Education

In a significant move to advance higher education in the UAE, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has unveiled the National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework, approved by the UAE Cabinet. This new framework aims to rank MoE-licensed higher education institutions (HEIs) based on transparent and measurable criteria that align with the UAE’s vision and priorities.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary for Higher Education Academic Affairs at the Ministry of Education, stated that this framework represents a crucial leap for the Ministry, aiming to solidify the UAE’s position as a global hub for higher education. Dr. Al Mualla emphasized that the framework will allow students to choose HEIs that align with their interests and academic strengths while encouraging universities to enhance their competitiveness and attract international students through fair assessments.

"The development of the framework has taken six years, in collaboration with relevant entities. Ministry teams conducted standard comparisons with internationally accredited university ranking systems and communicated with local HEIs to ensure alignment with the national vision and priorities," Dr. Al Mualla explained. "Additionally, two trial phases were completed to ensure the framework’s flexibility, clarity, and neutrality. Classifications will be updated annually, starting from this year."

The framework categorizes MoE-licensed HEIs into two clusters: the Research Cluster, which includes institutions offering postgraduate and bachelor’s studies, and the Non-research Cluster, which includes institutions offering only bachelor’s or lower studies. The framework does not include HEIs established within the last five years, those offering only master's and doctoral programs, or universities with revoked or suspended licenses.

In the first phase, HEIs were assessed across four pillars: research and innovation (35%), teaching quality and student life (35%), employment and labor market alignment (20%), and international collaboration (10%). The Non-research Cluster assessment criteria will be revealed in the second phase of the program. Based on the framework, HEIs are grouped into four categories, each defined by key performance indicators under these pillars.

The initial ranking results placed the American University of Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates University, Khalifa University, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and New York University Abu Dhabi in ‘Group 1’.

The MoE ensures neutrality and transparency in classifying HEIs by gathering data from multiple sources, including HEIs’ data, data from official entities in the UAE, reliable international bodies, and surveys of students, employees, employers, and alumni. The framework provides HEIs with clear tools to review and amend their ranking if needed, with data subject to annual audits and reviews.

This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and globally competitive educational ecosystem, aligning with its broader vision for academic excellence and innovation.

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