On Tuesday the Ministry of Education issued Resolution No. 179, a fresh set of rules for Emirati scholarships. The resolution, announced as Ministerial Resolution No. (179) of 2026, outlines conditions, requirements and procedures for the national scholarship programme. It builds on existing federal laws and Cabinet decisions to create a single, unified framework for how scholarships are awarded and managed across the country.
Priority groups are clearly identified in the new framework. The ministry listed children of martyrs, beneficiaries of social support programmes and students living in remote areas as key categories for consideration. Applications from these groups will be weighed alongside academic performance, priority fields of study, the quality of the educational institution and the type of academic admission.
Eligibility criteria and ranking benchmarks To ensure quality, the resolution adopts updated lists of scholarship destination countries and institutions based on internationally recognised rankings. Institutions are assessed against tiered global benchmarks that vary by location. Universities ranked in the world’s top 50 for a specific subject qualify regardless of overall standing. For institutions in the United States and Australia, a top 100 subject ranking and a top 100 overall ranking are required. Other English‑speaking countries must meet a top 200 subject and overall ranking, while non‑English‑speaking nations need a top 300 benchmark.
“This approach aims to ensure that scholarships are directed towards the most deserving and qualified national talent,” the ministry said.
Strategic goals and expected impact The ministry says the new rules are designed to develop the national scholarship system, improve the efficiency of government spending and raise the quality of academic programmes. By aligning scholarship outcomes with national priorities and labour‑market needs, the resolution seeks to prepare talent capable of contributing to the UAE’s economic and knowledge‑based development. With the updated destination lists and ranking criteria, Emirati students will have clearer pathways to institutions that meet global standards. The focus on priority groups and rigorous benchmarks aims to channel resources toward those most likely to drive future growth and innovation within the Emirates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of UAE's Resolution No. 179 for scholarships? Resolution No. 179 updates scholarship rules, prioritises deserving Emirati talent, and creates a unified framework for awarding and managing scholarships.
Which priority groups are given preference under Resolution No. 179? The resolution gives priority to children of martyrs, beneficiaries of social support programmes, and students living in remote areas, alongside academic performance and field of study.
What ranking criteria must foreign universities meet for Emirati scholarships? Universities must meet tiered global benchmarks: top‑50 subject ranking worldwide, or for the United States and Australia a top‑100 subject and overall ranking, other English‑speaking countries top‑200, and non‑English‑speaking nations top‑300.
When was Resolution No. 179 issued and by which ministry? The Ministry of Education issued Resolution No. 179 on Tuesday in 2026 as Ministerial Resolution No. (179) of 2026.
