Ministerial Decision No. (27) of 2024 Regarding the Licensing of Higher Education Institutions, Accreditation of their Academic Programs, and the Outcomes-Based Quality Assurance Framework
The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research:
- Having reviewed Federal Decree-Law No. (28) of 2024 amending certain provisions of Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 concerning the competencies of ministries and the powers of ministers,
- And Federal Decree-Law No. (48) of 2021 concerning Higher Education,
- And Federal Decree-Law No. (49) of 2022, concerning Human Resources in the Federal Government,
- And Cabinet Decision No. (48) of 2023 concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. (49) of 2022 on Human Resources in the Federal Government,
- And Cabinet Decision No. (106) of 2024 concerning the approval of the National Qualifications Framework,
- And Cabinet Decision No. (101) M / 9 W) of 2024 - Session No. (9) concerning the organizational structure of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research,
- And Cabinet Decision No. ( ) of 2024 concerning the organizational structure of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research,
- And Cabinet Decision No. ( ) of 2024 concerning the collection of service fees for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the fines and guarantees required from higher education institutions,
- And Ministerial Decision No. (1) of 2024 concerning the organizational structure of the departments and sections and their competencies and tasks at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research,
- And Ministerial Decision No. (19) of 2024 concerning admission standards for programs of higher education institutions,
- And as required by the public interest,
Has decided:
Article One
First: The attached pathways are adopted for higher education institutions in the country to obtain the necessary licenses and accreditations as follows:
1- A new higher education institution obtaining institutional licensure and commencing its operations: The pathway outlined in Appendix No. (1)
2- A new higher education institution obtaining accreditation for academic programs for the first time: The pathway outlined in Appendix No. (2)
3- Renewal of institutional licensure or academic accreditation for existing higher education institutions: The pathway outlined in Appendix (1) No. (3).
4- An existing higher education institution obtaining academic accreditation for a new program: The pathway outlined in Appendix No. (4)
Article Two
This text is in accordance with the latest amendment under Decision No. (62) of 2025 - to view the original text
1- Higher education institutions are subject to the quality assurance framework based on outcomes-based assessment and the measurement of performance levels of higher education institutions according to performance indicators and the mechanism as outlined in Appendix No. (5)
2- The licensure decision, issued to the higher education institution according to the pathways specified in this decision, shall define the academic units (such as colleges, institutes, and centers) included in the institution, and prior approval from the Ministry is required when adding any new academic unit or closing any existing academic unit.
Article Three
The relevant sectors and departments in the Ministry shall coordinate with higher education institutions and competent local authorities to ensure the optimal implementation of this decision.
Article Four
The Undersecretary of the Ministry shall issue the necessary decisions, circulars, and executive regulations to implement the provisions of this decision.
Article Five
Any provision that contradicts or conflicts with the provisions of this decision shall be repealed.
Article Six
This decision shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into effect from the date of its publication.
Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar
Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Issued on: 12/12/2024