UAE approves review fee structure for higher education sector

The UAE has adopted a resolution to develop a structured, legislative and regulatory framework for evaluation and review costs in the higher education and technical-vocational ecosystem.

Making the announcement, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) said the move will assist higher education institutions and technical and vocational centres in financial and administrative planning when applying for licensing, accreditation or renewals.

The fees will be tied to structured, systematic reviews to ensure compliance with approved standards and criteria, the ministry explained, adding that it will also account for the varying nature of academic programmes and their specific evaluation requirements.

The 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's objective is to finance and support review operations associated with licensing and institutional and programme accreditation.

It also funds the enlistment of specialised international evaluators, experts and institutions, enhancing the quality and reliability of evaluation processes and ensuring the long-term sustainability and governance of the licensing and accreditation ecosystem.

The resolution reflects the UAE's dedication to establishing an efficient, sustainable and future-ready higher education and technical-vocational ecosystem.