Permits for Higher Education Institutions

This is a guideline of the sample documents required when applying for this e-Service. Please login to the e-services for a full list of documentation.

International Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• Name of Higher Education Provider (HEP) home and a brief description (including history, mission and vision, legal status and staffing profile)
• Name of HEP Branch
• Legal status of HEP branch and legal relationship between Home HEP and HEP Branch
• Proposed location and size of the HEP Branch
• Confirmation from the HEP Home that the programmes offered at the Branch are the same as that offered at the HEP Home, and that the students at the Branch will have access to similar learning resources
• Letter from home HEP confirming that the home EQA will quality assure all academic programmes at the branch HEP
• Letter from the Home External Quality Assurance Agency confirming that they will quality assure the programmes at the branch campus
• Responsibility matrix clearly outlining the roles, responsibilities and accountability of the investor supporting the operations of the Branch HEP and a letter from the home HEP confirming its academic responsibilities towards the branch HEP
• Please include all agreements between the investor supporting the operations of the branch HEP and the home HEP
• Financial projections for five years including projected income (profit & loss) statements for five years and cash flow statements
• Letter from the home HEP confirming the availability of adequate funds for meeting the Capital Expenditure and Operational Expenditure requirements of the branch HEP
• Demonstrate fiscal capacity in the event of programme closure to complete teach out of students or other KHDA approved alternatives
• Any proposed collaborative agreements or professional certifications/accreditations
• Approval from HEP home to establish the HEP
• Student Grievance Policy & Process (including explanation of any variances from the policy and processes in use at the home HEP)
• Copy of the HEP home accreditation status or equivalent approval (may include ministerial approvals, external accreditations and professional body accreditation)

Phase 2

• Copy of any applicable agreement (e.g. MoU) with partners involved in the HEP Branch
• Copy of any currently applicable HEP Home accreditation status (or equivalent approval)
• Copy of most recent independent quality assurance report (e.g. QAA Quality Audit Report) of the HEP Home
• Approval from HEP Home to establish the HEP Branch
• A letter from the HEP Home’s relevant external quality assurance agency confirming that they have been formally advised by the HEP Home of the full extent of activities (i.e. the list of programmes and approximate student numbers) at the HEP Branch
• Student Grievance Policy & Process (including explanation of any variances from the policy and processes in use at the Home HEP)
• The Guarantee from the HEP home as provided in Appendix E

Phase 3

• Details of the institutional transnational quality assurance system and processes, and contact details for the persons at the HEP Home and HEP Branch with primary responsibilities for these processes
• True copy of Board Resolution of the Higher Education Provider
• Copy of the Commercial Licence from the Free zone commercial licensing body
• If applicable, a copy of the Commercial License of the Academic Infrastructure Provider (AIP)/ Investor
• Copy of the premises lease agreement from the Free Zone
• Signed Certificate of Authorisation completed by the Academic Head
• Copy of the Certificate of Fitness from the governing body for health care (if the Higher Education Provider has an in- house medical clinic)
• True copy of the Completion Certificate from Dubai Municipality or Free Zone (as applicable)
• Completed KHDA Undertaking for the Academic Head
• If applicable, completed KHDA Undertaking for the investors. (please refer to the attached document)

Local Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• Name of institution and a brief description (including mission and vision, legal and staffing profile)
• Legal status of the institution
• Proposed location and size of the institution and details of facilities and instructional/teaching space
• Please include plans for faculty recruitment, research and library resources
• Financial projections for five years, including projected income (profit and loss) statements for five years and cash flow statements
• Proof of availability of adequate funds to meet capital expenditure and operational expenditure requirements of the institution
• Demonstrate fiscal capacity in the event of programme closure to complete teach out of students or other KHDA approved alternatives
• Any proposed collaborative agreements or professional certifications/accreditations
• Submission documents to the Commission for Academic Accreditation under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
• Student Grievance Policy & Process (including explanation of any variances from the policy and processes in use at the HEP)

Phase 2

• Copy of MOHESR licensure
• Completed KHDA Undertaking for the nominated academic Head
• If applicable, completed KHDA Undertaking for the investors/ shareholders

Phase 3

• True copy of Board Resolution calling for the establishment of the Higher Education Provider
• Copy of the Commercial Licence from the Free Zone Commercial Licensing Body
• If applicable, a copy of the Commercial Licence of the Academic Infrastructure Provider, (AIP)/ investor
• Copy of the premises lease agreement from the Free Zone
• Signed Certificate of Authorisation completed by the Academic Head
• Copy of the Certificate of Fitness from the Governing body for health care (if the Higher Education Provider has an in-house medical clinic)
• True copy of the Completion Certificate from Dubai Municipality or Free Zone, (as applicable)
• For all offered programmes a copy of the Initial accreditation approval letter from CAA

This is a guideline of the sample documents required when applying for this e-Service. Please login to the e-services for a full list of documentation.

International Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• Valid copy of the lease agreement
• If applicable, a copy of the renewed Academic Infrastructure Provider’s/ investors' commercial licence
• Completed Certificate of Authorisation signed by the Permit holder. Please refer to the attached document
• Copy of the Certificate of Fitness from the governing body for health care (if the Higher Education Provider has an in-house medical clinic)
• Submission of Educational Services Tariff

Phase 2

• Copy of the Educational Services Permit
• Copy of the renewed Commercial Licence from the relevant Free Zone

Local Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• Valid copy of the lease agreement
• If applicable, a copy of the renewed Academic Infrastructure Provider’s/ Investor’s commercial license
• Updated Certificate of Authorization to be completed by the Academic Head. Please refer to the attached document
• Copy of current Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research licensure
• Copies of letters from the Commission of Academic Accreditation confirming that all offered programmes have been accreditation. Please provide any correspondence from the CAA for each programme
• Copy of the Certificate of fitness from the Governing body for Health care (if the Higher Education Provider has an in house medical clinic)
• Submission of Educational Services Tariff

Phase 2

• Copy of the Educational Services Permit
• Copy of the renewed Commercial Licence from the relevant Free Zone

Institutional Renewal (International Quality Assurance)

• Copy of any applicable agreement (e.g. MoU) with partners involved in the HEP Branch
• Copy of any currently applicable HEP Home accreditation status (or equivalent approval)
• Copy of most recent independent quality assurance report (e.g. QAA Quality Audit Report) of the HEP Home
• The Guarantee from the HEP home as provided in Appendix E
• Details of the institutional transnational quality assurance system and processes, and contact details for the persons at the HEP Home and HEP Branch with primary responsibilities for these processes

This is a guideline of the sample documents required when applying for this e-Service. Please login to the e-services for a full list of documentation.

• Closure Plan

Higher Education Permit Amendment Checklist This is a guideline of the sample documents required when applying for this e-Service. Please login to the e-services for a full list of documentation

Change of Academic President

• The original Academic Authorization

Registration of Programme

International Quality Assurance

• Original Educational Services Permit

Local Quality Assurance

• Copy of letter from the Commission for Academic Accreditation, (CAA) confirming that the programme has been awarded initial accreditation status.
• Original Educational Services Permit

International Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• A letter to KHDA explaining HEP’s reasons for removing the programme and proposed action plan for current students and staff
• Proposed draft communication to the students
• A letter confirming from the home campus that this programme will no longer be offered in Dubai

Phase 2

• KHDA Undertaking
• Original Educational Services Permit

Local Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• A letter to KHDA explaining HEP’s reasons for removing the programme and proposed action plan for current students and staff
• Proposed draft communication to the students
• A letter of approval from the Commission for Academic Accreditation, (CAA) when the programme has been accredited by the CAA.

Phase 2

• KHDA Undertaking
• Original Educational Services Permit

International Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• If the HEP is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, (CAA), a letter from the CAA approving the expansion of the building
• If the Higher Education Provider (HEP) is a branch campus, a letter from the home campus confirming that the provision of space is in line with guidelines of the accrediting body of the home campus

Phase 2

• Copy of the amended and valid lease agreement
• Original copy of the Educational Services Permit- (only applicable when the printed details on the Educational Services Permit have changed)
• Any other documentation that has been amended and has previously been submitted to KHDA, (for example the Board Resolution, etc)
• If applicable, true copy of the Completion Certificate
• If applicable, a copy of the Certificate of Fitness from governing body for health care, (if the university has an in-house medical clinic)

Local Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• If the HEP is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, (CAA), a letter from the CAA approving the expansion of the building
• If the Higher Education Provider (HEP) is a branch campus, a letter from the home campus confirming that the provision of space is in line with guidelines of the accrediting body of the home campus

Phase 2

• Copy of the amended and valid lease agreement
• Copy of the Educational Services Permit
• Any other documentation that has been amended and has previously been submitted to KHDA, (for example the Board Resolution, etc)
• If applicable, true copy of the Completion Certificate
• If applicable, a copy of the Certificate of Fitness from governing body for health care, (if the university has an in-house medical clinic)

International Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• A true copy of the Senate or Board Resolution from the home academic institution confirming the change in name. This document should be legalized and notarized
• Recognition/acknowledgement from the home accreditation agency of the proposed amendment
• Confirmation that the name of the home academic institution reflects the new name of the branch academic institution or a clearly related sub-brand

Phase 2

• A completed KHDA Undertaking. Template is provided
• A Certificate of Authorization. Template is provided
• A copy of the amended Commercial Licence
• The original Academic Authorization

Local Quality Assurance

• A letter from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) approving the change of name
• A completed KHDA Undertaking
• A Certificate of Authorization
• A copy of the amended Commercial Licence
• An amended Board Resolution reflecting the new name of the academic institution. This document should be legalized and notarized

• A letter from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) approving the change of name
• A completed KHDA Undertaking
• A Certificate of Authorization
• A copy of the amended Commercial Licence
• An amended Board Resolution reflecting the new name of the academic institution. This document should be legalized and notarized
• The original Academic Authorization

International Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• A letter from the home campus to explain what measures have been taken to ensure that the relocation will not affect the quality of learning outcomes and confirming that the provision of space is in line with guidelines of the accrediting body of the home campus
• A completed KHDA Undertaking
• If the HEP is accredited by the CAA, a letter from the CAA approving the relocation in building space
• A letter from the Free Zone confirming that the HEP has been allocated space to relocate, the category under which the HEP will be issued a Commercial Licence and what activities are permitted under the category of Commercial Licence

Phase 2

• Copy of the amended lease agreement
• Copy of the new Commercial Licence
• The original Educational Services Permit
• Any other documentation that has been amended and has previously been submitted to KHDA, (for example the Board Resolution, etc)
• If applicable, true copy of the Completion Certificate
• If applicable, true copy of the Certificate of Fitness from the governing body for health care (if the university has an in-house medical clinic)

Local Quality Assurance

Phase 1

• A completed KHDA Undertaking
• A letter from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), approving the relocation in building space
• A letter from the Free Zone confirming that the HEP has been allocated space to relocate, the category under which the HEP will be issued a Commercial Licence and what activities are permitted under the category of Commercial Licence.

Phase 2

• Copy of the amended lease agreement
• Copy of the new Commercial Licence
• The original Educational Services Permit
• Any other documentation that has been amended and has previously been submitted to KHDA, (for example the Board Resolution, etc)
• If applicable, true copy of the Completion Certificate
• If applicable, true copy of the Certificate of Fitness from the governing body for health care (if the university has an in-house medical clinic)

• True copy of the amended Board Resolution
• Copy of the amended Commercial License

If you are an education provider, you must have written approval from KHDA before you can use any advertising or marketing material. Read our KHDA guidelines for more information on the review process and the KHDA framework for approving adverts before they are published.

KHDA Guidelines for Advertising and Marketing
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Introduction The development of a quality higher education system is a strategic priority of the Emirate of Dubai.  The emphasis is on improving access to quality higher education and increasing student enrollment, especially for UAE nationals. The provision of quality higher education in Dubai will equip young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will help shape the economic future of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority  (KHDA) of the Government of Dubai has the responsibility under Law 30 (2006) and The Executive Council Resolution No. 21 (2011) to regulate and oversee higher educational institutions, to establish review procedures, request data and information, and make recommendations and decisions on the establishment of all these types of educational institutions. Furthermore, Law No. 8 (2012) allows for government supported higher education providers (HEP) located outside Dubai Free Zones to fall under the responsibility of Resolution 21 for regulation and oversight by the KHDA.  The KHDA implements these requirements through the Regulation and Permits Commission, the regulatory arm of the KHDA. 

The KHDA seeks to sustain an environment of approved, quality institutions to meet the needs of students, the economy and the development of the Emirate of Dubai. A permit must be obtained from the KHDA by any educational institution offering educational services in Dubai.  An applicant has 2 options:

1. Establish a Higher Education Provider Branch Campus (HEP Branch) of an internationally accredited higher education institution.  This is only permitted inside Dubai Free Zones and comes under the direct authority of the KHDA; or
2. Establish a private higher education institution (HEP Private) with local accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and institutional licensure through the Ministry of Education inside or outside Dubai Free Zones.

Further details on regulations pertaining to higher education institution can be found in The Executive Council Resolution No. 21 (2011) and the relevant bylaws on the KHDA website (www.khda.gov.ae).
Applicants are required to follow the guidelines and provide the listed documents in their submission. In this way all potential applicants are aware of the process and have equal access to the application procedures. All applicants are expected to submit an original application and any supporting documentation that is required by the KHDA.

Introduction  The development of a quality higher education system is a strategic priority of the Emirate of Dubai.  The emphasis is on improving access to quality higher education and increasing student enrollment, especially for UAE nationals. The provision of quality higher education in Dubai will equip young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will help shape the economic future of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority  (KHDA) of the Government of Dubai has the responsibility under Law 30 (2006) and The Executive Council Resolution No. 21 (2011) to regulate and oversee higher educational institutions, to establish review procedures, request data and information, and make recommendations and decisions on the establishment of all these types of educational institutions. Furthermore, Law No. 8 (2012) allows for government supported higher education providers (HEP) located outside Dubai Free Zones to fall under the responsibility of Resolution 21 for regulation and oversight by the KHDA.  The KHDA implements these requirements through the Regulation and Permits Commission, the regulatory arm of the KHDA.

The KHDA seeks to sustain an environment of approved, quality institutions and programmes to meet the needs of students, the economy and the development of the Emirate of Dubai. Authorisation must be obtained from the KHDA prior to the introduction of any new higher education programmes.  The first stage in the application process is the submission of an Eligibility Application for each new programme. Programme refers to a new programme or a new pathway to an existing programme approved by the KHDA or substantive changes to an existing programme.  For the purpose of the approval process, each pathway should be treated as a separate new programme proposal.

Definitions

Free Zone

Zones established in Dubai that allow up to 100 percent foreign ownership and that target specific commercial activities. 

HEP

Higher Education Provider (typically a university, college, academy, or institute which provides academic programmes leading to the awarding of higher education qualifications). Sometimes generically referred to as “institution”. 

HEP Branch

A Higher Education Provider located in a Dubai Free Zone, which acts for, and on behalf of, and in the name of a HEP headquartered outside the Free Zone (usually in another country). It is not necessary for the HEP Branch to represent the entire breadth of the HEP Home’s activities. An HEP Branch may, for example, pertain to a particular college, faculty or graduate school.

HEP Home

A Higher Education Provider at its registered place of origin

HEP Private

A Higher Education Provider established in the Emirate of Dubai for the purposes of offering programmes accredited locally by the Commission for Academic Accreditation and institutional licensure from the Ministry of Education. 

UQAIB

Universities Quality Assurance International Board. A board established and supported by the authority of KHDA, which provides advice to KHDA on (a) Academic Authorisation and (b) Programme Registration.