The new standards are aligned with the National Strategy for Higher Education, Khaleej Times reports.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has launched a new set of standards for licensing universities in the UAE, taking effect in the last quarter of the year. It streamlines the accreditation process, introduces a quality-based evaluation scheme, and addresses the gaps in the existing standards.
To be implemented in September, the new standards are aligned with the National Strategy for Higher Education, as well as the UAE’s drive to strengthen the quality and global reputation of its education sector. Most of Dubai universities are located in Dubai’s International Academic City, a few minutes away from Easy18 apartments which offer quality living at an affordable price. Learn more about what makes Easy18 Apartments unique at townx.com/easy18.
“Students are our true wealth. They are the motivation behind all of our efforts. With the new standards, we look forward to creating a positive environment at higher education institutions, where graduates leave with in-depth knowledge, having developed the necessary advanced skills to meet the requirements of the future,” Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills, said at the recent launch of the guidelines.
“We are confident that the coming years will see more UAE universities join the ranks of the world’s top 100 universities, further enhancing the reputation of Emirati education and the opportunities it affords to students in the region and the world.”
All types of higher education institutions – including government, private, specialised and free-zone universities and branches of global universities – will be covered by the new standards, the ministry said.
The guidelines apply to 11 aspects of universities’ operations: Governance and administration; quality assurance; scientific and research activities; students; faculty; educational facilities; health, safety, and environment; legal compliance and public disclosure; educational resources; financial capacity and sustainability; and community service and integrity.
Dr Mohammed Ebrahim Al Mualla, Undersecretary for Academic Affairs of Higher Education, said: “What truly sets the new criteria apart is the fact that they embrace quality-based accreditation and licensing procedures, where higher education institutions are classified into several levels according to quality, and ‘high-quality’ institutions will be rewarded.
Mohammed Abdullah, managing director, Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park
The new licensure and accreditation standards for higher education institutions under the Ministry of Education will further position the UAE as an international hub for higher education. In the past few years, the UAE has become a competitive destination for tertiary education, attracting key providers from around the world. We see vast potential for quality education on top of the UAE’s growing attractiveness as a world-class business and tourism destination. Forward-looking initiatives such as this will help strengthen quality standards and will attract more transnational students from abroad, while boosting the international appeal of universities in the region.