- The UAE approves a new review-fee framework for universities and technical institutions, covering licensing and accreditation assessments. The system improves cost transparency and supports a sustainable, independent quality-assurance process.
A new framework for review fees for the higher education institutions and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers was approved by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The move lays the groundwork for a clear costing of specialist assessment relating to institutional and programme licensing, accreditation and renewal.
The new fees are not tuition fees charged to students, but as part of regulatory review fees by the ministry. It is a part of the implementation of the federal decree-law regulating higher education and scientific research, and will help enhance the quality, efficiency and sustainability of the UAE’s higher education and vocational training system.
The measure is part of an initiative to reform the regulatory framework and enhance the competitiveness of education institutions, Dr Ahmed Al Shuaibi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said. He also emphasized that it is essential to have a robust and sustainable licensing and accreditation framework to ensure quality education and build trust amongst students and the public.
The new structure provides universities and TVETs with increased clarity of the cost of various review services. The ministry announces the types of services, the review fees and the means of payment in advance, giving institutions more time for planning and application for licences, accreditation or renewal.
The monies obtained under the framework are deposited to the Review Fund for Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions. The fund was created as a result of a different Cabinet resolution and will be used to support the country’s licensing and accreditation review system.
The fund will support specialist assessments and the involvement of external assessors and subject-matter experts and specialist international organisations. This method will enhance the independence, dependability and sustainability of the accreditation process, it said.
The UAE has recently been beefing up its national system in the field of higher education institutions. The country has a uniform licensing system that was introduced in July for simplifying procedures, enhancing governance and providing uniformity in quality standards of universities and colleges including those in free zones.
Hence, the introduction of a new review-fee system represents another dimension to the UAE’s dynamic higher education regulatory framework. The framework seeks to establish a more organised and viable system of institutional licensing and accreditation in higher and technical education with increased transparency of assessment costs and a dedicated fund for assessment reviews.
