MoHESR launches UAE National Scholarship Programme for Spring 2026 to empower future Emirati leaders

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced the opening of registration for the UAE National Scholarship Programme for Spring 2026, with applications accepted until 7 November 2025. The initiative reinforces the UAE’s commitment to developing its human capital as a cornerstone for sustainable growth, knowledge leadership, and global competitiveness.

H.E. Dr. Faisal Alali, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector, described the scholarship initiative as “more than a pathway to a degree abroad — it is a national project to cultivate future leaders and global ambassadors of Emirati excellence.”

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

This year, 184 new students have been selected to pursue studies at over 60 of the world’s top universities. Over the past five years, the programme has produced 1,388 graduates from more than 200 universities across 25 countries, reflecting the UAE’s strategic focus on international academic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration.

The programme prioritises disciplines aligned with national priorities and labour market needs, including:

• Artificial intelligence and data science

• Advanced engineering and renewable energy

• Health sciences and biotechnology

• Business, economics and social sciences

By equipping students with future-ready skills, the programme aims to drive the UAE’s knowledge economy, digital transformation, and climate action agenda.

Bridging Education and Employment

MoHESR has established strategic partnerships with leading national organisations to ensure a seamless connection between education and employment. Key partners include:
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, Emirates Group, Etihad Airways, Emirates Global Aluminium, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and UAE University.

These collaborations provide scholarship recipients with hands-on training, specialised career pathways, and direct employment opportunities, ensuring that academic excellence translates into practical contributions to the national economy.

Inspiring Emirati Role Models

Over the years, Emirati scholars have distinguished themselves internationally as ambassadors of the UAE’s vision for innovation and excellence.
Notable examples include:

• Noor Al Ali, Master’s student in Genomic Medicine at the University of Melbourne, advancing health sciences research.

• Zahra Salman, researcher in Global Environmental Sciences at Kyoto University, contributing to sustainability and climate research.

• Mansour Ali Al Kaabi, specialist in Actuarial Sciences and Economics, exemplifying Emirati leadership in private sector innovation.

These success stories highlight how the scholarship programme transforms education into a national investment in knowledge and leadership.

Investing in the Future

The scholarship programme is a core component of MoHESR’s efforts to enhance national competitiveness and support the ‘We the UAE 2031’ and ‘UAE Centennial 2071’ visions. It reflects the nation’s long-term goal of preparing a generation capable of addressing global challenges through innovation, technology, and scientific excellence.

MoHESR continuously updates its scholarship policies to align with evolving global trends, reaffirming that education is not only about academic attainment, but about shaping leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will define the UAE’s future.