The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE has recently released a list of 105 foreign online universities that are recommended for students in the country to enroll in. This move comes as a response to the increasing popularity of online education and the need to regulate and accredit these institutions to ensure quality education for students. Among the 105 universities listed, 46 are located in the United Kingdom, 34 in the United States of America, 20 in Australia, and five in New Zealand.
Shaikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, issued an order last October on the regulations of accreditation of distance and online learning to keep up with the latest developments in higher education and the widespread adoption of online learning. This order aims to ensure that students have access to quality education through online platforms and that the institutions offering these programs meet certain standards set by the ministry.
Saif Rashid Al Mazrouei, Assistant Under Secretary for Institutional and Support Services at the ministry, explained that online education, as defined in the regulations, refers to education that relies on interactive educational processes using modern technologies for learning, participation, and interaction between learners and instructors. This type of education is different from traditional distance education, such as correspondence courses or open education, as it involves active engagement and participation in the learning process.
To enroll in one of the recommended online universities, students must meet certain criteria set by the ministry. One of the key requirements is that the educational institution offering the online program must be recognized by the ministry and the relevant government bodies in the country where the institution is located. Additionally, the study program must be accredited or equivalent to traditional education standards in the country of study, and the duration of study should be comparable to that of a traditional degree program.
Shaikh Hamdan emphasized that the study program should not be specifically designed for a particular class or group of students, ensuring that all students have equal access to quality education through online platforms. The list of accredited universities and the regulations for online education can be found on the Ministry’s website, providing students with easy access to information about the recommended institutions and the criteria for enrollment.
Overall, the initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to accredit foreign online universities and provide students with a list of recommended institutions reflects the government’s commitment to promoting quality education and ensuring that students have access to diverse learning opportunities. By setting standards for online education and regulating the accreditation process, the ministry aims to enhance the quality of online learning and provide students in the UAE with a wide range of options for pursuing their education through online platforms.