In a strategic move to enhance academic integrity and employment readiness, the UAE government has introduced new global ranking criteria to evaluate and recognize foreign university degrees obtained by Emiratis studying abroad. The initiative aims to ensure that graduates return with globally competitive and accredited qualifications aligned with the country’s high standards.
Under the new policy, degrees will only be recognized if they are earned from universities that meet specific international rankings and quality benchmarks, such as those listed in the QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education. This will help safeguard Emirati students from enrolling in low-tier institutions and ensure their degrees carry weight in both local and global job markets.
The initiative is part of a broader national effort to strengthen the UAE’s knowledge economy and elevate its global academic and professional standing. Authorities have also emphasized that this move supports the country’s vision for a future-ready, highly qualified workforce capable of thriving in a fast-evolving global landscape.
For students currently pursuing education abroad or planning to do so, the Ministry of Education advises careful review of the newly released guidelines before enrolling in any foreign institution. The policy sends a clear message: great education is not negotiable, and the UAE is dedicated to preserving excellence both domestically and internationally.
