applications for the UAE Spring 2026 scholarships, inviting Emirati students to pursue degrees at top-ranked international universities. As part of the country’s commitment to global competitiveness, this initiative continues to promote academic excellence.
Key Deadlines and Eligibility
Applications are now open; however, candidates must act quickly. The registration window closes on November 7, 2025, while all required documents must be submitted by November 21. Subsequently, the Ministry will announce the final results on November 28.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold UAE citizenship.
- Meet all academic criteria for their intended degree.
- Gain admission to a university and a specialization listed in the Ministry’s approved database.
- Pass interviews and competency assessments.
- Provide attested and equivalised academic qualifications.
In addition, candidates must study full-time and on-campus abroad. Male applicants must show proof of national service exemption, deferment, or completion. Furthermore, they must sign a declaration to follow all scholarship regulations and confirm they are not receiving another full scholarship. Notably, the Ministry will disqualify anyone previously sponsored for the same or lower degree or whose past scholarship was revoked.
Academic Admission Rules
To avoid disqualification, applicants must ensure their admission letters meet strict criteria. Specifically, letters must clearly state the field of study. If the letter omits this detail, applicants must include a direct link to the program on the university’s official website.
The Ministry will reject admission letters that:
- Include preparatory or foundation programs.
- Offer dual-degree or double-major courses.
- Use distance or hybrid learning formats.
- Focus on MBA or Executive MBA programs.
- Originate from continuing education or professional studies centers.
Therefore, applicants should review all requirements thoroughly before submitting their documents. By doing so, they can avoid unnecessary delays or disqualification.
Scholarship Specializations and Rankings
The Ministry offers scholarships for majors that meet at least one of the following ranking benchmarks:
- Top 50 globally in the chosen specialization.
- Top 100 in the U.S. or Australia.
- Top 200 in other countries, or top 300 in non-English-speaking nations.
Consequently, students must choose programs that align with these standards to remain eligible. Moreover, selecting a highly ranked specialization increases their chances of acceptance.
Highly Competitive Selection
Each year, around 3,000 students apply. Nevertheless, the Ministry selects only 10%. Currently, 592 students are studying at 115 elite universities in 22 countries, while 187 students graduated during the 2024–2025 academic year.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mualla emphasized that the UAE Spring 2026 scholarships program plays a vital role in preparing high-achieving Emiratis to contribute to the nation’s future. He explained that the program began shortly after the Union’s formation, when local higher education options were limited. Since then, it has evolved — focusing on excellence, innovation, and global readiness.
