UAE MoHESR Approves New Review Fee Framework for Higher Education and TVET Institutions

ABU DHABI — The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has adopted a new resolution governing review fees for higher education institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

The measure forms part of the implementation of the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research and is intended to strengthen the regulatory framework supporting the quality, efficiency and sustainability of the UAE’s higher education and technical-vocational ecosystem.

Clearer Framework for Licensing and Accreditation

The resolution sets out a structured framework for evaluation and review services carried out by the Ministry in connection with institutional and programme licensing, accreditation and renewals. It is designed to give institutions greater clarity over the financial commitments associated with these processes.

It also regulates the expenses associated with external evaluators and specialist experts involved in reviews and accreditation activities, using predetermined procedures intended to promote fairness, transparency and equal treatment among institutions.

Supporting Quality and Confidence in UAE Education

Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shoaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the resolution is part of the UAE’s wider approach to strengthening the legislative and regulatory framework for higher education.

The Ministry says a reliable and sustainable licensing and accreditation system is central to educational quality. The new framework is intended to support reviews and evaluations conducted according to recognised standards and best practices, while strengthening confidence among students, families, communities and employers in accredited institutions and programmes.

What the Review Fees Cover

The fees are linked to specialised technical reviews that form part of the quality-assurance and accreditation process. The resolution categorises service types, establishes review fee rates and defines collection mechanisms, helping institutions plan more clearly when applying for licensing, accreditation or renewal.

The framework also recognises that academic and training programmes can differ in their technical complexity and evaluation requirements. This allows review arrangements to reflect the level of technical and organisational work required for different institutions and programmes.

Fees to Support a Dedicated Review Fund

Under the resolution, review fees will be transferred to the Review Fund for Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions.

The fund, established through a Cabinet resolution, is intended to finance and support review operations connected with licensing and institutional and programme accreditation. It can also support the engagement of specialised international evaluators, experts and institutions, helping strengthen the quality and long-term sustainability of the UAE’s accreditation system.

Part of a Broader Higher Education Strategy

The Ministry said the resolution reflects the UAE’s goal of developing a flexible, efficient and future-ready education ecosystem. By providing clearer regulatory and financial mechanisms for institutional and programme reviews, authorities aim to reinforce continuous improvement and institutional excellence across higher education and technical and vocational training.

Key Points

•    Applies to higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions.
•    Covers review processes related to institutional and programme licensing, accreditation and renewals.
•    Creates clearer categories, fee rates and collection mechanisms for review services.
•    Provides a framework for costs involving external evaluators and specialist experts.
•    Review fees will be transferred to a dedicated Review Fund supporting licensing and accreditation evaluations.
•    Designed to strengthen transparency, quality assurance and confidence in accredited UAE education and training.