Government scholarships now available for fully online university programmes

UAE citizens can now receive government scholarships to study academic programmes delivered entirely online, under new regulations issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR).

Under Ministerial Resolution No. 179 of 2026, scholarships may be granted for fully distance-learning programmes if the educational institution is ranked among the world's top 20 universities overall, based on international rankings and lists approved by the Ministry.

The new rules provide Emirati students with greater flexibility in accessing international education without necessarily having to live in the country where the university is based.

The resolution also allows the Minister, or an authorised delegate, to approve an institution as a priority university even if it does not meet the ranking requirement. This may apply when an institution has a strong international reputation in a specialised or rare field.