Kamal Ghorui
Abu Dhabi has launched an international scholarship programme for Emirati students to study social work and psychology, aiming to address a growing shortage of qualified professionals in the social care sector.The programme has been introduced by the Department of Community Development in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. It will support students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at leading international universities.The initiative comes as demand for social care services continues to rise across the emirate, while the number of specialised national professionals remains limited. Despite an increase in service providers, there is still a gap between workforce supply and sector needs.The scholarships will cover bachelor’s degrees in social work and psychology, along with master’s programmes in areas such as family counselling, counselling psychology and psychotherapy. One study pathway will begin as a pilot this year, with the first group of master’s students expected to start in 2026.In addition to covering tuition, the programme will include training opportunities, mentoring and career guidance. The aim is to ensure that graduates are prepared to enter licensed roles within the social care sector.The scholarships are mainly targeted at secondary school students and recent graduates, with a focus on encouraging more Emiratis to consider careers in social care. The programme is also designed to prepare students for professional practice in line with regulatory requirements.The move is part of wider efforts by the UAE to strengthen its social development system. A Ministry of Family was established in December 2024, with a strategy focusing on supporting families and vulnerable groups between 2025 and 2027.The programme also comes amid rising interest in higher education in the country. During the 2024–2025 academic year, 57,035 new students enrolled in UAE higher education institutions, marking a 13 per cent increase and the highest intake in a decade, according to a report by Khaleej Times. Emirati student enrolment in Dubai alone rose by 22 per cent.Officials say the scholarship programme is aimed at building a locally trained workforce to support families and communities, while positioning social care as a long-term career option for Emirati youth.
