A comprehensive transformation of the national scholarship programme has been approved by the UAE Cabinet, featuring better financial support, better healthcare options and closer ties between education and employment opportunities for Emirati students. The ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) announced the resolution, which is designed to train and build national human resources with high skills to drive strategic economic activities & future emerging industries. The reforms are aligned with the vision of the country to become a knowledge-based economy with focus on innovation.
Some of the major transformations include increasing the study readiness and settlement allowance to DH30000 for students, which gives students more financial support to start their study journeys. The new framework also increases healthcare and living benefits to support students enabling them to concentrate on their studies and to make a smoother transition to their time at University.
End-to-End Scholarship Management
The new model of scholarship governance will be applied to the whole trajectory of a student’s educational journey through stages from the evaluation of eligibility to the choice of the university and admissions, through the monitoring of educational process, to the assessment of educational outcomes. The framework introduces better accountability mechanisms to provide for measurable outcomes with scholarship programmes that help enhance the possibilities for national development goals.
Focus on Labour Market Demands
The new scholarship model aims to enhance the link between higher education and the needs of the job market, notes MoHESR. Students will be encouraged to go for the Strategic Areas of study that support economic diversification, innovation and sustainable growth. The ministry said that the reforms will contribute to making sure that graduates will be equipped with the skills demanded in priority sectors of the economy and bolster job prospects after graduation.
Expanded Financial and Family Support
The revised package offers various privileges for scholarship holders such as:
- Monthly financial stipends
- Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Travel ticket allowances
- Health insurance
- Graduation incentives
- Academic excellence rewards
- Additional allowances will be provided for a student taking up a priority specialisation.
In an important improvement, the government now extends health insurance coverage to the spouse of married scholarship students, in order to take part in the government’s broader efforts to promote the well-being of family members while they are engaged in an overseas study programme. To ease financial pressures and initial relocation and settlement costs for students, the Dh30,000 study readiness allowance is expected to make an impact in the initial phase of their studies.
Developed Through Consultation and Global Benchmarking
The reforms were “be glad on a far deeper basis in extensive consultation with the providers of scholarships, the current recipients and prospective students of scholarships,” said MoHESR. International best practices were additionally looked at to make certain that the UAE scholarship framework stays competitive and responsive to altering world education patterns.
Supporting Hundreds of Emirati Students
Currently, about 500 Emirati students attend top universities in the world and benefit from the scholarship programme for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The new system is expected to provide a further enhancement of results, due to the fact that it will ensure that graduates are in place for successful employment within key industries, and in line with national priorities.
Stronger Industry Partnerships
MoHESR has been reaching new heights in the reform through the strengthening of cooperation with more than 10 national entities from sectors such as energy, aviation, industry and human resources. Partner organisations include:
- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
- Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC)
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
- United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
These collaborations will offer students structured training programs, exposure to the industry, and employment opportunities at the end of their studies. According to officials, the program seeks to link higher education and the industry more closely, and to ensure the scholarship recipients “smoothly move into careers that will benefit the nation’s future economic needs.
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