UAE National Scholarship Programme Registration Now Open For Spring 2026 Academic Year

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has initiated the registration for the UAE National Scholarship Programme for Spring 2026, which will remain open until November 7. This initiative highlights the UAE's commitment to nurturing human capital, a crucial element for sustainable development and global leadership in science and knowledge.

Dr. Faisal Alali, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector, stated: "The scholarship programme is more than a pathway to a degree abroad – it is a national project designed to cultivate future leaders, equip young Emiratis to drive the labour market and foster cultural exchange with students worldwide."

This year, 184 new scholarship recipients will study at over 60 top-ranked universities globally. Over five years, 1,388 students have graduated from more than 200 universities in 25 countries. These institutions offer advanced educational settings that allow students to engage in pioneering research and join diverse academic communities.

The programme aligns with national priorities and labour market demands by targeting fields such as AI, data science, advanced engineering, renewable energy, health sciences, business, economics and social sciences. It aims to prepare students for specialisations that will drive economic and social transformation.

MoHESR ensures scholarships support the national labour market through strategic partnerships with leading local entities. These collaborations cover sectors like energy, aviation, heavy industries and human resources. They provide scholarship recipients with direct employment or specialised training opportunities with organisations such as Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Emirates Nuclear Energy Company and Etihad Airways.

The Ministry commended the dedication of national economic sectors in supporting the programme. Completing the scholarship marks the beginning of a successful career where students contribute to the national economy. Cooperation with these sectors bridges classrooms to workplaces.

Success Stories

Emirati scholarship students have excelled as ambassadors of science and knowledge both locally and internationally. Notable examples include Noor Al Ali, a master's student in genomic medicine at the University of Melbourne, and Zahra Salman, a researcher in global environmental sciences at Kyoto University. Their achievements highlight Emiratis' impact on advancing health sciences.

Mansour Ali Al Kaabi exemplifies a young Emirati making strides in actuarial sciences and economics within the private sector. His expertise contributes to growth in vital future-focused industries. These examples demonstrate how the Scholarship Programme invests nationally by producing qualified Emiratis who apply global knowledge for development.

Future-Ready Generation

The Scholarship Programme is part of MoHESR's broader initiative to enhance national competitiveness and strengthen education as a pillar of the knowledge-based economy. It supports visions like ‘We the UAE 2031’ and ‘UAE Centennial 2071’ by preparing a generation ready to harness technology and tackle global challenges.

MoHESR continuously updates its scholarship policies to adapt to global changes. Recognising scholarships as a national responsibility ensures they are not just about learning but also about equipping students to become future leaders, innovators and influencers.

With inputs from WAM