MoHESR Streamlines Licensure And Accreditation For UAE Higher Education Institutions With New Framework

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has launched a new system for licensing and accrediting higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UAE. This initiative introduces an Outcome-based Evaluation Framework, guided by Ministerial Resolutions No. (27) of 2024 and No. (62) of 2025, to streamline processes for both existing and new institutions.

Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary of MoHESR, highlighted that this initiative is part of the Ministry's effort to simplify services under the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme. He stated that it supports the Ministry’s strategy to improve higher education quality, aligning educational outcomes with labour market demands and promoting lifelong learning.

The documentation requirements have been significantly reduced under this new system. New institutions now need only five documents instead of 28 to obtain a licence. For first-time academic programme accreditation, the paperwork has been cut from 13 documents to just one. Similarly, renewing institutional licensure now requires only one document instead of more than 11.

Existing HEIs seeking accreditation for a new programme will also benefit from reduced paperwork, needing just one document instead of 13. This reduction in documentation aims to make the process more efficient and less burdensome for institutions.

The ministerial decision has also shortened the timeline for licensure and accreditation processes. If all requirements are met, new institutions can complete licensure in one week instead of six months. Similarly, accreditation for new academic programmes now takes one week rather than nine months. The renewal process for existing programmes has been reduced from nine months to a maximum of three months.

A risk-based management system will be introduced for renewing institutional licensure and academic accreditations. Low-risk institutions will receive a six-year licence with oversight every three years, while high-risk ones will get a two-year licence with annual monitoring.

Unified Evaluation Framework

The new framework provides all accredited UAE-based HEIs with a unified evaluation mechanism based on clear performance indicators. This ensures that all institutions are assessed on measurable outcomes. The decision outlines clear pathways for new institutions to obtain licences and accreditation, as well as for existing ones to renew their licences or programme accreditations.

Licensure procedures will be unified between MoHESR and local education authorities. Institutions will receive Ministry licensure upon obtaining local approval, and internationally accredited programmes will be automatically recognised without additional procedures.

Outcome-based Evaluation Pillars

The Outcome-based Evaluation Framework identifies six key pillars: Employment Outcomes (25%), Learning Outcomes (25%), Collaboration with Partners (20%), Scientific Research Outcomes (15%), Reputation and Global Presence (10%), and Community Engagement (5%). These pillars are evaluated through predefined performance indicators to ensure a comprehensive assessment of HEIs.

This decision applies to all existing HEIs licensed by the Ministry, as well as new institutions seeking licensure from MoHESR. Adding or closing an academic unit will require prior approval from MoHESR.

With inputs from WAM