UAE ministry revokes licence of private university over 'severe violations'

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has revoked the institutional licence and programme accreditation of Ajman-based Horizon University College following "severe and repeated violations of licencing and accreditation requirements".

In a statement on Monday, the MoHESR said it was part of the efforts to strengthen governance of the higher education ecosystem, protect students, and enhance the quality of its outcomes.

The MoHESR have taken the necessary measures to ensure the transfer of students and the continuation of their studies at licenced and accredited higher education institutions, to preserve their academic rights and ensure their educational journey continues without interruption.

The decision means that Horizon University College will be prohibited from conducting any higher education activities, the cancellation of programme accreditation for all its academic programmes, halting the offering, teaching or marketing of academic programmes, the issuance of transcripts and the admission of new students and awarding of academic qualifications.

The Ministry has established a joint task force, chaired by a MoHESR representative with membership from the college and other relevant stakeholders, overseeing the implementation of the approved academic continuity and student protection plan.

The Ministry has also affirmed that it will continue coordinating with local authorities and relevant entities to take all necessary measures to ensure the transfer and distribution of students and the continuation of their studies at licenced and accredited higher education institutions.

Students and parents have been urged to verify that Higher Education Institutions are licenced and their programmes accredited via the Ministry's website or the Customer Happiness Centre.

As part of the efforts to strengthen governance of the higher education ecosystem, protect students, and enhance the quality of its outcomes, MoHESR has revoked the institutional licence and programme accreditation of Horizon University College, pic.twitter.com/X9LUBi1LDt

— وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي (@mohesruae) July 6, 2026