The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. ARCHIVE
The UAE is introducing tougher regulations for higher education providers, with unlicensed or unapproved institutions facing immediate closure and an administrative fine of up to Dh500,000.
The regulations will take effect on September 12, according to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The new framework establishes a unified system for violations, penalties and administrative measures covering higher education institutions, Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, and training centres and institutes under the ministry’s jurisdiction.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will be responsible for enforcing the penalties and administrative measures for breaches of the applicable laws and regulations.
Dh500,000 fine for operating without licence
Under the new schedule of violations, higher education entities or premises operating without the required licence or approval can be ordered to close immediately and face an administrative fine of Dh500,000.
The framework also provides for stronger action against institutions that continue operating after being ordered to close or repeat violations after a ban has expired.
In such cases, the ministry can order another immediate closure and coordinate with local authorities, economic departments and other relevant bodies to prevent the illegal activity from continuing or reopening under another form.
The rules also allow the ministry to require institutions to refund fees or other payments collected from students without legal entitlement.
For persistent or serious violations, the consequences can extend beyond the institution itself. Owners and individuals or entities found to exercise effective control over an offending institution can be permanently prohibited from establishing, owning, managing or controlling any higher education institution or TVET provider, either directly or indirectly.
What do the new UAE education rules cover?
The new framework introduces a graduated approach to regulatory violations, taking into account the nature and seriousness of an offence and whether it has been repeated.
The rules cover areas including:
• Licensing and accreditation
• Accuracy of data and information
• Monitoring and evaluation requirements
• Academic integrity
• Examination security and integrity
• Practical training
• Academic advertising
• Environmental, health and safety requirements
The framework is also intended to give institutions clearer requirements so they can identify and correct compliance issues before they result in more serious regulatory action.
Dr Ahmed Sultan Al Shoaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the changes aim to strengthen the legislative and regulatory environment while creating a system that combines flexibility with effective governance.
“We believe that effective governance is built on clear roles and responsibilities, fair procedures, and empowering institutions to enhance their performance and improve the quality of their services. This is reflected directly in the quality of educational outcomes and in the confidence of students and society in the higher education system,” Al Shoaibi said.
He added that the resolution provides a clear regulatory framework to strengthen institutional compliance, encourage best practices and support transparent implementation of regulatory requirements.
Students get new protections
One of the key elements of the new rules is the protection of students and trainees when regulatory action is taken against an institution.
Where necessary, institutions will have to ensure continuity of academic provision and preserve students’ academic records. They may also be required to protect students’ financial rights, refund fees or other payments collected without legal entitlement and take steps to regularise the status of affected students.
The measures are intended to ensure that students and trainees do not lose their academic progress or suffer financial harm because of regulatory violations committed by their institution.
The framework also establishes a mechanism for institutions to challenge regulatory decisions, procedures, penalties and administrative measures. A specialised committee established by the ministry will consider grievances according to defined procedures.
The mechanism is intended to provide institutions with a formal process for having cases reviewed.
The new rules also provide for greater coordination between the federal ministry and relevant local education authorities, while maintaining each authority’s respective responsibilities.
Explainer: What UAE students need to know about new higher education rules
The new regulations taking effect on September 12 introduce tougher penalties for education providers while adding measures aimed at protecting students if their institution breaches regulatory requirements.
What happens to an unlicensed higher education provider?
An institution or premises operating without the required licence or approval can face immediate closure and a Dh500,000 administrative fine.
Can an institution reopen after being closed?
Institutions that continue operating after a closure order, or repeat a violation after a ban expires, can face further immediate closure and enforcement measures involving relevant local authorities.
Can owners be banned from running another institution?
Yes. In cases involving persistent violations, the institution, its owners and those exercising effective control can be permanently prohibited from establishing, owning, managing or controlling higher education or TVET institutions.
What happens to students if an institution is shut down?
The rules require affected institutions, where applicable, to protect students’ academic and financial rights.
This can include:
• Continuing students’ education
• Preserving academic records
• Regularising students’ status
• Refunding fees or payments collected without legal entitlement
Can an institution appeal a penalty?
Yes. A specialised committee established by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will consider institutional grievances concerning decisions, procedures, penalties and administrative measures.
What other violations are covered?
The framework covers licensing, accreditation, academic integrity, examination security, practical training, advertising, data accuracy, monitoring and evaluation, and environmental, health and safety requirements.
When do the rules take effect?
The new framework takes effect on September 12, 2026.
ICA/CAM/PGD/Expat Media
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