Archive · 10 Jan 2026
UAE Removes UK from Scholarship List Over Radicalisation Concerns
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to stop giving government scholarships to students who want to study in the UK.
This is because they are worried that Emirati students might be influenced by groups like the Muslim Brotherhood on UK university campuses.
The UAE thinks these groups could change students' minds in ways that are not good for their country.
The UK, however, believes in free speech and has not banned the Muslim Brotherhood.
Even though the UAE is not allowing government scholarships for the UK, students can still go there if their families pay for it themselves.
Other countries like India, the US, and some European nations are still on the UAE's approved list for scholarships.
UAE removes UK from approved list for government-funded scholarships due to radicalisation concerns.
Concerns over Islamist narratives and Muslim Brotherhood influence on UK university campuses.
UK was the top destination for Emirati students, with 8,535 enrolled in 2023-24.
Other countries like India, US, Japan, France, Germany, and Italy remain on the approved list.
Private funding for UK studies still allowed, as the restriction only applies to government scholarships.
- Who
- United Arab Emirates and UK
- What
- UAE removes UK from approved scholarship list
- When
- 2025 list for 2026 academic intake
- Where
- UK and UAE
- Why
- Concerns over Islamist radicalisation on UK university campuses
- Countries Removed
- UK
- Countries Still Approved
- India, US, Japan, France, Germany, Italy
- Emirati Students in UK (2023-24)
- 8,535
- Increase in Emirati Students (2018-2023)
- 87%
- UAE's Stance on Muslim Brotherhood
- Designated as terrorist organization in 2014
- UK's Stance on Muslim Brotherhood
- Never designated as terrorist organization
- Scholarship Restriction Scope
- Government-funded only, private funding still allowed
