GUIDELINES

TO ESTABLISH A
HIGHER
EDUCATION
IN ST IT UT ION
IN DU BAI
KHDA

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
All rights reserved.

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

FOREWORD
Conten
TABLE OF CON T EN T

04

The knowlegde and human development authority 06

Dubai‘s higher education growth over the years 08

dubai pRogramme Specialisations 09

establishing a higher education institution in dubai 11

appendix c - hep branch approval application form 20

APPENDIX F - Programme Registration (by validation) 23

Appendix p - Programme statistical reports 26

Academic head undertaking 32

undertaking investor/shareholders 34

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KHDA

FOREWORD
The United Arab Emirates is a nation of innovation, driven by a bold, pioneering spirit. By
2071 the UAE aims to be the most advanced country in the world through excellence in
education, a future-focused government, a diversified economy, and a happy and cohesive
society. The seven Emirates which compose the UAE each have their unique characteristics
and qualities which are unified by progressive economic, industrial, technological, and social
policies.

Dubai is a thriving metropolis recognized for its opportunities, world-class infrastructure,

and entrepreneurial culture. It is driven by creativity, knowledge, and by a passion
for progress, offering both citizens and visitors an enjoyable, exciting, safe, and stable
environment.

Dubai is also quickly becoming a destination for world-class higher education where the
growth of higher education institutions and programmes in the Emirate mirrors its economic
development. Today, Dubai, offering a wide range of programmes at undergraduate and
postgraduate levels. These institutions hail from different geographies of the world
including Australia, India, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

On January 4, 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched Dubai Economic
Agenda 2033 (D33). A key goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) is to double the size
of Dubai‘s economy over the next decade and to consolidate its position among the top
three global cities. Dubai Economic Agenda D33 includes 100 transformational projects
including the launch of a program to attract the world‘s best universities, making Dubai a
global pioneering hub for higher education“

Dubai continues to welcome applications from quality higher educational institutions whose
presence can contribute to the industrial, academic, economic, and scientific development
of Dubai.

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Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

05
KHDA

This Guide
Dubai has evolved into a hub for transnational higher education, featuring international
branch campuses and an increasing choice of academic programs that cater to the needs of
industries and employers. The higher education sector is integral to the Dubai‘s economic
development, as it draws students from all corners of the world and confers globally
recognised qualifications.

This guide is designed to assist new investors in establishing a higher education institution
in Dubai, providing practical assistance and insight. It begins by offering a concise summary
of the local higher education landscape, followed by a step-by-step outline of the investor‘s
journey and a comprehensive list of required documentation.

With this, investors will acquire the resources to successfully complete the process of
establishing an institution in Dubai, as well as a richer understanding of the city’s ever-
evolving transnational higher education landscape

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Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

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KHDA

The Knowledge and

Human Development
Authority
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) was established
under Law no. 2 in 2021, by the Dubai government. KHDA is responsible for the
regulation, licensing, and quality of international higher education institutions in
Dubai. The responsibilities of KHDA and Higher Education Providers are stipulated
in the Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. (21) of 2011.

Dubai has been successful in developing its status as an international city with
a focus on economic diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In this context,
the development of a world-class education system is a priority. Dubai’s private
school system and higher education sector have evolved to reflect the needs and
expectations of Dubai’s fast-growing population, cultural shifts, and economic
demands. The quality-driven higher education now available in Dubai, equips
graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attributes, to contribute to Dubai’s
economic development.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is responsible for

the growth and quality of private education in Dubai. KHDA’s role is to ensure
that Dubai’s higher-education institutions are established and operate according
to the highest quality standards and in line with legislation. The authority has
a set of key responsibilities for higher-education institutions, including quality
assurance, certification of academic qualifications, and advertising guidelines. All
programmes offered by academic institutions in the free zones of Dubai require
approval and registration by KHDA, which also certifies academic qualifications
for students who graduate from higher-education institutions in the free zones.
The KHDA website lists all approved programmes and institutions, which are
available to the public.

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Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

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KHDA

Dubai’s Higher Education

over the years
There has been a steady increase of Higher Education providers in Dubai with some institutions
setting up campuses in the early nineties pioneering the way for newer campuses. Dubai intends to
increase the higher education institutions with a focus of Dubai becoming a top education hub not
just for the MENA region but worldwide.

more than
30,000 Students S T UDEN T ENROL MEN T

are enrolled in 38 Over 30,000 students are enrolled in institutions

licensed by KHDA. International HEPs attract

universities in dubai, international students to the Emirate with

roughly 31% of the student population made

With home campuses from

up of international students. This focus on
attracting international students aligns with
Dubai’s strategic goals to be a quality higher
United Arab Emirates

France
Australia

India
United States of America
Italy

Russian Federation
Germany
Lebanon
United Kingdom

education hub for the region, where students

have the opportunity to earn internationally
recognised degrees without leaving the city.

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

DUBAI PROGR AMME

Over the last twenty years, international universities have expanded their
Specializations academic fields and research opportunities, drawing in talented and driven
students from around the world. These programmes equip students with the
essential tools to excel in the global arena and play a role in shaping the
future of this vibrant and innovative city-state.

As of today, a significant number of international students are pursuing

Bachelor and master’s degrees at International Branch Campuses. The subject
area of business continues to be the most sought-after field of study among
international students, while fields such as Engineering and Technology,
and Information Technology are gaining increased popularity among both
undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The international academic portfolio boasts ten fields of study which includes
Tourism and Hospitality, Architecture and Construction, Media and Design,
Education, and Law. These fields are available at undergraduate, postgraduate,
and foundation levels, offering students a comprehensive and well-rounded
educational experience.

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

Establishing a
Higher Education
Institution in DubAI
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) of the Government of Dubai has
the responsibility under Law 2 (2021) and The Executive Council Resolution No. 21 (2011) to
to regulate, license and quality assure higher education institutions in Dubai.

higher edu 013

KHDA

Es tabl ishing a Higher Educat ion

Institution in DubAI

THE KHDA SEEKS TO BUILD A HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR COMPRISING

OF HIGH QUALITY INSTITUTIONS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS AND
T HE EC ONOM Y. A L L HIGHER EDUC AT ION INS T I T U T IONS T H AT W ISH T O
OPERATE AND OFFER EDUCATION SERVICES IN DUBAI MUST OBTAIN A
PERMIT FROM KHDA. AN APPLICANT HAS TWO OPTIONS:

1
Establish a Higher Education Provider Branch Campus (HEP Branch) of an
internationally accredited higher education institution.

2
Establish a private higher education institution (HEP Private) with local
accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and
institutional licensure through the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Further details on regulations pertaining to higher education can be found in The

Executive Council Resolution No. 21 (2011) and the relevant bylaws on the KHDA
website (www.khda.gov.ae). Applicants are required to follow the guidelines and
provide the listed documents in their submission.

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Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

Investor Journey

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KHDA

Higher Educat ion

A p p l icat ion Requiremen t s

Stage 1: Eligibility Stage 2: Strategic Plan

(10 working days) (30 working days)

to be able to
1. Name and contact details of the ACADEMIC PLAN convert stage 1
authorized applicant 1. Vision and mission for Dubai Campus. and 2
2. Legal status of the Home Campus 2. Proposed governance and management
(For Branch Campus Applications) structure for Dubai Campus.
3. Proposed application process: 3. Proposed programme(s) over a five-year
(International HEP Branch Campus or period.
HEP Private) 4. Plans for faculty recruitment.
4. Letter of intent including details of 5. Research and development expertise and
authorized applicant (official letter programme(s) that the proposed institution
expressing interest to open a campus in commits to bring to Dubai
Dubai) 6. Academic head details:
5. Details of shareholders for Dubai a. A letter of appointment confirming the
campus appointment of the Academic Head
6. Details of the capacity of operations in b. Copy of CV.
the first five years c. Name, contact details, passport number
7. Details of the accreditation of home and
campus d. Qualifications.
8. Details of external quality assurance of
home campus
9. Details of home campus ranking
10. Proposed programmes for Dubai
campus in the first year.

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

BUSINESS PLAN
1. Board Resolution from the highest governing body at the Home Campus authorizing the
establishment of the Branch Campus in Dubai.
2. Market research including student segments, industry demand and competitive analysis. to add to the excel
3. Projected yearly enrolment for five years per programme(s).
4. Copy of the final agreement between the shareholder(s) and the Home Campus if
applicable.
5. Responsibility matrix clearly outlining the roles, responsibilities and accountability of
the shareholder and the Home Campus if applicable (Refer to the responsibility matrix
appendix).
6. Proposed location and size of the institution and details of facilities and instructional/
teaching space.
7. Financial projections for five years, including projected income (profit and loss) statements
for five years and cash flow statements.
8. Letter confirming the availability of adequate funds for meeting the capital and operational
expenses.
9. Submission of a risk management plan for the campus including details of teach-out
arrangements in case of closure of the programme or HEP.

DETAILS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS (IF APPLICABLE)

1. Name, contact details and passport number.
2. Commercial License number.

QUALITY ASSURANCE
The University Quality Assurance International Board (UQAIB) role is to assess and oversee
the quality of higher education offered by international campuses operating in Dubai. All
applicants applying through the branch campus route are required to submit the following
forms as per the KHDA Quality Assurance Guidelines:
• Appendix C

• Appendix F

• Appendix P

Applicants going through the private higher education provider route are not required to
submit these forms. They must provide the initial accreditation from the CAA.

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KHDA

to add to the excel sheet

Stage 3: Commercial License

(20 working days)

1. Commercial License from the Free Zone

Commercial Authority
2. If applicable, a copy of the Commercial
License of the Academic Infrastructure
Provider, (AIP)/ investor
3. Copy of the premises lease agreement
from the Free Zone
4. Copy of the Completion Certificate from
Dubai Municipality or Free Zone, (as
applicable)
5. Completed KHDA Undertaking for the
Academic Head
6. If applicable, completed KHDA
Undertaking for the investors
7. Payment of KHDA Permit fee (Refer to
table on the next page).
8. MoE licenser and CAA initial
accreditation (Only for applicants
seeking CAA accreditation).

KHDA has the right to ask for any additional

documents during or after the permit
issuance process.

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

PERMIT FEES

SerVice Name Service Fee

AED 150,000 for 1-5 Higher Education programme(s)

Permit Issuance/renewal of a branch of a

AED 175,000 for 6-10 Higher Education programmes
Higher Education Provider
AED 200,000 for 11 and more Higher Education programmes

Permit Issuance/renewal of a Higher

AED 1,000
Education Provider (CAA)

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Appendix C
HEP br a nch a p p rova l a p p l icat ion form

PA R T 1

Name of institution:
Date of submission:
Type of application (please tick the ONE that applies):
• Initial application
• Renewal application1
1
To be eligible, a HEP Branch must already hold a UQAIB Approval that is still within its valid period

If a renewal, please provide Academic Authorisation number:

The signatory below confirms that the information provided in this application form and the accompanying
documentation is true and accurate as of the date of submission and that there are presently no reasons
to believe the information will change substantively over the next twelve months.

Name (please print):

Signature:
Position:2
2
Must be either HEP Branch Principal Officer or a Senior Executive Officer from the HEP Home

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

convert to excel sheet

APPLICABLE TO THE
ITEM FOLLOWING
ITEM DESCRIPTION TYPE OF APPLICATION
CODE
INITIAL RENEWAL
Report including the following:
Name of HEP Branch and a brief description (including history, mission and vision, legal status and
C01 staffing profile). Names and contact details of owners of the HEP Branch. Name of HEP Home and a
brief description (including history, mission and vision, and legal status). Names and contact details of
the senior executive officers of the HEP Home.

C02 Copy of any applicable agreement (e.g. MoU) with partners involved in the HEP Branch

C03 Copy of any currently applicable HEP Home accreditation status (or equivalent approval).

Copy of most recent independent quality assurance report (e.g. QAA Quality Audit Report) of the HEP
C04
Home.

C05 Approval from HEP Home to establish the HEP Branch.

A letter from the HEP Home’s relevant external quality assurance agency confirming that they have
C06 been formally advised by the HEP Home of the full extent of activities (i.e. the list of programmes and
approximate student numbers) at the HEP Branch.

Student Grievance Policy & Process (including explanation of any variances from the policy and processes
C07
in use at the Home HEP)

C08 The full list of programmes offered by the HEP Branch for the forthcoming academic year.

C09 The HEP Establishment Agreement (see Appendix E)

In the case of Online/Blended/E-Learning:

a) details of the available infrastructure and policies, including mechanisms to address transitory
technological failures, and the use of learner authentication methods (e.g. local invigilation, authentic
assessment design, etc.).
b) additional details about the policies with respect to
C10
(i) ensuring that learning activities are occurring,
(ii) tracking student participation,
(iii) promoting active student engagement,
(iv) ensuring the quality of teachers’ feedback
(v) invigilating examinations.
a) Details of the institutional transnational quality assurance process describing how the policies and
processes ensure the quality and standards of the awards. This includes information about the facilities
and the teaching provision, advising support for learners, personalised support for students with
C11 disabilities, academic staff development to ensure good learning outcomes, mechanisms for ensuring the
integrity of assessment and the moderation process and the inclusion of the students’ voice.
b) Contact details for the persons at the HEP Home and HEP Branch with primary responsibilities for
these processes

C12 A letter to confirm that there are no significant changes at both the institutional or programme levels.

• The most recent evidence must be submitted.

• Previously submitted evidence will be deemed to remain valid and will not need to be resubmitted. However, if the HEP is aware that
the validity of the information has changed in any way, then the updated information must be provided.

KHDA reserves the right to request additional information at its discretion.

The UQAIB Secretariat can be contacted at Highereducation@khda.gov.ae.

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

Appendix F
Progr a mme Regis t r at ion (By Va l idat ion)

PA R T 1
Note: A separate Programme Registration application is required for each Academic Programme or programme nest
(a Programme Nest is when a higher level qualification, e.g. a Bachelor degree, includes lower level qualifications,
e.g. Certificate, Diploma or Associate Degree).

Name of institution:
Type of application (please tick the ONE that applies):
• Initial Registration by Validation

• Registration by Validation Renewal

• Registration by Validation – Teach-out

For registration by validation renewal or for registration by validation Teach-out applications, please provide
Programme Registration number:

Date of application:

Long name of programme (any differences between long names at the HEP Branch and HEP Home will need to
be explained)
• at HEP Branch:

• at HEP Home:

Short name (abbreviation) of programme (any differences between long names at the HEP Branch and HEP Home
will need to be explained)
• at HEP Branch:

• at HEP Home:

Number of years of full-time study:

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Nested programmes. If there are other degree, diploma or certificate exit awards nested within the
Academic Programme, please provide the long and short names of those exit awards, along with the
prospectus or course description for each programme:

Programme Coordinator at HEP Home

• Name:

• Email:

Head of Faculty (or equivalent) at HEP Home with responsibility for the programme
• Name:

• Email:

Mode/s of Delivery (please tick all that apply):

• On-campus

• Block

• On-line

• Blended

The signatory below confirms that the information provided in this application form and the
accompanying documentation are true and accurate as of the date of submission, and that there are
presently no reasons to believe that they will change substantively over the next twelve months.

Name:

Signature:

Position*:

* Must be either HEP Branch Principal Officer or a Senior Executive Officer from the HEP Home.

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PART
PA RT 2 TWO
Please provide all the information required in the following checklist.

TYPE OF REGISTRATION (BY

VALIDATION) APPLICATION
ITEM

Registration by Val-
idation - Teach-out
(b) Registration by
Validation Renewal
Initial registration
ITEM DESCRIPTION

by Validation
CODE

(a)

(c)
F01 Programme prospectus. KHDA does not require submission of all teaching materials.

A side-by-side comparison of programme as offered at the HEP Branch and as offered at the HEP Home
F02
(see Appendix O, Table P1).
Description of target market and evidence of student and employer demand. Evidence that the
F03
programme includes some localised industry element integrated into the curriculum.
Approval from the HEP Home to offer the programme in Dubai and confirmation from the senior
F04
executive in the HEP Home that the HEP Branch programme is equivalent to the HEP Home programme.

F05 Current accreditation or other valid form of external approval of the HEP Home programme.

Report and/or results from the most recent independent review of the HEP Home programme (may
F06
include professional accreditation) and the HEP Home’s response.
A sample of the most recent moderators’ and/ or external examiners’ reports of the HEP Home
F07
programme.
A sample of the most recent moderators’ and/ or external examiners’ reports of the HEP Branch
F08
programme.

F09 Confirmation of the languages to be used in teaching, materials and assessment.

F10 Current and proposed tuition fees (including any additional fees clearly demarcated).

A report from the HEP Home Librarian attesting to the adequacy of access to library materials and
F11
support at the HEP Branch.
In case of e-learning (full or blended), and taking into account the specificity of the programme,
additional details about resources that are accessible remotely (e.g. virtual labs), approaches to active
learning (e.g. group projects), evidence of implementation of Institutional policies with respect (i) to
F12
ensuring that learning activities are occurring, (ii) tracking student attendance, (iii) promoting active
student engagement, (iv) ensuring the quality of teachers’ feedback and (v) invigilating examinations,
including, when appropriate, whether the relevant professional accreditation bodies allow e-assessments

F13 Completed statistical tables set out in Appendix O. P1-4 P2-7 P2-7

Any other evidence the HEP chooses to provide which will demonstrate that the HEP Branch programme
F14
and the HEP Home programme are equivalent (e.g. comparative analysis of graduate destinations).

• The most recent evidence must be submitted.

• Previously submitted evidence will be deemed to remain valid and will not need to be resubmitted. However, if the HEP is aware that
the validity of the information has changed in any way, then the updated information must be provided.

KHDA reserves the right to request additional information at its discretion.

The UQAIB Secretariat can be contacted at Highereducation@khda.gov.ae.

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Appendix P
Progr a mme S tat is t ica l Rep ort s

For each programme, the following tables must be provided to KHDA in conjunction with the
Programme Registration applications.

Ta bl e P1. P rogr a mme side-by-side c ompa ris on

The main purpose of this table is to provide institutions and UQAIB with a mechanism to compare the structure
and content of a programme offered at the HEP Branch to the same programme offered at the HEP Home. Please
identify and explain any significant variances such as, but not limited to, the following:
• Programme name
• Courses
• Assessment
• Modality (internal, external, blended)
• Credit hours or points.

Use as many rows as are necessary to provide the full list of available courses.
Designate any course(s) that have been developed specifically for the Dubai campus with an asterisk (*). Use as
many rows as necessary to describe the components of the programme and delete unused rows.

INSTITUTION NAME

LENGTH OF PROGRAMME HEP BRANCH HEP HOME

Name of programme

Number of total credit hours or points

required for qualification

Number of core credit hours or points

required for qualification

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

CORE COURSES 1

HEP BRANCH HEP HOME JUSTIFICATION OF

VARIANCE
Course code Credit hours Course code & Credit hours
Mode 4 Mode 4 (IF ANY)
& title or points title or points

CORE COURSES 2

HEP BRANCH HEP HOME JUSTIFICATION OF

VARIANCE
Course code Credit hours Course code & Credit hours
Mode 4 Mode 4 (IF ANY)
& title or points title or points

CORE COURSES 3

HEP BRANCH HEP HOME JUSTIFICATION OF

VARIANCE
Course code Credit hours Course code & Credit hours
Mode 4 Mode 4 (IF ANY)
& title or points title or points

1.
‘Core’ means those courses that are compulsory for the purposes of the qualification’s major/specialisation.
2.
‘Core Elective’ means the list of courses from which students must choose a certain number of credit hours or
points for the purposes of the qualification’s major/specialisation.
3.
‘General Elective’ means the list of courses from which students may make any selection up to the total number
of required credit hours or points.

For each course, list as many modes of delivery as are available to the student in each HEP location.

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Ta bl e P 2
Aca demic S ta f f in t he P rogr a mme Based at HEP Br a nch

The main purpose of this table is to provide UQAIB with confidence that the programme is
adequately and appropriately staffed at the HEP Branch.

For each staff member teaching the programme at the HEP Branch, enter in the appropriate cell
the person’s title (e.g. Mr, Ms, Dr, Prof) and full name. After the name, enter in parenthesis the
full time equivalent (FTE) employment load of that person. For example, a person employed at
the HEP Branch full time would be 1.0 FTE; whereas a person employed two days out of a five-
day working week would be 0.4 FTE.

An example of an entry would be: “Dr Abdullah Al-Mood (0.5 FTE)”.

NAME OF PROGRAMME

HIGHEST QUALIFICATION
YEARS OF TEACHING
SERVICE BACHELOR MASTERS DOCTOR

0 TO 3

>3 TO 10

>10

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Ta bl e P 3
Aca demic S ta f f in t he P rogr a mme V isi t ing f rom HEP Home

The main purpose of this table is to provide UQAIB with confidence that the programme is

adequately and appropriately supported by visiting staff.

In some cases, Programmes are taught in whole or in part by staff who travel from the HEP Home
to the HEP Branch. In those cases, for each staff member based at the HEP Home who travels to
Dubai to teach the programme at the HEP Branch, enter in the appropriate cell the person’s title
(e.g. Mr, Ms, Dr, Prof) and full name. After the name, enter in parenthesis the number of days that
the person spends teaching that Programme in Dubai per year.

An example of an entry would be: “Prof Betty Frank (12 days per year)”.

NAME OF PROGRAMME

HIGHEST QUALIFICATION
YEARS OF TEACHING
SERVICE BACHELOR MASTERS DOCTOR

0 TO 3

>3 TO 10

>10

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Responsibility
matrix

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

ACCOUNTABILITY
HEADLINE DESCRIPTOR
HEP PARTNER

Intellectual property
BRAND & REPUTATION Brand, logo and name
Website
Permit application and renewals
ACCREDITATION
Institutional and programme accreditation
AND REGULATORY
Permit services amendments and cancelation
Provision of Brand guidelines and assets, including
photography, film and marketing templates.
MARKETING
Design and development of marketing content

Production and distribution of marketing content

Admission criteria and requirements
Student recruitment
STUDENT RECRUITMENT
Admissions decisions
AND ADMISSIONS
Students Contracts
Creation and maintenance student records
Recruitment and appointment of all Non-Academic staff

NON-ACADEMIC STAFF Contract and employment policies for all Non-Academic

Day to Day Management of all Non-Academic Staff (Inc.

AND MANAGEMENT
work loading, performance management, absence, welfare
etc.)

Recruitment and appointment of Academic head

Recruitment and appointment of all Academic staff
ACADEMIC STAFF AND Contract and employment policies for all Academic staff

TEACHING DELIVERY Day to Day Management of all Academic Staff (Inc. work
loading, performance management, absence, welfare etc.)

Academic staff visas

Programme development and design

Provision of course content and assets
PROGRAMME
Academic regulations and policies
ADMINISTRATION &
Assessment design, approval and implementation
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Administration of Moderation process

Award of qualifications
Student Support and Wellbeing
Student induction and orientation
Student complaints and appeals
STUDENT SUPPORT
Issuance of students’ visas
Careers and employability services
Student accomodation options
Risk Management plan
Collection of student fees and debt
OPERATIONS Specification of Campus standards
Specification of Campus Health and safety standards
Information technology, information security and usage

Governance of Partnership
LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE Conflict/Dispute arrangements
GDPR and data sharing agreement

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Academic Head
Undertaking

All Higher Education Providers must complete the following Knowledge and Human Development
Authority, (KHDA) undertaking as part of the requirements for issuance of the Educational Services
Permit. You can access the KHDA regulations using the following links:

https://web.khda.gov.ae/en/About-Us/Legislation

• Law No. (2) of 2021 concerning the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai
• The Executive Council Resolution No.21 of 2011 Concerning Higher Education Institutions
based in the Free Zones of the Emirate of Dubai and relevant bylaws.
• Guidelines for International Branch Campuses

The following undertaking should be completed and signed by the KHDA approved Academic
Head. Please date, stamp the below text on Higher Education Provider’s letter headed paper,
replacing the text in white.

I the undersigned, TITLE, NAME OF ACADEMIC HEAD, of NAME OF HIGHER EDUCATION

PROVIDER, confirm that I have been nominated by the Home Campus of NAME OF HIGHER
EDUCATION PROVIDER, to act as the Academic Head and Educational Services Permit holder for
the NAME OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDER.

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

On behalf of the NAME OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDER, I certify that I have read and understood all
orders and regulations for education providers issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority,
(KHDA). I undertake to comply with all the laws and regulations enforced in the UAE and the Emirate of Dubai,
and all of the regulations, guidelines and procedures issued by KHDA from time to time.

I further undertake that I will represent the higher education institution and its best interests. I further undertake
that I am a full time academic head with no association with the shareholders, academic infrastructure provider
or other venture partner of the higher education provider.

I undertake not to mislead or misrepresent the institution, nor to provide false documents/ statements or
informations to the Authority. I will notify KHDA of any changes to documents/ informations previously submitted
to the Authority and ensure that I notify KHDA of any changes to the institutions status/ circumstances as
outlined in the regulations and guidelines of the KHDA.

I also undertake that I will be responsible for the KHDA RPC System and shall ensure that it is updated and all
relevant data is accurate.

ACADEMIC HEAD SIGNATURE

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K n o w l e d g e a n d H u m a n D e v e lo p m e n t Au t h o r i t y, ( K H DA )

Undertaking Investor/ Shareholders

If applicable, the investor/ Shareholders of Higher Education Providers must complete the following
KHDA undertaking as part of the Regulations and Permits Commission’s (RPC) requirements
for issuance of the Educational Services Permit. You can access the KHDA regulations using the
following link:

https://web.khda.gov.ae/en/About-Us/Legislation

• Law No. (2) of 2021 concerning the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai
• The Executive Council Resolution No.21 of 2011 Concerning Higher Education Institutions
based in the Free Zones of the Emirate of Dubai and relevant bylaws.

The below undertaking should be completed and signed by the Shareholder and cosigned by
the nominated Head of the Higher Education Provider.

The shareholder should submit the undertaking on the investing companies letter headed
paper, replacing the text in white.

If the investors are individual shareholders, each shareholder must complete and sign the
following undertaking, replacing the text in white.

If the investor/shareholder is an investing company, the majority shareholder or authorised

company representative must date, stamp and sign the below undertaking.

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 Guidelines to Establish a Higher Education Institution in Dubai

I the undersigned, TITLE, NAME OF SHAREHOLDER, named shareholder of NAME OF HIGHER EDUCATION
PROVIDER, certify that I shall comply with all the laws and regulations enforced in the UAE and the Emirate of
Dubai, and all of the regulations, guidelines and procedures issued by the Knowledge and Human Development
Authority from time to time.

I further certify that I will not interfere in the academic affairs of the institution as set by the higher education
provider or take up any positions at the higher education provider (branch or home campus).

I undertake not to mislead or misrepresent the Higher Education Provider, nor to provide false documents/
statements or informations to the Authority. I will notify KHDA of any changes to documents/ informations
previously submitted to the Authority, including change of shareholders and ensure that I notify KHDA of any
changes to the Higher Education Provider status/ circumstances as outlined in the regulations and guidelines
of the KHDA.

SHAREHOLDER SIGNATURE ACADEMIC HEAD SIGNATURE

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