Higher Education in the UAE R&D Department National Qualifications Authority, UAE October 2016

UAE Vision 2021 Development of a first-rate education system, which requires: complete transformation of the current education system and teaching methods all schools, universities and students to be equipped with Smart systems and devices as a basis for all teaching methods, projects and research significant investments to promote and reinforce enrollment in preschools Targets: UAE students to be ranked among the best in the world in reading, mathematics and science exams UAE students to have a strong knowledge of the Arabic language Significant investments to promote and reinforce enrollment in preschools as this plays an important role in shaping children’s personalities and their future. elevate the rate of graduation from secondary schools to international standards have exceptional leadership and internationally accredited teaching staff in all schools

UAE Vision 2021 Indicator 2012 results 2021 targets Average TIMSS score  TIMSS 2011: - Mathematics Grade 4: Rank 42 - Science Grade 4: Rank 43 - Mathematics Grade 8: Rank 23 - Science Grade 8: Rank 24 Among the top 15 countries Upper secondary graduation rate 93.16% (2015) 98% Average PISA score PISA 2012: - Mathematics: Rank 48 - Science: Rank 44 - Reading: Rank 46 Among the top 20 countries Percentage of students with high skills in Arabic, according to national tests 69.14% (2015) 90% Percentage of schools with high quality teachers Work in progress 100% Percentage of schools with highly effective school leadership Enrollment rate in Foundation Year 45.3% (2015) 0% Significant investments to promote and reinforce enrollment in preschools as this plays an important role in shaping children’s personalities and their future.

Occupations and Careers Handbook for UAE Nationals From a range of national activity indicators, twelve (12) industry sectors were identified. About 20,000 UAE nationals enter the job market every year (Emirates National Development Programme (ENDP). The Handbook acts as an important reference for employment opportunities in the key sectors. No. Code Industry sector 1 A Government services and public administration 2 B Community, health and social services 3 C Business, administration and financial services 4 D Tourism, hospitality, retail and leisure services including personal care services 5 E Arts, culture and entertainment 6 F Education, learning and social development 7 G Building and construction, estates and assets development and management 8 H Utilities and infrastructure 9 I Energy resources – oil, natural gas, petrochemical, chemical and mining/quarrying 10 J Manufacturing 11 K Logistics and transport 12 L Agriculture, livestock and fishery Education, learning and social development Top highly demanded jobs: University professor University lecturer University administrator Education manager Teacher Specialist teacher Career counsellor Psychologist Low participation and representation of UAE Nationals Example employer Federal and non-federal institutions of higher education, vocational education and training institutions, colleges, AD Education Council, Ministry of Education, etc. From a range of national activity indicators, twelve (12) industry sectors were identified. The sectors were derived from information related to such activities as economic, social context, employment, and population size as well as synergies in the mix of occupational and vocational skills.

Higher education in the UAE 79 federal and non-federal higher education institutions recognized by CAA (MoE) Total enrollment in 2014: 128,279 Federal institutions: 35% Non-federal institutions: 65%

Higher education (cont.) 910 accredited programmes Higher education institutions in Dubai Expatriate students come from 160 different countries. UAE national students: Female: 58% Male: 42% Level of study Total* 58 Federal 3 International** 27 Local 28 Foundation 14% Diploma and higher diploma 5% Bachelor's 72% Graduate diploma and Master's 8% Doctorate Less than 1 % *Online or distance education providers are not included in the total. **The majority of international universities are located in Free Zones, e.g., Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV). 3683 scholarships were awarded by MOHESR in 2008-2013. On average, 23.3% of scholarships are awarded to female students. More students are majoring in Business or Engineering than other fields of study. Total enrollment in 2013/2014: 60,310* Male: 57% Female: 43% * Including both full-time and part-time students.

Academic staff in higher education institutions Full-time faculty represent 6 continents and 118 different nationalities. UAE Nationals: 5% Khalifa University 2014/2015 UAE Nationals: 5% UAEU 2014/2015 UAE Nationals: 25% Zayed University 2014/2015 UAE Nationals: 3% Masdar Institute 91 faculty members from nearly 30 countries; 20% UAE nationals. The British University in Dubai 2013/2014 No UAE academic staff

University of Dubai

United Arab Emirates University

CAA licensed institutions offering programmes aligned to the QFEmirates 79 federal and non-federal higher education institutions recognised by CAA 52 institutions have at least one programme aligned to the QFEmirates

CAA accredited programmes aligned to the QFEmirates 868 accredited programmes (as of December 2015) 221 programmes aligned to the QFEmirates CAA accredited programs aligned to the QFEmirates by the review year As of December 2015, there were 868 accredited programs offered by the institutions recognised by CAA. Out of them, 221 (25%) were reviewed between January 2013 and December 2015, and reported by External Review Team members as being in compliance with the QFEmirates. The other 40 programs have been submitted for Renewal of Accreditation and are currently being reviewed by CAA. All programs currently being reviewed for initial or renewal accreditation will eventually align with the QFEmirates, provided they meet all other requirements for accreditation. The remaining 607 programs were accredited prior to January 2013 and are not due for renewal yet. However, the institutions are required to ensure the programs are aligned with the QFEmirates when submitted for Renewal of Accreditation. In 2013, CAA reviewed 22 programs. About 124 and 75 programs were reviewed in 2014 and 2015, correspondingly. As of now, every fourth CAA accredited program is aligned to the QFEmirates, which is much higher than in 2014 when they made up about 14%. Programmes aligned to the QFEmirates 2014: 14% 2015: 25%

CAA accredited programmes aligned to the QFEmirates by QF level

CAA accredited programmes aligned to the QFEmirates by industry sector Communications Electricity Engineering services Gas Scientific and mathematics Utilities support Water