Education

UAE tightens rules on foreign university degrees: What it means for expats

Published

1 month ago

March 10, 2025

In a major policy shift, the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has introduced stricter guidelines for degrees obtained via online learning, distance education, and correspondence courses. While such degrees will now be considered for recognition, they must meet strict criteria set by a dedicated ministerial committee.

However, vocational certificates and training programme diplomas won’t make the cut, along with degrees from courses catering to niche student groups.

Degree Verification Gets a Makeover

To streamline the process, the ministry has roped in two external agencies — Dataflow and QuadraBay — to handle degree verification and equivalency certification.

Applicants must first verify their qualifications with these authorised partners, ensuring their documents are legitimate. Only after this step can they apply for official recognition from the ministry.

The entire process is online and takes around 30 working days. Those who wish to challenge a decision have three months to lodge an appeal.

Strict Criteria for Recognition

Each case will be reviewed individually, but the bottom line is clear:

The awarding university must be accredited in its home country.
Study methods must comply with the university’s official guidelines.
No shortcuts—vocational certificates, short-term training programs, and degrees from specialist courses will not be recognised.

What Will It Cost You?

The ministry has set fees for degree recognition:

Dh100 for a bachelor’s degree
Dh150 for a postgraduate degree
Dh200 for a doctoral degree

The cost of initial verification varies based on the country of study, and payments can be made online via e-Dirham or postpaid cards.

Five Key Rules for Recognition

To qualify, applicants must:

Follow the study programme as outlined by their university.
Meet all ministry recognition requirements.
Ensure their university is accredited in the home country.
Stick to the UAE’s online study limits—no more than 18 credit hours per semester for distance learning.
For medical and engineering degrees, postgraduate applicants must hold a related bachelor’s degree.

This move is set to impact thousands of students and professionals seeking UAE recognition for their qualifications. For those with degrees from unconventional routes, the message is clear: Meet the criteria or risk rejection.

(Source: GT)

Education

CBSE Class 10, 12 results in UAE: Expected announcement date, how to check scores

Published

1 week ago

April 7, 2025

Michael Gomes

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) wrapped up its 2024–25 academic session board exams, with Class 10 exams held from February 15 to March 18 and Class 12 concluding on April 4.

When Will CBSE Results Be Announced?

While CBSE has not officially confirmed a result date, Class 10 results are expected between May 18 and 20, based on previous years. Class 12 results are also likely to be announced around the same time, as the board typically releases both together.

In 2024, Class 12 results were announced on May 13, while in 2023, it was May 12. The only recent exception was in 2022, when results were delayed until July due to the pandemic.

Pass Criteria

To pass the CBSE Class 10 exams, students must score at least 33% in each subject. In some cases, grace marks may be awarded if a student falls short by one or two marks.

Where to Check CBSE Results

Students can check their results on the following official websites:

How to check:

Log on to the official CBSE results portal.
Click on the link for Class 10 or Class 12 results.
Enter your application number and date of birth.
Your scorecard will be displayed.
Download and save the PDF of the results.
Take a printout for reference.

Students in the UAE must keep checking the official websites regularly for updates.

Education

World renowned IIM Ahmedabad to open first international campus in Dubai this September

Published

2 weeks ago

March 31, 2025

Michael Gomes

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) is set to make history with the launch of its first international campus in Dubai, with classes set to commence in September 2025.

Announced during the institute’s 60th convocation at the iconic Louis Kahn Plaza, this expansion makes IIMA the first among India’s prestigious IIMs to establish a presence beyond national borders. While this marks a significant milestone, Indian educational institutions have long ventured abroad, with footprints in global hubs like Dubai, Africa, London, and California.

Renowned as India’s leading business school and among the world’s most prestigious management institutions, IIMA offers a range of distinguished programmes, from Ph.D. and MBA degrees to executive and specialised diploma courses designed to foster leadership, innovation, and global business acumen.

While specific details are yet to be disclosed, courses offered by IIMA include Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), PGP-Food and Agri-business Management (PGP-FABM), and PGP for Executives (PGPX), all recognised globally for their excellence.

The Dubai campus will allow IIMA to tap into the region’s diverse talent pool, address the growing demand for management education in the Middle East. By establishing a presence in Dubai, the institute aims to attract international students and professionals.

Meanwhile, the IIMA ranked 27th for Business and Management Studies under Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

(Source: Indian Express)

Education

UAE schools to begin three-week break on March 24

Published

4 weeks ago

March 20, 2025

Michael Gomes

Students from Grades 3 to 12 in UAE public and private schools, following the Ministry of Education curriculum, have officially completed their second-term final exams for the 2024-2025 academic year. The exams, which commenced on March 10, concluded on Wednesday, marking the start of a much-anticipated break.

Exam Results Expected in Late April

According to the Ministry of Education’s approved academic calendar, the evaluation and release of second-term results will take place between April 21 and April 25. The ministry is expected to announce the detailed schedule in the coming weeks.

Three-Week Spring Break Begins for Students

Students can now enjoy a 21-day spring break from March 24 to April 13. However, teaching, technical, and administrative staff will have a shorter 14-day break, starting on March 31 and ending on April 13.

The spring break coincides with the Eid Al Fitr holiday, observed from March 29 to April 1. Regular classes for students and school staff will resume on April 14.

Professional Development for Teachers Before the Break

Before starting their holiday, teaching, technical, and school leadership staff will participate in a professional development programme from March 24 to March 28.

Third Term to Begin on April 14

The final term of the 2024-2025 academic year is set to begin on April 14 and will span 52 school days over 11 weeks. The end-of-year break will commence on June 30 for students and on July 14 for educational staff.

(Source: GN)