ABU DHABI, 24th August, 2026 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has approved a resolution regulating fees and financial guarantees for services provided by the Ministry, establishing a clearer financial and regulatory framework for higher education, technical and vocational education and training institutions, students and sector stakeholders.
The resolution forms part of MoHESR's ongoing legislative and regulatory modernisation efforts and supports the objectives of the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research. It aims to strengthen institutional governance, improve service quality and support the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shoaibi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the resolution forms part of an integrated effort to further develop the legislative framework governing higher education and scientific research in the UAE.
He said, "The resolution represents an important step towards developing a more efficient and flexible higher education system by establishing a balanced financial and regulatory framework that addresses the requirements of good governance and the sustainability of educational institutions."
He added that the framework provides an enabling environment for institutions to grow, develop and innovate while supporting the UAE's ambition to build a world-class higher education system.
The resolution establishes a structured framework for financial guarantees linked to institutional licensing, aimed at protecting students' rights and ensuring continuity of academic operations while taking into account each institution's scale and operating model.
Certain entities are exempt from financial guarantee requirements under specified criteria, including government-owned institutions and locally licensed institutions that have already fulfilled equivalent guarantees with local authorities in a manner that protects students and ensures academic continuity.
The resolution also standardises the financial structure governing Ministry services, including institutional licensing and academic programme accreditation, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) services, qualification recognition, services for training institutes and centres, and oversight of scholarship students studying abroad.
By consolidating fees and financial guarantees under a standardised framework, MoHESR said the resolution will provide greater clarity for institutions and students and support more accurate financial and administrative planning.
It also introduces exemptions and special provisions for certain government and non-profit institutions, strategically important programmes and programmes aligned with national priorities, alongside provisions related to qualification recognition and scholarship supervision.
The resolution will take effect on 12th September, 2026.
For existing institutions and currently enrolled scholarship students, the new fees will apply from the fiscal year following the resolution's effective date.
For newly established institutions and incoming scholarship students, the fees will apply from 12th September, 2026.