The Ministry of Education - Higher Education Affairs urges students wishing to study abroad to submit their applications for scholarship and all the necessary documents before the deadline for accepting applications, which is Thursday, June 30th. The efforts of the Ministry are consistent with the government approach in foreseeing the future, and promoting and spreading the spirit of innovation and creativity in all aspects of government work, as the provision of qualified national cadres is the main element in achieving sustainable development in all fields. In implementation of the State’s strategy aimed at strengthening the country's position in the global competitiveness indicators, and in line with the National Innovation Strategy, which aims to make the UAE among the most innovative countries in the world over the next seven years, the Ministry has reconsidered the Scholarship Program for 2016-2017, and developed it to include disciplines that serve the State's future policy on innovation, foreseeing the future, space science, and entrepreneurship. Countries that occupy advanced positions in the innovation indicators, such as Japan, China, Finland, South Korea, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Singapore, and Sweden, have been given a priority for scholarship. In this context, His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education Affairs, said: "We recognize the importance of harmonizing the scholarship program with the future vision of the State, and we work according to a deliberate strategy based on the directives of the leadership, which clearly identified the present and future goals for the higher education sector, and how it contributes in supporting the sustainable development of the State. We are coordinating with the various government agencies, public and private sectors, and institutions of higher education in order to determine the necessary specialties and human resources needs in each area". The university degree holders make up 74% of the total students on scholarships by the Ministry, compared to graduate students holding Master’s and doctoral degrees, who make up 26% only. The Ministry is currently working on developing the necessary plans and strategies to raise this ratio to 50% over the next five years, which is commensurate with the goals stipulated in the national agenda, with relation to building a knowledge-based economy on the one hand, and strengthening the presence and status of the UAE in the global competitiveness indicators on the other hand. The Ministry's future agenda focuses on providing students with scholarships to study bachelor's degree in medical, engineering, and technical disciplines, and for graduate studies (Master’s, PhD), at the outstanding educational institutions specified by the Ministry, which have obtained the highest rankings according to the accredited international rankings. The Ministry has also introduced many of the scholarship terms for 2016 - 2017, which included improvement measures, such as the applicant should pass a personal interview, and bring a Certificate of Exemption / Postponement / Completion from the National and Reserve Service Authority. As part of the ongoing efforts of the Ministry to encourage scholarship students for excellence, instill the spirit of innovation in them, and develop the creative side, the Ministry has specified financial allocations for the distinguished student. The plan is generally focused on the distinguished student who is enrolled in a university which is among the top 100 universities worldwide, based on the accredited international rankings, or who conducts research in one of the areas that the State needs at an educational institution, which has an advanced ranking in the country of study, and who is a regular student at the same university and in the course of study during his study period, in addition to being of good conduct. The following are the research areas: • Innovation and foreseeing the future • Space Science • Medicine and Health Sciences • Water Sources (Desalination) • Alternative and Renewable Energy • Sustainability and Clean Technology • Agriculture and Food Systems • Transport and Infrastructure • Marine Science and Oceanography In addition to the monthly salary, the Ministry provides the scholarship students with financial allocations and allowances including the flight ticket, tuition fees, health insurance, full accommodation expenses, and a cash allowance for purchasing books and supplies, to be paid annually, as well as other financial allowances that can be viewed through the Ministry’s website (www.moe.gov.ae). As for people with special needs, the Ministry provides scholarships for the national students to study at educational institutions abroad, and pays for the tools and equipment necessary for them. The enrollment applications can be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal, the Ministry’s website, or through visiting the two customer service centers of the Ministry in Abu Dhabi (Al Karamah Street, International Tower), and in Dubai (Oud Metha Area-Sheikh Rashid Road- Spectrum Building- after ENOC Gas Station). To view the conditions and criteria, countries, higher education institutions specified for scholarship, and internal grants, please visit the Ministry's website: www.moe.gov.ae.
24/05/2016