The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has scrapped Horizon University College’s (HU) institutional licence and programme accreditation following numerous and serious breaches of UAE’s higher education standards. The decision is one of the strictest ever made by the ministry to maintain academic standards, ensure the confidence in qualified degrees and protect students’ interests.
Why Was the University’s Licence Revoked?
The Ministry found that Horizon University College has multiple times been non-compliant with institutional licensing and academic accreditation requirements. The officials have decided that the entity’s operation could have adverse impact on educational quality, academic reliability, financial viability and rights of students.
Consequently, the ministry decided to suspend immediately all higher education activities at the university.
The college is no longer allowed to:
- Conduct academic classes
- Enrol new students
- Promote academic programmes
- Award degrees or certificates (if required)
- Provide official Academic Transcripts.
While the ministry is in charge of the transition process, these restrictions come into effect right away.
Support for Current Students
MoHESR has set up a task force to coordinate the transfer of enrolled students to other accredited universities in the UAE, realizing that students would be affected.
In collaboration with local authorities and educational institutions, the ministry strives to ensure students will not be unnecessarily disrupted in their educational process. School officials have said their top priority is to ensure the academic success of students.
Students and parents have been advised to check official ministry’s notifications for information and support on the transfer process.
What This Means for Higher Education in the UAE
The move is a sign of the UAE government’s efforts to ensure high-quality education. All Universities in the country should be licensed to operate, have accredited academic programmes and be subject to regular inspections.
Institutions that do not comply with these standards could be subject to disciplinary action such as suspension or revocation of their licence,” authorities have said.
The move is also part of the UAE’s initiative to bolster trust in higher education and guarantee graduates get international and national recognition for their education.
The UAE’s aim of becoming a regional hub for education has been a huge investment and trust in the accreditation system is essential in attracting local and international students.
Growing Regulatory Oversight
The UAE has continued to introduce more stringent, up to date laws and quality assurance measures for higher education institutions. Education institutions are expected to show compliance with the requirements of academic governance, financial sustainability, program quality and student protection requirements.
The government’s goal of creating a competitive education system to the international level with transparency and accountability for higher education institutions is reflected in the recent reform of the regulations.
This is not the only ruling that has been made by the Horizon University College. In recent years, the Ministry has exercised its enforcement powers in response to non-compliance with the licensing and accreditation process, indicating increased enforcement efforts toward quality assurance at private higher education institutions.
Advice for Prospective Students
Students should always check the legal and official licensing and accreditation of the UAE university and their academic programs before enrolling in the UAE. By opting for an accredited institution, it is believed that the qualifications will be recognised by the employers, professional bodies and other universities.
Candidates are also advised to follow and keep themselves updated on the official notices published by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research about the status of the institutions and changes in their accreditation.
What We Still Do Not Know
A key discovery in the ministry’s announcement is that it does not provide specific details on all of the specific breaches that resulted in the cancellation.
Authorities have said the violations were serious and frequent, but haven’t provided detailed information about the breaches in compliance. At this time it would be premature to single out specific areas of weakness as the cause of the problem, pending further data can be obtained from official sources.
That distinction matters. When analyzing for regulatory purposes, the results should be disaggregated from either previous cases or from a more general problem in the sector.
Looking Ahead
The cancellation of the Horizon University College’s licence is the result of more than just a problem with the university. It conveys a picture of a regulatory landscape that is becoming ever more demanding on quality assurance and which sees the protection of students as a key policy concern.
The lesson for students is to always check accreditation prior to making long-term educational decisions. For University leaders it reaffirms that compliance needs to be underpinned during the normal governance process, not just when inspections are carried out. But for policy makers, the case illustrates how they are willing to go to great lengths with enforcement powers when national standards in education are deemed to be at stake.
The UAE’s newfound status as an international higher education hub will rely on not only the lure of new universities but the assurance of all licensed universities that they keep meeting the standards that they advertise to prospective students.
FAQs
Why did UAE revoke Horizon University College’s licence?
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) pointed out that there were serious and frequent violations of the conditions of institutional licensing and academic accreditation.
Is it possible to accept students to Horizon University College?
No. The ministry’s decision means the university is no longer allowed to take in new students or offer academic programmes or confer degrees.
What about the current students?
MoHESR has initiated a task force to support current students’ transition to a different licensed and accredited University in the UAE.
Is this a common practice in UAE?
No. The revocation of licences is relatively rare, and it is indicative that the UAE is taking a more stringent stance on the implementation of higher education standards.
What are the ways that students can check the accreditation of a university?
Students must verify from the official MoHESR website the licensing and accreditation of university and academic programmes before enrolling.
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