In a significant policy shift, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has removed the United Kingdom from its list of approved countries for government-funded student scholarships. This decision, driven by concerns about campus radicalisation, marks a major change for Emirati students, thousands of whom have favoured British universities in recent years.
Scholarship List Updated, UK Notably Absent
The UAE's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research maintains an official roster of universities and majors abroad that are eligible for state scholarships. This list, which is updated every October, dictates where the majority of Emirati students can study with financial government support. For the 2025 list governing entry in 2026, the UK is conspicuously missing.
Countries like India, the United States, Japan, France, Germany, and Italy have retained their places on the approved list. The omission of Britain is particularly striking given its popularity. In the 2023-2024 academic year, a record 8,535 Emirati students were enrolled at UK universities, representing an 87% increase compared to 2018 figures.
Official Reason: Fear of Radicalisation on Campus
When British officials inquired about the absence, UAE authorities clarified it was not an oversight. According to reports in the Financial Times and The Times, UAE officials explicitly linked the decision to worries about the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood on UK campuses.
"The UAE does not want their kids to be radicalised on campus," a UAE official stated. Officials further explained that funding for the UK was being cut due to the perceived influence of the group, which the UAE designated as a terrorist organisation in 2014.
It is important to note that Emirati families can still choose to self-fund their children's education in the UK. The UK government has never proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood, although a 2014 review commissioned by the government found its ideology "contrary to British values" and national security.
Reactions and Broader Implications
A UK Home Office spokesperson responded by stating, "All forms of extremism have absolutely no place in our society. We have some of the strongest laws in the world to protect our citizens from hatred and terrorism." The spokesperson added that the government would continue to work with law enforcement and international partners.
The move has sparked commentary from student groups. Amit Tiwari, President of the Indian National Students Association UK, acknowledged a concerning presence of radical Islamist ideology within some UK universities, often supported by elements of the hard left in academia. "Fortunately, Indian students have typically not been drawn into such movements, but nonetheless we advise all our students to exercise caution on campus," Tiwari said.
This decision redirects the flow of government-sponsored Emirati talent, potentially benefiting other destinations like India and European nations. It also highlights growing geopolitical concerns influencing international education choices.
