UAE Introduces New System For Higher Education Licensure And Accreditation

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) launched a new system to simplify the licensing and accreditation process for higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UAE.

The new approach provides clear guidelines for both new and existing institutions to get licensed and accredited. It also introduces a unified method to assess institutions based on their performance. This system follows an Outcome-based Evaluation Framework, as outlined in Ministerial Resolutions No. (27) of 2024 and No. (62) of 2025, WAM reported.

With this initiative, the number of required documents has been reduced to streamline the process. New institutions now need only five documents instead of 28 for licensing. For academic program accreditation, first-time applicants and existing institutions applying for new programs now need just one document instead of 13.

The renewal process for institutional licensure has also been simplified from over 11 documents to one. Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary of MoHESR, stated that this initiative aligns with the Zero Government Bureaucracy program, aiming to simplify services.

Al Mualla emphasized that the decision enhances higher education quality, aligns education with job market needs, and promotes lifelong learning. He announced that the new ministerial decision drastically shortens the licensure and accreditation process.

If all requirements are met, new institutions can now get licensed in one week instead of six months, while new academic program accreditation has been reduced from nine months to one week. Renewing accreditation for existing programs now takes a maximum of three months instead of nine.

A risk-based management system will be introduced for renewals. Low-risk institutions will receive a six-year license with oversight every three years, while high-risk ones will get a two-year license with yearly monitoring.

Al Mualla emphasized that the new framework establishes a unified evaluation system for all accredited UAE-based HEIs, ensuring institutions are assessed using clear performance indicators.

Licensure procedures will be standardized between MoHESR and local education authorities. Institutions will receive ministry licensure once they obtain local approval, and internationally accredited programs will be automatically recognized, making the process more efficient.

The Outcome-based Evaluation Framework assesses institutions based on six key pillars: Employment and Learning Outcomes (25% each), Collaboration with Partners (20%), Scientific Research (15%), Reputation and Global Presence (10%), and Community Engagement (5%).

These factors are measured using specific performance indicators to ensure a data-driven evaluation. This decision applies to all MoHESR-licensed institutions and new applicants seeking licensure.