Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced the adoption of a new Resolution regarding Review Fees for Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the resolution forms part of the implementation of the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research. This initiative aligns with national efforts to develop an efficient and flexible higher education and technical-vocational ecosystem. The aim is to enhance the quality of academic and training institutions and programmes that align with national priorities.
Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shoaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry, stated that the resolution is part of an integrated approach adopted by the UAE to enhance the legislative and regulatory framework of the higher education sector. This effort aims to boost the competitiveness of sector institutions, build trust among students and the wider community in educational outcomes, and support the UAE's goals of establishing a proactive, future-ready higher education system.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of an efficient, reliable, and sustainable institutional and programme licensing and accreditation framework. It provides a clear infrastructure for the Ministry to conduct reviews and evaluations in accordance with global best practices and criteria.
The resolution establishes a clear structure for the evaluation and review services provided by the Ministry, ensuring clarity regarding the financial commitments associated with these processes. It regulates the coverage of expenses for external evaluators and experts, ensuring fairness and transparency among institutions.
The main regulatory goal of the resolution is to support the quality and effectiveness of institutional and programme licensing, accreditation, and renewals. It allows the Ministry to enlist specialized external evaluators and experts through clear, publicly announced mechanisms.
Review fees are directly linked to specialized technical reviews, ensuring institutions and programmes consistently meet approved standards. The resolution helps institutions in clearer financial and administrative planning by categorizing service types, setting clear review fee rates, and outlining collection mechanisms.
The resolution also enhances the quality of academic and training programmes, with fees tied to structured reviews ensuring compliance with approved standards. This builds confidence among students, parents, the community, and the labour market in the UAE's accredited institutions and programmes.
Additionally, the resolution considers the varying nature of academic programmes and their specific evaluation requirements, reflecting the technical and organizational efforts needed for each institution and programme type.
Review fees will be transferred to the Review Fund for Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions. Established by a Cabinet resolution, the Fund aims to finance and support review operations associated with licensing and accreditation, and it also funds the enlistment of international evaluators and experts.
The resolution reflects the UAE's dedication to establishing an efficient, sustainable, and future-ready higher education and technical-vocational ecosystem. By developing reliable frameworks, the UAE continues to champion quality across academic and training programmes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and institutional excellence.