The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates runs a scholarship programme that sends outstanding Emirati school leavers abroad for an undergraduate degree in the fields its diplomatic service needs. Scholars choose from more than 115 ministry-approved universities located in eight countries, and from nine specialisations: artificial intelligence, data science, international relations, political science, international law, international trade, economics, cybersecurity and security studies. After the bachelor’s degree, scholars enrol at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) for a postgraduate diploma in diplomacy and international relations.
On completing the requirements they are appointed to the ministry and join the UAE diplomatic corps, serving for a period equal to the number of academic years the scholarship covered. Applications open once a year; the 2026 cycle ran from 1 to 30 May 2026.
Benefits & funding
- Tuition for the undergraduate degree at the approved university is covered in full by the ministry, in line with programme policy.
- A place at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy for a postgraduate diploma in diplomacy and international relations after graduation.
- Appointment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and entry into the UAE diplomatic corps once the requirements are met.
- Access to more than 115 approved universities across the United States, Canada, Germany, France, China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
- The ministry publishes no figures for living allowance, travel or insurance; scholars abroad are administered by the programme officer and the UAE cultural attaché in their country of study.
Eligibility
- UAE nationals holding a UAE passport and family book.
- Aged 17 to 22 at the time of application, with legal guardian approval. The conditions list on the programme page states 17 to 21, while the FAQ and the April 2026 announcement both state 17 to 22.
- Certificate of good conduct and behaviour from the relevant official authorities in the UAE.
- High-school results by curriculum: 90% or above for the General and General Technical (MoE) streams and for the American and other systems; 85% or above for Advanced, Advanced Technical and SABIS; 80% or above for the Elite and Advanced Science Programme streams; five IGCSE / GCSE subjects at grade B or higher plus two AS/A Level subjects at grade C or higher for the British system; 30 points or above for the International Baccalaureate.
- IELTS Academic 6.5 or above, or an equivalent TOEFL score.
- An admission offer from a university on the ministry-approved list; offers from other universities are not accepted.
- Male applicants must hold a certificate of completion of, or exemption from, national service.
- Agreement to enrol at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy after graduation and to serve in the diplomatic corps for a period equal to the academic years funded.
- Graduates of earlier school years may apply, provided they fall within the age range at the time of application.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
UAE
Education required
High School
Age requirement
17–22 yrs
Appears to be for men “Male applicants”
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Application process
- 1Watch for the annual registration window (1 to 30 May in the 2026 cycle) and secure an admission offer from a university on the ministry-approved list.
- 2Submit the scholarship application through the online form on the ministry website during the window.
- 3Upload the required documents: passport, family book, Emirates ID, birth certificate, photograph, grade 10 to 12 transcripts, university acceptance letter, medical examination certificate, English test score, curriculum vitae, good-conduct certificate, and the national service certificate for male applicants.
- 4Attend the interview, which is a mandatory part of the admission process.
- 5Wait for the review and final approval, which typically takes three to five months; updates and final results arrive by email or SMS.
- 6On acceptance, supply an IBAN bank account certificate.
Program timeline
Applications open for the 2026 cycle
May 1, 2026
Application deadline for the 2026 cycle
May 30, 2026
Three to five months after submission
Review completed and final admission decisions sent by email or SMS
Following academic year
Undergraduate study begins at the approved university abroad
After graduation
Postgraduate diploma at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, then appointment to the diplomatic corps