Today's Edition
LAIA AL HARMOUDI (DUBAI)
The Ministry of Education (MoE) on Thursday launched the National Framework for the Classification of Higher Education Institutions.
This comprehensive framework aims to categorise UAE-based higher education institutions (HEIs) using transparent and equitable criteria aligned with the nation's vision and priorities.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mualla, Undersecretary for Academic Affairs at the MoE, emphasised that this classification represents a decisive milestone in establishing the UAE as a prestigious global hub for higher education. By providing clear guidelines, the framework empowers students to choose HEIs that align with their interests and academic strengths, he said, adding that it also encourages universities to improve their competitiveness and attract international students through fair, transparent, and measurable assessments.
He said the announcement of classified institutions will occur in stages, adding that currently, the focus is on research-based HEIs that have met the stringent requirements of 38 performance indicators. These indicators are grouped into four categories: Group 1 includes five universities, Group 2 comprises nine universities, Group 3 features 12 universities, and Group 4 encompasses eight universities – all arranged alphabetically within their respective groups.
The UAE boasts over 70 higher education institutions. However, recently established institutions are excluded from the classification process, allowing them time to meet evaluation criteria set by the Ministry.
The framework's development spanned six years, involving collaboration with relevant entities, Dr. Al Mualla said, adding that Ministry teams conducted rigorous comparisons with internationally accredited university ranking systems. Local HEIs actively participated, ensuring alignment with the national vision and priorities.
Additionally, two trial phases were completed to fine-tune the framework, emphasising flexibility, clarity, and neutrality of standards.
The classification divides MoE-licensed HEIs into two categories: the Research Cluster, which offers both postgraduate and bachelor's programmes, and the Non-research Cluster, comprising institutions providing bachelor's (or lower) studies exclusively. The framework excludes HEIs established within the last five years, those exclusively offering master's and doctoral programmes, and universities with revoked or suspended licences.
In the initial phase, HEIs were assessed across four pillars: research and innovation (35%), teaching quality and student life (35%), employment and labour market alignment (20%), and international collaboration (10%). The MoE will announce assessment pillars for Non-research Cluster HEIs in Phase Two.
Based on the ranking results, 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 secured positions in Group 1.
To ensure neutrality, justice, and transparency, the MoE collects data from multiple sources, including HEIs, state authorities, and trusted international references. Surveys of students, employees, graduates, and employers contribute to the robustness of the framework.
The national framework for HEI classification reinforces the UAE's commitment to excellence in higher education, fostering a dynamic and globally competitive academic landscape, Dr. Sameera Almulla, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Curriculum Sector and Director of Certificate Equivalency Department at the MoE, said.
