UAE issues decree-law on higher education and scientific research

The UAE Government has issued a federal decree-law on higher education and scientific research, aimed at establishing a comprehensive federal legislative framework.

Provisions of the law includes the regulation of the national frameworks governing higher education and scientific research, while enabling competent local authorities to issue complementary local frameworks if they do not conflict with national requirements.

The decree-law highlights rules on licensing institutions, prohibiting the establishment or operation of any facility, programmes or services without obtaining institutional licensure from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

It further regulates the validity and renewal of licences, additional grace periods, and the measures resulting from non-compliance, and defines the controls governing the transfer or cancellation of licences.

The law also regulates programmes’ accreditation, prohibiting higher education institutions from offering, promoting, advertising, admitting students, or commencing studies in any academic programme before obtaining accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The new legislation specifies the validity period of the accreditation, evaluation procedures, and renewal processes.

According to the law, all licensed higher education institutions in the UAE are subject to periodic classification and evaluation processes conducted by the ministry. 

The ministry shall publish the results of the higher education institution classifications and make them available after approval by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council and approval by the UAE Cabinet.

The decree establishes clear obligations for higher education institutions to obtain approval from the ministry and relevant local authorities before implementing any substantial changes, including the addition of any new facilities or major modifications to programmes.

The decree mandates that higher education institutions and technical and vocational education and training institutions offering e-learning or blended learning programmes implement quality assurance standards and adopt flexible teaching methods that align with online education. 

It also specifies the provisions required for institutions in freezones, which are required to obtain authorisation and licensing from the ministry to operate.

Provisions of the law apply to all higher education institutions and technical and vocational education and training institutions across the UAE, including the freezones.

The law aims to regulate the higher education and scientific research sector, strengthen governance and effective management of higher education institutions and technical and vocational education and training institutions.

The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research to strengthen governance, enhance quality and competitiveness, align educational outcomes with labour market needs, and support lifelong learning. pic.twitter.com/Mgdh7ZZLyZ

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) December 30, 2025