UAE’s New Study Abroad Policy Raises Concerns Over University Ranking Rules

The United Arab Emirates’ latest update to its study abroad policy has sparked discussion and concern among students, educators, and international universities. The revised regulations, introduced in mid-2025, place a heavy emphasis on global university rankings, a move the UAE government says is aimed at maintaining high academic standards and aligning with national development goals.

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Under the new rules, Emirati students seeking government recognition or scholarships must enroll in institutions that meet strict ranking criteria:

Universities must be top 50 globally in their specific field of study.

For students enrolling in the United States or Australia, the university must also be in the top 100 overall and in the relevant field.

For other English-speaking countries, universities must be ranked within the top 200 overall and in the field.

For non-English-speaking countries, universities must fall within the top 300 in both categories.

While the government believes this policy will ensure students receive a high-quality education, critics argue it may inadvertently limit access, particularly for students who do not perform well on standardized entry requirements like the SAT, ACT, or IELTS.

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Experts worry that the narrow focus on rankings overlooks other essential elements of education, such as teaching quality, campus culture, research innovation, and student support services.

“A student’s potential should not be measured by rankings alone,” said a Dubai-based education consultant. “We risk losing sight of the diverse strengths that many mid-ranked or specialist universities offer.”

Call for Bridging Solutions
In response to concerns, education leaders are suggesting foundation programs or academic bridging courses to support students who may fall short of entry requirements. Countries like Singapore and Saudi Arabia have implemented similar models to ease the transition into top-tier institutions while maintaining academic rigor.

This kind of support could be crucial for students coming from varied academic backgrounds, ensuring they still have access to recognized institutions without being excluded outright.

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The UAE’s ranking-based approach could also shift student mobility patterns, as universities not meeting the outlined thresholds may see a decline in Emirati enrollments. Conversely, highly ranked universities may experience an uptick, particularly in the UK, US, Australia, and Europe.

Institutions that wish to continue attracting UAE-sponsored students may need to adjust recruitment strategies or emphasize their subject-specific rankings more prominently.