Accreditation
CAA Accredited Universities in UAE
87 universities and colleges in our database are licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education through the Commission for Academic Accreditation. A further 19 branch campuses hold KHDA, RAKEZ or ADEK licences. Here is the full list by emirate.
87CAA / MoE accredited19KHDA / RAKEZ licensed7emirates
Who Accredits Universities in the UAE?
CAA / Ministry of Education
Federal accreditation. Required for government employment, most scholarships and easy attestation of your degree abroad.
KHDA (Dubai free zones)
Licence for branch campuses in Dubai International Academic City and Knowledge Park. Degrees are awarded by the parent university abroad.
RAKEZ / RAK DOK
Ras Al Khaimah free-zone licences for UK and other international branch campuses; degrees recognised by the home-country regulator (e.g. QAA).
CAA Accredited Universities in Dubai (38)
| University | Type | Accreditation bodies | Tuition / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi University, Dubai Campus | — | AACSB and EQUIS (College of Business) · ABET (Engineering programmes) · Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) | 57,416 AED |
| Al Wasl University | Private | CAA | 30,000 AED |
| American University in Dubai (AUD) | Private | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education | On request |
| American University in the Emirates (AUE) | Private | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education | On request |
| Amity University Dubai | Branch of International Institution | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and KHDA | On request |
| Batterjee Medical College – Dubai | Branch of International Institution | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education | 63,317 AED |
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (BITS Pilani) Dubai Campus – BPDC | Branch of International Institution | Approved by the UAE Ministry of Education | 51,817 AED |
| Canadian University Dubai | Private | Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education | 66,000 AED |
| Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) | Local Government | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education | On request |
| Dubai Medical College for Girls (DMCG) | Local Government | Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education | On request |
| Dubai Police Academy (DPA) | Local Government | Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education | 30,020 AED |
| Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM) | — | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · accredited by the Institute of Hospitality (UK) and THE-ICE (Australia) | On request |
| Emirates Aviation University (EAU) | Local Government | On request | |
| Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF), Dubai | — | On request | |
| ESMOD French Fashion Institute – UAE | Branch of International Institution | Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research | 110,000 AED |
| Georgetown University – McDonough School of Business | Branch of International Institution | Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education | 77,000 AED |
| Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) | Semi Government | MOHESR | On request |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | Branch of International Institution | KHDA · UAE Ministry of Education | 74,000 AED |
| Imam Malik College for Islamic Sharia and Law | Local Government | CAA | 42,000 AED |
| Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Dubai | Private | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · Accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) · USA | 40,326 AED |
| Istituto Marangoni Dubai | Branch of International Institution | 125,000 AED | |
| Jumeira University | Private | CAA · MOE | On request |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Branch of International Institution | Licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) · UAE | 47,270 AED |
| Middlesex University Dubai | Branch of International Institution | UAE | 62,687 AED |
| Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government | Local Government | CAA · MOE | On request |
| Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences | Local Government | CAA · MOE · SSH · ACS AEI | On request |
| Neohorizon School of Business | Branch of International Institution | KHDA · CAA | On request |
| Plekhanov Russian University of Economics – Dubai Campus | Branch of International Institution | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education | 62,000 AED |
| Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai | Branch of International Institution | 68,000 AED | |
| Saint Joseph University – Dubai Campus | Branch of International Institution | On request | |
| SKEMA Business School | Branch of International Institution | EQUIS · AACSB · AMBA · CAA | 56,675 AED |
| Symbiosis International University – Dubai Campus | Branch of International Institution | programs accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) | On request |
| The University of Manchester – Dubai | Branch of International Institution | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) · programs accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) | 89,596 AED |
| University of Dubai | Local Government | CAA · MOE · AACSB · ABET | On request |
| University of Europe for Applied Sciences – Dubai | Branch of International Institution | Accredited in Germany (Brandenburg Ministry of Science | On request |
| University of Strathclyde Business School – UAE | Branch of International Institution | Triple accreditation: AACSB · AMBA · EQUIS. Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education. | On request |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai | Branch of International Institution | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · Degrees accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) | On request |
| Zayed University Dubai | Federal Government | Accredited by UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation · also Middle States Commission on Higher Education (US) | 75,000 AED |
—
- Accreditation bodies
- AACSB and EQUIS (College of Business) · ABET (Engineering programmes) · Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- Tuition / yr
- 57,416 AED
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and KHDA
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- 63,317 AED
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Approved by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- 51,817 AED
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- 66,000 AED
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- 30,020 AED
—
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · accredited by the Institute of Hospitality (UK) and THE-ICE (Australia)
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research
- Tuition / yr
- 110,000 AED
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition / yr
- 77,000 AED
Semi Government
- Accreditation bodies
- MOHESR
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- KHDA · UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- 74,000 AED
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA
- Tuition / yr
- 42,000 AED
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · Accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) · USA
- Tuition / yr
- 40,326 AED
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Tuition / yr
- 125,000 AED
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) · UAE
- Tuition / yr
- 47,270 AED
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- UAE
- Tuition / yr
- 62,687 AED
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · MOE
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · MOE · SSH · ACS AEI
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- KHDA · CAA
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- 62,000 AED
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Tuition / yr
- 68,000 AED
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- EQUIS · AACSB · AMBA · CAA
- Tuition / yr
- 56,675 AED
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- programs accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) · programs accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)
- Tuition / yr
- 89,596 AED
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · MOE · AACSB · ABET
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Accredited in Germany (Brandenburg Ministry of Science
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Triple accreditation: AACSB · AMBA · EQUIS. Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · Degrees accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Federal Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Accredited by UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation · also Middle States Commission on Higher Education (US)
- Tuition / yr
- 75,000 AED
CAA Accredited Universities in Abu Dhabi (25)
| University | Type | Accreditation bodies | Tuition / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches | Local Government | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education | On request |
| Abu Dhabi Polytechnic | Local Government | CAA · ABET · NQC · EASA | On request |
| Abu Dhabi School of Management | Semi Government | CAA · MOE · SHRM | On request |
| Abu Dhabi University (ADU) | Private | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) · AACSB (Business programs) | On request |
| Al Ain University (AAU) | Private | Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education | 30,000 AED |
| Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy | Federal Government | CAA | On request |
| Emirates Academy for Identity & Citizenship (EAIC) | Local Government | On request | |
| Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) | Local Government | 65,000 AED | |
| Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF), Abu Dhabi | — | Commission for Academic Accreditation (UAE) | On request |
| Fatima College of Health Sciences (FCHS) | Local Government | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · programs accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) | On request |
| Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) | Federal Government | Licensed and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education | On request |
| Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC) – Abu Dhabi | — | On request | |
| Khalifa Bin Zayed Air College | — | CAA · AABI · MOE | On request |
| Khalifa University of Science and Technology | Local Government | Licensed by UAE Ministry of Education | 100,000 AED |
| Liwa University | Private | CAA · MOE · ACBSP · AQAS | On request |
| Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities | Local Government | CAA · MOE | On request |
| Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence | Semi Government | CAA · MOE | On request |
| National Defense College | — | CAA | On request |
| New York University Abu Dhabi | Branch of International Institution | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · degrees conferred by NYU | 300,000 AED |
| Police College, Abu Dhabi | — | CAA · MOE | On request |
| Rabdan Academy | Local Government | CAA · MOE · SACSCOC · QS 5-Star | On request |
| Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Naval College | — | CAA · MOE | On request |
| Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi | Branch of International Institution | programs also follow French academic standards | On request |
| Zayed II Military College | — | CAA · MOE | On request |
| Zayed University | Federal Government | CAA · MOE · MSCHE · ABET | 75,000 AED |
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · ABET · NQC · EASA
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Semi Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · MOE · SHRM
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) · AACSB (Business programs)
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- 30,000 AED
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Tuition / yr
- 65,000 AED
—
- Accreditation bodies
- Commission for Academic Accreditation (UAE)
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · programs accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Federal Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- 100,000 AED
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · MOE
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Semi Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · MOE
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education · degrees conferred by NYU
- Tuition / yr
- 300,000 AED
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · MOE · SACSCOC · QS 5-Star
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- programs also follow French academic standards
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Federal Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · MOE · MSCHE · ABET
- Tuition / yr
- 75,000 AED
CAA Accredited Universities in Ajman (4)
| University | Type | Accreditation bodies | Tuition / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman University (AU) | Private | UAE Ministry of Education · QAA (UK) · WSCUC (USA) | 75,000 AED |
| City University Ajman (CUA) | Private | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education | On request |
| Gulf Medical University (GMU) | Private | Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) · UAE | On request |
| Horizon University College (HUC), Ajman | Private | Licensed by the MOHESR (MOHESR) | On request |
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- UAE Ministry of Education · QAA (UK) · WSCUC (USA)
- Tuition / yr
- 75,000 AED
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) · UAE
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Private
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the MOHESR (MOHESR)
- Tuition / yr
- On request
CAA Accredited Universities in Ras Al Khaimah (4)
| University | Type | Accreditation bodies | Tuition / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) | Local Government | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education | 55,000 AED |
| Higher Colleges of Technology(RAK) | Federal Government | Licensed and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education | On request |
| Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University | Local Government | CAA · MOE · QS 5-Star · ACPE | On request |
| University of Stirling | Branch of International Institution | CAA · RAKEZ · RAK DOK · AACSB | On request |
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- 55,000 AED
Federal Government
- Accreditation bodies
- Licensed and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Local Government
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · MOE · QS 5-Star · ACPE
- Tuition / yr
- On request
Branch of International Institution
- Accreditation bodies
- CAA · RAKEZ · RAK DOK · AACSB
- Tuition / yr
- On request
CAA Accredited Universities in Fujairah (1)
| University | Type | Accreditation bodies | Tuition / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Fujairah | — | CAA · MOE · MOHESR | On request |
CAA Accredited Universities in Umm Al Quwain (1)
| University | Type | Accreditation bodies | Tuition / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umm Al Quwain University | Local Government | CAA · MOE · AQAS | On request |
KHDA, RAKEZ & ADEK-Licensed Branch Campuses
These institutions are licensed by an emirate-level authority rather than the federal CAA. Their degrees are awarded and accredited by the parent university abroad.
Bath Spa UniversityCurtin University DubaiDe Montfort University Dubai (DMU Dubai)DirAction Professional & Mangement Training InstituteGlobal Business Studies (GBS Dubai)Islamic Azad UniversityMoscow University for Industry and Finance (Synergy University)Murdoch University DubaiNorthwood University, RAK IPCRegent Middle EastS P Jain School of Global ManagementSAE University College – Dubai CampusUK College of Business and Computing, DubaiUniversity of Birmingham DubaiUniversity of BoltonUniversity of BradfordUniversity of Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas – Dubai CampusUniversity of West LondonUniversity of West London,Dubai
How to Verify Accreditation Yourself
- Open the CAA register at caa.ae and search the institution under "Licensed Institutions".
- Confirm the specific program you want is listed as accredited, not only the institution licence.
- For branch campuses, check the home university on its national register (QAA in the UK, TEQSA in Australia, the relevant US regional accreditor).
- Ask the admissions office for the accreditation letter if you need the degree attested for a government job or for use abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAA accreditation in the UAE?
The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) is the federal quality-assurance body under the UAE Ministry of Education (formerly MOHESR). It licenses institutions and accredits every degree program they offer. A CAA-accredited degree is recognised by all UAE government bodies and employers, and for attestation abroad.
What is the difference between CAA and KHDA accreditation?
CAA is the federal accreditor. KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) licenses institutions inside Dubai free zones such as Dubai International Academic City; their degrees are awarded by the home campus (for example a UK or Australian university) and recognised in Dubai. For federal-government jobs and some overseas attestations a CAA-accredited degree is preferred. Many branch campuses now hold both.
How do I check if a UAE university is accredited?
Search the institution on the CAA website (caa.ae) under "Licensed Institutions" and confirm the specific program is listed as accredited. Each UAE College profile shows the accreditation bodies reported by the university.
Are degrees from KHDA or RAKEZ-licensed universities valid in India and other countries?
Yes, provided the awarding home university is recognised in its own country. Indian students should check that the degree is from a university recognised by the AIU; the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs can attest CAA-accredited degrees more easily.
How many CAA-accredited universities are there in the UAE?
The CAA lists around 80 licensed institutions across the seven emirates. This page shows every institution in the UAE College database whose accreditation includes the CAA or Ministry of Education, grouped by emirate.
Summary
In summary: 87 institutions in the UAE College database hold federal CAA / Ministry of Education accreditation, spread across 7 emirates, and 19 international branch campuses operate under KHDA, RAKEZ or ADEK licences with degrees awarded by their home universities. Choose a CAA-accredited program when you need recognition for UAE government employment or straightforward attestation abroad.