This request aims to amend the official name of a permitted higher education institution operating in Dubai. The name change reflects an update authorised by the institution’s governing body and relevant licensing authorities in the home country, where applicable.

• KHDA Educational Services Permit and the commercial license must be valid at the time of submitting the application for this service.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The Higher Education Institute must, if its name conflicts with any of the conditions and rules outlined in this Article, amend its name following the relevant rules and conditions prescribed by the KHDA.

For branch campuses of Higher Education Institutes:

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

For Private Higher Education Institutes:

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

No fees

15 working days.
The processing period of 15 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents.

• Submit the application via the KHDA portal, attaching the required documents.
• The application is reviewed to confirm the continuity of study and that no students are currently enrolled in the programme before notifying the higher education institution of the final decision.c
• Once approved, the Educational Services Permit will be updated with the new name, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) addressed to the relevant commercial authority will be issued, valid for 30 working days.