The National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework

In the first phase, the MoE announced the classification of Research Cluster HEIs, while the Non-research Cluster HEIs classification will be announced in the second phase.

The National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework does not encompass HEIs established within the last five years, those exclusively offering master’s and doctoral programs, or HEIs with revoked or suspended licenses.

Although there has been a significant increase in the number of UAE HEIs featured in global rankings, the majority of local HEIs are not covered. Therefore, the MoE has utilised various sources to develop the National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework to ensure a comprehensive picture of the UAE-based HEI’s performance is captured.

While other international frameworks can be utilised, the UAE National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework offers results that are better suited to the UAE context.

Global rankings largely emphasise reputation, while the National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework focuses on educational experiences, employability and job market fit.

Students can use the classification to gauge an institution’s overall performance and performance per pillar. The framework provides students with valuable insights into the institutions, helping them make informed decisions about where to pursue their higher education based on their academic and career aspirations.

The framework aims to assess institutional quality within the set pillars without ranking them as best or worst. Each institution has unique strengths and areas for improvement that are taken into consideration. The framework focuses on the four assessment pillars, and each pillar has a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) based on which the evaluation is made and the classification is determined.

While classifications offer valuable information, students should also consider their personal preferences, career goals, program curriculum, campus culture and facilities, location, student support services, internship opportunities, and financial factors when making their decisions.

The Ministry of Education shares the classification results with the higher education institutions for data verification and appeal before publishing. The MoE has provided a specific mechanism for appealing classification results:

• After reports are sent to HEIs, they have one week to request a meeting with the MoE team from the date of receiving the reports.
• The MoE and HEIs will then schedule a meeting to discuss the report and address any concerns raised by the HEIs
• The MoE team will then compile feedback from HEIs and share it with seniors at MoE
• When needed and where applicable, the MoE will grant exceptions and permissions for HEIs to update data and send updated data within two weeks
• The MoE team will look into the revised data and share updated reports with seniors at the ministry
• After obtaining approval from MoE, the HEI will receive the revised report

The National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework serves as a benchmark for HEIs to identify areas of improvement and enhance their overall quality and competitiveness based on clear, adaptable and fair criteria.

The National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework can have several impacts on HEIs:

• Funding: HEIs classified higher may have increased resources for research, infrastructure and student support services.
• Reputation: a classification can enhance an HEI’s reputation both domestically and internationally. This can attract top faculty and students, bolstering its standing in academic and professional circles.
• Student enrollment: students may consider an HEI’s classification within a specific pillar when making enrollment decisions.

Yes, the framework is designed to consider feedback and input from various stakeholders, including students, HEIs and other relevant parties.

The National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework can have several impacts on international collaborations, partnerships, and exchange programs involving HEIs:

• Enhanced Credibility: The classification contributes to enhancing UAE-based HEIs’ credibility and recognition, helping them become more attractive partners for international collaborations and partnerships with top-tier universities.
• Increased Trust: The framework provides a standardized measure of institutional quality and performance based on neutral and clear criteria, fostering trust and confidence among international partners. This can facilitate the establishment of new collaborations and deepen existing partnerships.
• Quality Assurance: The framework serves as a quality assurance mechanism, ensuring that HEIs engaged in international collaborations meet certain standards of excellence.
• Student Mobility: The framework contributes to providing accurate and reliable tools that may assist international students seeking quality education and opportunities for academic and cultural exchange in determining the HEI they wish to join.
• Research Collaborations: The framework facilitates collaborations between HEIs classified at similar levels.

Continuous review processes, stakeholder consultations, benchmarking, and periodic updates will ensure that the classification framework remains dynamic, responsive and effective in guiding policy decisions, supporting institutional improvement and promoting excellence in higher education over time.

The process of developing the framework may include adding provisions to recognize and reward HEIs that excel in specific fields or disciplines, encouraging excellence and specialization.

The framework employs a balanced approach to assess HEIs, considering both quantitative data and qualitative aspects:

• Quantitative Data: This includes performance metrics such as graduation rates, research output, student-to-faculty ratio and financial indicators. Quantitative data provide measurable indicators of institutional performance and outcomes.
• Qualitative Aspects: Qualitative aspects encompass subjective evaluations of teaching quality, institutional culture, student satisfaction and community engagement. These are often gathered through surveys, interviews, and employers’ feedback, offering insights into the holistic educational experience.

To balance these components, the framework may employ weighting systems or qualitative indicators alongside quantitative metrics. By integrating both quantitative data and qualitative assessments, the framework aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of institutional quality and performance.

The Ministry of Education utilises insights from the framework's assessments in several ways to inform policy decisions and strategic planning in higher education:

• Identifying Areas of Improvement: The MoE analyses the classification data to identify areas where HEIs may need support or improvement. This helps in developing targeted interventions and initiatives to address specific challenges.
• Setting Policy Priorities: The MoE uses the insights to set policy priorities and objectives for the higher education sector. It helps in aligning policies with the overarching goals of enhancing quality, access and equity in higher education.
• Benchmarking Performance: The classification framework allows the MoE to benchmark the performance of HEIs over time and against international standards. This enables informed comparisons and facilitates the adoption of best practices.
• Monitoring Progress: The MoE monitors progress towards achieving key performance indicators and targets set for the higher education sector. Regular assessment and evaluation help track the effectiveness of policies and interventions.