The UAE Ministry of Education has announced a series of reforms ahead of the start of the new academic year, which begins later this month.

The ministry has introduced new regulations to manage student transfers across the UAE.

According to these regulations, student transfers for the 2026-2027 academic year must take place during the first two weeks of the new school year.

The Ministry of Education stated that these measures are being implemented to ensure students are placed in academic streams that match their educational capabilities.

The ministry also believes the new reforms will help maintain the quality of educational outcomes and enhance the stability of the learning process.

Under the new framework, student transfers will be subject to an assessment of their conditions and academic eligibility.

Consulting with students and parents, reviewing admission requirements, and obtaining official approvals are also part of this new framework.

Student performance will be continuously monitored following the approval of a transfer.

Students in the applied stream can voluntarily transfer to the general stream in specific grades.

However, transferring from the general stream to the applied stream will only be permitted for eligible students in grades 8 and 9 who achieved a minimum score of 80 percent in English, mathematics, and science during the previous academic year.

The Ministry of Education also stated that transfers from the applied stream to the general stream are not permitted.

Students in grades 10 and 11 of the general stream will also be unable to transfer to the applied stream due to academic requirements.

The UAE Ministry of Education urged schools to ensure that transfer decisions are made in consultation with students, parents, and academic advisors.

The ministry also emphasized the need for continued support and monitoring, which are essential for student success in their new academic paths.