Educators in the UAE advocate for better alignment between schools and universities following the introduction of fresh regulations for studying abroad.
Image used for illustrative purposes. Credit: File
Expert educators in the UAE are advocating for increased collaboration between schools and universities as the country recently revised its rules for studying abroad.
In early June, the UAE established specific criteria for Emirati students choosing to pursue higher education institutions abroad. To learn more about the eligible educational institutions, check out this report.
Beyond improving career readiness, this decision serves to regulate international scholarship selections in accordance with UAE's ambitions. Educators underline that this move will additionally raise employability and leadership readiness.
"These criteria will prompt enrollment in high-caliber institutions, ensuring students receive a globally competitive education. This will also assist in enhancing aspirations and academic standards within the local schooling systems as students prepare for more competitive and distinguished universities," Prof. Rajesh Mohnot, head of the Finance Department at the College of Business Administration, Ajman University, commented.
He further added, "Such emphasis will raise employability and leadership readiness by aligning education with global benchmarks in teaching, research, and innovation. This initiative will promote prudent public investment, ensuring that government-sponsored scholarships are directed toward meaningful educational outcomes."
Personalized academic and career counseling
Experts suggest that schools and universities need to focus on enhancing the curriculum by incorporating rigorous academic content, internationally recognized certifications, and innovative research practices.
"In doing so, they can devote more attention to emerging sectors like STEM, AI, sustainability, and other forward-looking domains, thereby aligning with global trends. I believe university-school partnerships can foster early career awareness, college readiness, and mentorship, potentially revolutionizing the field," Mohnot added.
Educators also emphasized the necessity of providing personalized academic and career counseling, including university selection, application strategies, and scholarship opportunities. A more robust data-driven advisory model will be vital for tracking global rankings, subject-specific excellence, and admission trends.
"These increased standards encourage students to build a strong foundation, develop critical thinking skills, and take part in more demanding academic experiences. All these attributes are crucial for success at top-ranked international universities. Additionally, universities should offer targeted bridge programs, research opportunities, and mentorship that expose students to the demands of world-class academic environments," said Dr. Adam Fenech, provost at Canadian University Dubai.
By elevating academic standards, the UAE seeks to craft a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of driving innovation and sustaining economic growth.
"This strategy aligns with the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, which emphasizes the significance of providing students with the practical and technical skills necessary to thrive in both public and private sectors and cultivating a knowledge-based economy. Furthermore, the UAE Vision 2021 underscores the goal of exploiting the full potential of national human capital by maximizing Emirati participation in the job market and nurturing domestic leaders," added Fenech.
Streamlined licensing and accreditation process
The UAE has introduced a fast-track licensing and accreditation process in April, helping universities preserve high academic standards.
This significant change allows universities to quickly launch new educational programs, making them more responsive to market changes.
"The new framework now focuses on evidence-based KPIs, including graduate employability, research output, and industry collaboration. This results-oriented approach brings higher education closer to UAE's national development goals and global competitiveness agenda. It also grants universities greater autonomy in academic and operational decisions, while keeping them accountable for student success, innovation, and impact," said Dr. Anita Patankar, executive director at Symbiosis Dubai.
Educators contend that this change eliminates administrative hurdles, allowing universities to concentrate on strategic advancements.
"The new process marks a significant departure from complex, time-consuming approvals to a streamlined and predictable framework. For universities such as GMU, this has simplified documentation, enabled us to plan more efficiently, align programs with strategic timelines, and respond quicker to emerging industry requirements, ultimately aiding better budget forecasting and resource management," Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Acting Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, Professor and Consultant Surgeon at Thumbay Hospital, stated.
Sources:
- Emirates24|7 "Emiratis must study abroad at top 100 universities under new rules, says MOECA"
- Khaleej Times "Emiratis must study at top 50 universities worldwide, says MOE"
- Gulf News "Emiratis must study abroad at Top 150 universities under new sponsor system"
- The revised rules for studying abroad in the UAE now require Emirati students to pursue education in high-caliber institutions, as highlighted in this report, to ensure a globally competitive education.
- Experts suggest that universities in the UAE should focus on personalized academic and career counseling, including university selection, application strategies, and scholarship opportunities, to help students secure admissions to top-ranked international universities.
- In April, the UAE launched a fast-track licensing and accreditation process for universities, allowing them to quickly launch new educational programs and respond more effectively to market changes.
- To align with the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 and the UAE Vision 2021, universities in the UAE are encouraged to invest in emerging sectors like STEM, AI, sustainability, and offer targeted bridge programs, research opportunities, and mentorship to students.
