The UAE’s decision to exclude UK universities from its scholarship program over fears of Islamist radicalization is creating diplomatic ripples.
Story Snapshot
- UAE removes UK universities from scholarship eligibility due to radicalization fears.
- Muslim Brotherhood influence on UK campuses is a central concern.
- Diplomatic tensions rise as UK degrees lose recognition in the UAE.
- Emirati students face significant barriers to studying in the UK.
UAE Scholarship Policy Sparks Diplomatic Strain
The United Arab Emirates has made a significant policy shift by excluding UK universities from its list of approved institutions for state-funded scholarships. This decision, announced in June 2025, comes amidst concerns about potential Islamist radicalization on British campuses, particularly linked to Muslim Brotherhood networks. UAE officials have confirmed to their UK counterparts that this exclusion is intentional, aiming to safeguard Emirati students from exposure to extremist ideologies.
The repercussions are immediate and significant. Emirati students who wish to study in the UK under government sponsorship now face rejection, while those already enrolled can continue their studies with funding. However, future cohorts will face new challenges, as degrees from non-approved UK institutions will not be recognized for official purposes in the UAE, such as public sector employment or professional licensing.
Impact on UK Universities and Students
The exclusion of UK universities from the UAE’s scholarship list has led to a notable decline in Emirati student enrollments. UK universities have already seen a 27% year-on-year drop in student visas and a 55% decrease since 2022. This financial impact, though limited in system-wide terms, could be significant for institutions with strong links to the Gulf region. For Emirati students, the reduced value of UK degrees in the UAE’s job market means they are likely to shift their focus to universities in the US, Australia, France, and Israel, which remain on the approved list.
The broader implications for UK-UAE relations are profound. This move adds to a series of diplomatic irritants and highlights the UAE’s readiness to wield educational cooperation as a tool to influence UK security policy regarding the Muslim Brotherhood. The decision also underscores ongoing tensions in UK campuses, where political activism, especially concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict, has heightened perceptions of risk.
Long-Term Consequences and Strategic Implications
In the long run, the UAE’s policy could set a precedent for other states with similar security concerns, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of scholarship policies tied to ideological risks. For the UK, this development raises questions about the sufficiency of its counter-extremism measures and the perception of its universities as ideologically permissive spaces. This perception could affect future scholarship allocations, favoring competitor countries.
Within the UAE, the shift may bolster local and regional campuses, including British branch campuses in the Emirates, thus strengthening the domestic higher education sector. However, it could also narrow the international exposure of Emirati elites, potentially limiting their access to diverse global perspectives.
