Ministry of Education revokes licences of six universities in UAE

As part of its annual review, the ministry also placed six universities on probation for failing to meet quality standards

The Ministry of Education has revoked the licences of six universities in the UAE. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

The Ministry of Education has revoked the licences of six universities in the UAE because they failed to meet quality and accreditation standards.

A further six campuses were put on probation and have been ordered to stop admitting new students for the current and next academic year.

As part of the ministry’s annual review of universities, it evaluates their academic programmes to ensure compliance with key benchmarks.

Other areas that are monitored include student relations and exam performance.

Following the most recent review, all 12 universities were informed of the decision and were told to adhere by the rules placed on them with immediate effect.

Representatives from the affected universities were contacted for comment.

Last year, the ministry unveiled a new set of standards to be used for licensing higher education institutions in the country.

The move was part of the UAE’s National Strategy for Higher Education to enhance quality and global competiveness of university campuses in the Emirates.

The criteria covered 11 key areas including health and safety, educational resources, quality of faculty and overall environment.