• How many higher education institutions are there in Dubai?

There are 52 institutions in Dubai that offer higher education programmes. Many offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes, but some offer only one particular specialised programme.

• What are Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Knowledge Village (KV)?

DIAC and KV are examples of purpose-built zones in Dubai that provide facilities and infrastructure for higher education. They have attracted institutions from all around the world to provide high-quality international degrees. International branch campuses have contributed significantly to the growth of tertiary education in Dubai, and the last decade has seen the higher education student population quadruple in the emirate. By providing an accredited degree from the home institution, these universities are meeting the demand from Emiratis and resident expatriates, as well as attracting international students to the emirate. Other purpose-built areas that include higher education institutions are Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Healthcare City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.

• What programmes are offered in Dubai?

There are 432 academic programmes available in Dubai. The majority (227) of these programmes are Bachelor’s degrees, and a further 141 programs are at Master's level. The programmes cover a wide range of fields of study. Many (39%) are within the field of business, and there are also programmes in information technology, engineering, law, media and design, education, social studies, Islamic studies, health and medicine, and natural and physical sciences. Click here to search for University Programmes in Dubai.

• What about quality assurance?

Dubai has put in place specific processes to ensure institutions provide quality education to the student community. The University Quality Assurance International Board (UQAIB) was established by KHDA to assure the quality of education at the free zone institutions. UQAIB uses a validation model to ensure that the academic programme delivered in Dubai is the same accredited programme taught at the institution’s home campus. All higher education institutions located in Dubai’s Free zones must undergo the UQAIB quality assurance process. UQAIB is a full member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), and abides by the INQAAHE Guidelines for Good Practice and the OECD/UNESCO Guidelines for Quality Provision in Cross-border Higher Education (2005). This process complements the accreditation body known as the Commission for Academic Accreditation  (CAA). This is a function of the federal Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which licenses and accredits all higher education institutions outside the Free Zones.

• Will my qualification be recognised in Dubai?

In June 2011, the Government of Dubai issued Resolution 21 concerning higher education institutions based in Dubai Free Zones. This important milestone in the development of higher education establishes KHDA as the regulator of these institutions, supports quality assurance and delegates to KHDA the responsibility for collecting data as well as the certification of academic qualifications. Students who graduate from higher education institutions in the Free Zones will be able to have their degrees certified by KHDA for employment and other purposes in Dubai.

• Will KHDA attest my certificate or degree?

Eligible students who wish to have their degree attested should approach their university or college, and ask that their original degree be forwarded to KHDA for certification. Eligible students must have completed an approved academic programme and been issued a certifiable qualification. A list of institutions and programmes approved by KHDA can be found here.