The UAE has removed British universities from its list of institutions eligible for state scholarships, citing fears that students could be radicalized on campus. Emirati applicants for U.K. scholarships have reportedly been denied, and degrees from excluded institutions may no longer be recognised in the UAE. The decision follows tensions over the U.K.’s stance on the Muslim Brotherhood and comes after 70 students were flagged as potential referrals to a UAE deradicalization programme in 2023–24. British officials stress they maintain robust campus-safety and student-welfare measures.
UAE Suspends Scholarships For Study In The UK Over Campus Radicalization Fears; Some UK Degrees May Lose Recognition
UAE cuts funding for citizens studying at UK universities over campus radicalization fears: report
The United Arab Emirates has suspended state scholarships for Emirati students who wish to study at universities in the United Kingdom, citing concerns that students could be exposed to radicalizing influences while studying abroad, the Financial Times reports.
Officials have removed British institutions from the UAE’s list of accredited universities eligible for government funding. Emirati applicants who have sought government scholarships to study in the U.K. have reportedly been denied, and the UAE will not recognise qualifications from institutions that remain excluded from its accredited list — potentially reducing the domestic value of those degrees.
A "Welcome to the People's University for Palestine" banner at King's College at the University of Cambridge May 11, 2024, in Cambridge, U.K.
Sources told the Financial Times that the move comes amid rising diplomatic tension after the U.K. chose not to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, a position that has drawn criticism from UAE leaders.
“[The UAE] don’t want their kids to be radicalized on campus,” a person directly involved in the decision told the Financial Times.
Downing Street pushed back by emphasising campus safety and student welfare. The office of Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “All forms of extremism have absolutely no place in our society, and we will stamp them out wherever they are found. We offer one of the best education systems in the world and maintain stringent measures on student welfare and on-campus safety.”
The skyline in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where funding for its citizens to study in the United Kingdom has been halted.
The policy follows reports that during the 2023–24 academic year some 70 Emirati students at U.K. universities were recorded as possible referrals to the UAE government’s deradicalization programme. Analysts warn the change could affect bilateral education ties and push prospective Emirati students to consider alternative study destinations.
Abu Dhabi leaders, including President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have publicly questioned the U.K.’s approach to Islamist movements, and the U.K. government said last year the issue remained under “close review.” The Financial Times is the primary source for these developments; neither government has announced a detailed timeline for any reversal of the policy.
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