Overview
- A revised approved list published by the UAE education ministry in June 2025 excluded British institutions while including universities in the US, Australia, France and Israel, according to reporting.
- Degrees from universities not on the approved list will not be recognised by the UAE government, reducing the value of UK qualifications for Emirati graduates.
- Federal scholarships for new UK-bound students have been curtailed, though privately funded study continues and some already enrolled or specific-category students, including reported cases of military personnel, still receive support.
- Official UK data show 70 university students were flagged for possible referral to the Prevent programme for signs of Islamist radicalisation in 2023–24, nearly double the prior year.
- Emirati UK study visas fell to 213 in the year to September 2025, down 27% year-on-year, as British officials questioned the policy and reiterated commitments to academic freedom while keeping Brotherhood proscription under review.