The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) operates under the Ministry of Education, UAE, as the national quality assurance and accreditation body for higher education institutions. It ensures that all universities and colleges in the UAE meet internationally recognized standards of academic excellence, institutional governance, and student outcomes.
Every higher education provider must hold a CAA license to operate legally in the UAE. The commission reviews faculty credentials, curriculum design, campus operations, and learning outcomes before granting approval.
Through continuous evaluation and support, the CAA helps universities maintain high standards and stay aligned with the UAE’s vision for a strong, research-driven education system. Holding a CAA license shows trust, quality, and commitment to delivering globally competitive academic programs..
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) |
| Established | 2000 (under the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research; now under the Ministry of Education, UAE) |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Governing Authority | Ministry of Education, UAE |
| Primary Role | Regulates and accredits higher education institutions and their academic programs in the UAE |
| Scope of Work | Universities, colleges, and higher education institutions (both federal and private) |
| Key Functions | Institutional licensing, program accreditation, quality assurance, compliance monitoring, and academic standards setting |
| Accreditation Types | Licensing: For institutions to operate legally in the UAE- Program Accreditation: For individual academic programs (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) |
| Focus Areas | Academic quality, research, faculty qualifications, facilities, governance, student outcomes, and international alignment |
| International Role | Recognized as the national authority ensuring UAE degrees are internationally respected and meet global benchmarks |
| Vision | To foster a world-class higher education system that supports innovation, knowledge, and competitiveness in the UAE |
| Address | CAA, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, 26th St - Khalifa City - SE-43, Abu Dhabi, UAE. |
| Website | https://www.caa.ae |
Develop higher education programs that meet CAA academic standards and international accreditation criteria.
Establish institutional policies aligned with CAA regulations, academic integrity, and governance requirements.
Ensure university infrastructure, labs, and learning spaces comply with CAA operational and safety standards.
Guide institutions through documentation, application, and approval processes for CAA licensing.
Provide professional training to help educators meet CAA qualification and performance benchmarks.
Assist universities in delivering approved programs and maintaining academic quality.
Monitor and review institutional practices to ensure alignment with CAA evaluation criteria.
Support strategies that enhance student learning outcomes, engagement, and well-being.
Prepare institutions for CAA accreditation reviews and continuous improvement cycles.
Encourage integration of research-driven learning, technology, and innovation within academic programs.
Develop internal evaluation systems to track compliance and institutional performance.
Align university development strategies with the UAE’s higher education and innovation goals.
Equip academic leaders with the skills to maintain CAA compliance and institutional excellence.
Provide structured oversight for administration, academic planning, and quality management.
Promote transparent communication between universities, students, and the CAA.
Support institutions through periodic CAA renewals, updates, and accreditation maintenance.
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Obtaining a CAA License provides several key advantages:
