Universities must adopt teach-out plans to protect students if they close

UAE universities must now have "teach-out plans" in place to protect students if an institution or programme closes, under the National Framework for Licensing Higher Education Institutions. The plans must address students' educational pathway and continuation of study, preservation of academic records, and protection of financial rights. Where necessary, arrangements must allow affected students to transfer to another institution. The framework applies to all higher education institutions and branches, including those in free zones, and makes licensing an ongoing process rather than one-time approval. Institutions must maintain accurate data, comply with information security requirements, and have arrangements to maintain academic operations during disruption. For new institutions, licensing confirms sustainability and mission capability, but programmes must separately receive accreditation before being offered. Newly licensed institutions have one year to launch programmes, with at least one programme requiring accreditation. The framework introduces risk-based licensing, with licence duration varying by risk category, compliance and performance. Existing institutions are being given a transition period to address gaps.