UAE Launches Streamlined System for Higher Education Accreditation and Licensure

Shahba Mayyeri -

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has unveiled a new, efficient framework for institutional licensure and programme accreditation for UAE-based higher education institutions (HEIs).

This initiative, introduced under Ministerial Resolutions No. (27) of 2024 and No. (62) of 2025, aims to streamline processes and ensure higher education quality aligns with labor market demands.

The Outcome-based Evaluation Framework, a key component of the reform, replaces outdated procedures with clear performance indicators to assess HEIs. Notably, the documentation requirements have been drastically reduced. New institutions now need only five documents to obtain a licence, compared to 28 previously. Similarly, the paperwork for first-time academic programme accreditation has been cut from 13 to just one, while renewing institutional licensure now requires only one document, down from more than 11.

Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary of MoHESR, highlighted that these changes reflect the Ministry’s commitment to reducing bureaucracy and fostering lifelong learning. The reforms significantly shorten processing times, with new institution licensure now taking just one week—down from six months—and new academic programme accreditation reduced to one week instead of nine.

A risk-based management system will also be introduced for renewals, categorizing institutions into low-risk and high-risk categories with varying oversight durations. The new framework also unifies licensure procedures between MoHESR and local authorities, enhancing overall efficiency.

The Outcome-based Evaluation Framework evaluates HEIs across six key pillars: Employment Outcomes, Learning Outcomes, Collaboration, Scientific Research, Reputation, and Community Engagement, ensuring a comprehensive, data-driven approach to accreditation. This reform promises to improve the quality and competitiveness of the UAE’s higher education landscape.

News Source: Emirates News Agency