Commission for Academic Accreditation

The Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is a government body that is responsible for the accreditation of institutes and degrees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To ensure that the colleges and universities of the United Arab Emirates operate at international standards of quality, the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research conducts a program of licensure of institutions of higher education and accreditation of each of their academic programs. To assure prospective students, their families, and the public that the academic programs offered by institutions licensed in the U.A.E. meet international standards, each program must be individually accredited. The Standards for Licensure and Accreditation and the institution’s program proposal or program self-study that addresses the standards in terms of the program provide the basis for review by the Commission staff and a committee of international experts who assess each program both through paper documentation and a campus visit. After review, the visiting committee and the Commission recommend an action concerning accreditation to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research (the Minister), who decides whether accreditation is to be granted. Licensed, independent institutions in the United Arab Emirates must receive program accreditation for each academic program they plan to offer before recruiting students or enrolling them; all programs offered by the institution must continue to be accredited.