This request is to issue an Educational Services Permit for a higher education institution licensed to operate in Dubai. The Permit will allow the institution to commence its academic activities in accordance with the relevant laws and standards governing free zone institutions.

Phase 1: Eligibility (Letter of Intent)

The applicant institution must meet all the conditions and criteria set by the KHDA as part of the Phase One requirement. Please note that these requirements may vary depending on the type of institution, as outlined below.

• International Branch Campus: If the proposed institution is a branch of an international university, it must submit an official letter issued by the university’s accrediting body, confirming explicit authorisation to offer its academic programmes through the Dubai branch. This letter must be included as part of the Letter of Intent.
• Private Universities:
  If the proposed institution is a private university, it must submit an official Letter of Intent expressing the desire to establish a private university in Dubai.
• Criteria for reviewing applications for Educational Services Permits for International Branch Campus:
  KHDA assesses applications based on a set of criteria to ensure the institution aligns with Dubai’s strategic priorities in higher education, including:
  • Academic and Professional Accreditation: The institution must possess valid institutional and programme accreditation from recognised bodies.
  • Academic Ranking: The university should be within the top 500 globally according to QS or Times Higher Education rankings, or its programmes should be within the top 100 in programme rankings. It should also hold high-level professional accreditation or be listed in any other ranking recognised by KHDA.
  • Academic and Strategic Relevance: Proposed programmes must align with Dubai’s labour market priorities and targeted economic sectors, in accordance with the objectives of Dubai Plan D33.
• Ensuring Alignment with Dubai’s Priorities and Market Needs:
  • KHDA reviews proposed programmes to confirm they align with Dubai Plan D33 objectives and address the needs of the local and regional labour market through:
    • Analysis of Dubai labour market data through the Dubai Statistics Center and Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) reports.
    • Review of employment data and sector trends in the region using GCC reports.
    • Examination of global trends in higher education and skills through reports from UNESCO, UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), and OECD.
    • Analysis of future employment projections through the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report.
    • Identifying skill gaps through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) databases and KHDA graduate outcomes surveys.
    • Review of academic and institutional rankings (such as QS, Times Higher Education, and other KHDA-recognised ranking systems) to ensure attraction of high-quality institutions and programmes.
• Additional criteria:
  • Partnerships, Infrastructure, and Academic Autonomy (if applicable): Evaluating the suitability of proposed campus and facilities, establishing partnerships with supporting entities without compromising academic autonomy, and ensuring that no commercial arrangements influence the institution’s academic decisions.
  • Financial and Legal Eligibility of the University and any partners: Verification of financial solvency, experience, and legal standing of all relevant parties.
  • Any additional criteria specified by KHDA in accordance with licensing requirements and sector development goals.

Phase 2: Initial Approval

• The applicant must submit a resolution issued by the highest governing body of the Home Campus authorising the establishment of the Branch Campus in Dubai.
• The applicant must provide a responsibility matrix that clearly outlines the roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of the shareholder and, where applicable, the Home Campus.
• A full-time Academic Head must be appointed to administer and supervise the institution’s academic affairs. The Academic Head shall be accountable to the KHDA, must be recognised for integrity and good conduct. The Academic Head must hold a doctoral degree and meet all other requirements as determined by the KHDA.
• The proposed location shall be an independent campus that is suitable for the delivery of academic activities and complies with all applicable technical, engineering, health, and environmental requirements.

Phase 3: Permit Issuance

• The investor must complete all Phase 3 procedures, including government processes and compliance-related obligations, before the expiry of the Initial approval.
• The proposed site for the educational institution must be ready and approved by the relevant government authorities to ensure its suitability for educational purposes.
• The Educational Services Permit is granted by the KHDA upon fulfilment of all the requirements mentioned above, for a period of one year. This Permit authorises the higher educational institution to conduct academic activities in the Emirate of Dubai. It is renewable annually, based on the institution’s adherence to the approved standards and requirements.

• Overview of the Higher Education Institution
• Details of the Dubai Branch of the University
• Motivations and reasons for expanding to Dubai
• Contribution to the UAE Community and Local Business Sector
• Business Plan Template (Project Operational Plan)
• Establishment and operational strategy
• Potential Risks and Risk Management Plan
• Endorsement Letter from the Higher Education Institution: This section should include confirmation from the relevant parties, including the Board of Directors of the main campus, regarding financial commitments and the appointment of an authorised representative to submit the Permit application.

Phase 2: Initial approval

• Academic Plan
• Business Plan (Project Operational Plan)
• Details of shareholders (if any)
• Quality Assurance Plan:
  • For International branch campuses: All applicants following the international accreditation route must submit the following forms in line with KHDA’s Quality Assurance Guidelines.
    • Appendix A: Application form for branch accreditation of a higher education institution
    • Appendix B: Academic Program Registration Form (applicable to programmes based on a credit-hour system rather than solely research-based programmes)
    • Appendix C: Statistical forms required for program registration – performance and quality comparison reports
  • For Private Universities: Applicants following the local accreditation route through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the UAE are not required to submit these forms. Instead, they must provide a copy of the preliminary accreditation issued by the CAA under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Phase 3. Permit Issuance

• Commercial Licence from the relevant licensing authority
• Copy of the Commercial License of the Academic Infrastructure Provider (AIP)/Investor (if applicable)
• Copy of the Building Lease Agreement
• Completion of Appointment Procedures for the Academic Head of the Higher Education Institution in Dubai
• Undertaking by the University President to KHDA
• Undertaking by the Investors to KHDA (if applicable)
• Any other documents requested by KHDA

The applicable service fees for the issuance of a Higher Education Permit are as follows:

• International branch campus
  • Offering 1 to 5 programmes: AED 150,000
  • Offering 6 to 10 programmes: AED 175,000
  • Offering 11 programmes or more: AED 200,000
• Private universities accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education: AED 1,000
• Innovation and Knowledge fee: AED 20

60 working days.
The processing period of 60 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents.

Phase 1: Eligibility (Letter of Intent)

• Apply through the e-Services portal and attach all Phase One documents.
• The application is reviewed, and a meeting is scheduled with the university investors to discuss procedures and offer support in establishing a new higher education institution, if needed. KHDA then reviews the application and makes the appropriate decision.
• Once the requirements set by the KHDA are met, the application is approved, and the applicant is notified to proceed with submitting Phase Two requirements.

Phase 2: Initial approval

• Submit the application through the e-Services portal and attach all Phase 2 documents.
• The application is reviewed internally, and a meeting is scheduled with the Academic Head candidate approved by the main campus.
• Upon approval of the candidate, the application is endorsed, and the preliminary approval along with the Appointment Letter for the Academic Head is issued.

Phase 3: Permit Issuance

• Complete all required documents and requirements and obtain approvals from the relevant authorities.
• KHDA’s Compliance Team conducts a site visit to verify the readiness of the institution’s building for educational purposes.
• Pay the Educational Services Permit issuance fees once all relevant conditions and requirements have been met.
• Issue the Educational Services Permit, authorizing the applicant to commence operations as a permitted Higher Education Institution in Dubai.