This service enables higher education institutions to request an amendment to their official name. This change must reflect an approved update by the institution's governing body and the relevant licensing authorities in its home country, where applicable.

Higher Education Institutions

No fees

15 working days

For International branch campuses of Higher Education Institutions:

1. Official request for the name change with rationale (from home campus if applicable)
2. Board Resolution confirming the name change
3. A completed KHDA Undertaking form
4. A Certificate of Authorisation form

For Independent Higher Education Institutions:

1. Letter from the Commission for Academic Accreditation approving the change of name

1. KHDA Educational Services Permit and the trade license must be valid at the time of submitting the application for this service.
2. The proposed name of the Higher Educational Institute:
   • Should not be used by any other higher education institution inside the United Arab Emirates or be similar to the name of any higher education institution unless such an institution explicitly states its non-objection in the manner required by the KHDA.
   • Must not include any words that directly or indirectly suggest the patronage of personalities who have no genuine connection with the higher education institute.
   • Should not include any words that could be misleading to the public or are meant for commercial promotion.
   • Should be consistent with the nature of the programmes offered by the Higher Education Institute if the name references these programmes.
   • Should not breach the laws in force in the United Arab Emirates.
   • Should reflect the capabilities, activities, and quality of the higher education programmes offered by the higher education institute to ensure that the institute maintains the highest standards of integrity.
3. To approve the name of a Higher Education Institute that includes the name of a foreign state, city, or district, the Institute must either be a branch of an Educational Institute located there, or its Programmes must be recognised by the relevant authorities in that area.
4. Higher Education Institute must use its own name as approved by the KHDA on all its printed materials, correspondence, documents, and other formal notices of the Institute. The Institute may not change its name without prior written approval from the KHDA.
5. The Higher Education Institute must, if its name conflicts with any of the conditions and rules outlined in executive resolution no (10) of 2013, amend its name following the relevant rules and conditions prescribed by the KHDA.

• Step 1: Submit the application via the KHDA e-services portal, attaching the required documents.
• Step 2: KHDA reviewes the application and issues a decision.
• Step 3: Once approved, the Educational Services Permit will be updated with the new name, and a No Objection Certificate addressed to the relevant commercial authority will be issued, valid for 30 days.