The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fudan University in China to strengthen academic and research partnerships with federal higher education institutions in the UAE and to allocate study places for high-achieving Emirati students wishing to study at the university.
Fudan University, established in Shanghai in 1905, ranks among the world’s top 30 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and among the top 40 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. It is widely recognised for its advanced research capabilities, innovation and talent development.
The MoU forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to expand international partnerships with leading academic institutions, foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and develop joint programmes that enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s higher education and scientific research ecosystem.
Ibrahim Fikri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education and Scientific Research Regulation and Governance Sector at MoHESR, stated that the collaboration with Fudan University reflects the depth of scientific and academic ties between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China. He noted that the agreement opens new avenues for cooperation between educational and research institutions in both countries.
Fikri added that the Ministry continues to build sustainable strategic partnerships with prestigious global universities. These partnerships aim to advance the higher education ecosystem and develop national talent equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to meet future demands and contribute to building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
Jin Li, President of Fudan University, expressed the university’s pride in collaborating with MoHESR. He emphasised that the MoU represents an important step towards expanding opportunities for student and faculty exchange and conducting joint research projects with UAE universities and research institutions.
Jin Li also expressed the university’s aspiration to work with its UAE partners to address shared global challenges through scientific research, innovation and knowledge exchange.
Under the terms of the MoU, MoHESR will facilitate direct connections between Fudan University and UAE higher education institutions. The goal is to explore areas of cooperation and develop joint initiatives. Key focus areas include student and faculty academic mobility, collaborative scientific research, knowledge transfer and the exchange of best practices. These activities will be pursued in line with the priorities of participating institutions and the development needs of both countries.
The agreement supports the Ministry’s broader strategy of widening access to high-quality international education for Emirati students while simultaneously strengthening the research capacity of UAE institutions through structured international collaboration. By securing dedicated study places at a highly ranked research university, the MoU provides a clear pathway for outstanding Emirati students to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in China.
At the same time, the partnership creates mechanisms for UAE faculty members and researchers to engage with their counterparts at Fudan University. Such engagement is expected to encourage joint research projects, co-authored publications and the sharing of institutional best practices in teaching, research management and innovation.
The collaboration also aligns with the UAE’s long-term vision of developing a diversified, knowledge-driven economy. By linking national higher education institutions more closely with a leading Chinese research university, the MoU contributes to the continuous upgrading of academic programmes, research infrastructure and talent pipelines within the UAE.
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Fudan University’s strong performance in global rankings underscores the value of the partnership. Its position in the top 30 of the QS World University Rankings 2026 and its established reputation in research and innovation make it a significant partner for UAE institutions seeking to elevate their international standing and research output.
The Ministry has indicated that implementation of the MoU will proceed through coordinated engagement between MoHESR, Fudan University and relevant federal higher education institutions. Specific joint initiatives and student placement arrangements will be developed according to mutual priorities and institutional capacity.
This latest agreement adds to a growing network of international academic partnerships established by MoHESR. It reinforces the UAE’s commitment to providing Emirati students with access to world-class education while deepening scientific and educational cooperation with China.
Through sustained collaboration of this kind, the UAE continues to position its higher education sector as both a beneficiary of global excellence and an active contributor to international research and knowledge exchange.
