UAE Education LawFederal Decree by Law No. (31) of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research

Article (1) Definitions For the purpose of implementing the provisions of this Decree by Law, the following terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context otherwise requires: State : The United Arab Emirates. Ministry : The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Minister : The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Competent Local Authority : The local government authority concerned with higher education and scientific research affairs, and with technical and vocational education and training affairs, in any Emirate of the State, in accordance with the provisions of this Decree by Law.

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 2 Higher Education : Education that follows the general education stage and is provided by Higher Education Institutions that grant students' academic or professional degree in accordance with the levels stipulated in the National Qualifications Framework, upon the student’s successful completion of all approved academic requirements. Higher Education Institutions : Public and private educational institutions that provide Higher Education programs in the State, including universities, colleges, higher education institutes, specialized universities such as police, military, and maritime universities, as well as branches of international universities, and universities, institutes, and colleges established in the free zones. Public Higher Education Institutions : Higher Education Institutions owned by the State, any of the Emirates comprising the Federation, or by any of their respective entities. Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions : Institutions that provide accredited vocational programs at a level higher than the General Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework, with the aim of developing individuals’ technical and vocational skills. Institutional Licensure : The document issued by the Ministry to a Higher Education Institution authorizing it to carry out its educational activity and to offer Higher Education programs and services in the State.

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 3 Program Accreditation : The document issued by the Ministry to a Higher Education Institution or to a Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institution, pursuant to which a program or programs of the institution are recognized and approved as having been evaluated and found to meet the standards and requirements necessary for accreditation in the State, thereby authorizing the Higher Education Institution or the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institution to commence offering the program to students. Local Permit : The approval issued by the Competent Local Authority to a Higher Education Institution authorizing it to provide higher education services within the free zones of the Emirate, in accordance with the approved national frameworks for higher education and scientific research and the local legislation in force in this regard. National Qualifications Framework (NQF) : The national reference framework for structuring qualifications in the State and aligning them with national development plans, future needs, and international qualifications frameworks. It consists of levels that progress according to the nature and degree of complexity of knowledge, skills, and responsibilities. National Framework for Licensure of Higher Education Institutions : A set of standards, conditions, and procedures required for a Higher Education Institution to obtain an Institutional Licensure, including the mechanisms and periods for renewal.

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 4 National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight of Higher Education Institutions : A set of indicators, targets, and procedures used to measure the performance of Higher Education Institutions, classify them, and monitor their compliance with Institutional Licensure and Program Accreditation standards. National Framework for Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions : A set of priorities, policies, standards, and procedures governing scientific research in Higher Education Institutions. National Framework for Technical and Vocational Education and Training : A set of standards, conditions, controls, and procedures required for a Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institution to obtain Institutional Accreditation to provide vocational programs accredited by the Ministry. Institutional Accreditation : The document issued by the Ministry to a Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institution authorizing it to carry out its activity and to provide technical and vocational training programs and services in the State. Training License : The document issued by the Ministry or the Competent Local Authority, within their respective competence, to training centers and institutes, authorizing them to conduct their training activities and provide training programs that do not culminate in the award of qualifications classified within the levels of the National Qualifications Framework.

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Article (2) Objectives This Decree by Law aims to achieve the following: 1. To regulate the licensure of Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions, their classification, the accreditation of their programs, and the supervision thereof, and to ensure their governance and effective management. 2. To enhance the quality and competitiveness of higher education in a manner that ensures alignment between the outcomes of the education system and the requirements of the labor market, and that supports lifelong learning for all graduates. 3. To support and encourage scientific research in Higher Education Institutions through local and international funding and partnerships. 4. To enhance the quality and significance of technical and vocational education and training in supplying the labor market with qualified cadres capable of keeping pace with its requirements.

Article (4) Stages of the Higher Education System

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 6 1. The Ministry shall ensure the integration of the higher education system with the general education system within a forward-looking and sustainable vision, through a system of successive and sequential educational stages, in a manner that supplies society with properly, modernly, and comprehensively qualified cadres that serve the labor market and achieve the State’s objectives and its future development plans. 2. The higher education system shall consist of stages, each corresponding to a specific level within the National Qualifications Framework in the State. The National Qualifications Framework shall define the learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills, and responsibilities required for each level within each of those stages. 3. Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions shall develop academic programs characterized by innovation, flexibility, and proactiveness, in a manner that keeps pace with future technological and scientific developments and meets the evolving needs of the labor market.

Article (5) National Frameworks for Higher Education and Scientific Research 1. The Cabinet shall, upon a submission by the Minister, and following the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, and in coordination with the Competent Local Authorities, issue the following regulatory frameworks: a. The National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions. b. The National Qualifications Framework. c. The National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight of Higher Education Institutions. d. The National Framework for Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions. e. The National Framework for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. 2. Competent Local Authorities may issue local frameworks regulating the issuance of permits, evaluation, oversight, performance quality, and scientific research activities, provided that such local frameworks do not conflict with the requirements of the

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 7 approved national frameworks referred to in this Article, and that they include the standards, condition, indicators, and procedures required at the federal level.

Article (6) Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 1. It shall be prohibited to establish or operate any Higher Education Institution, or to offer Higher Education programs or services in the State, or to promote or advertise its programs and services, unless Institutional Licensure has been obtained. 2. A Higher Education Institution shall satisfy the following requirements in order to obtain Institutional Licensure: a. Fulfilment of the conditions and requirements set out in the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions, including the following: 1. The Higher Education Institution shall have a name that distinguishes it, in accordance with the conditions and controls specified in the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions. 2. Submission of an application by the owner of the Higher Education Institution containing, at a minimum, basic information regarding the institution’s management, location, colleges to be included therein, and the programs to be offered. 3. Provision by the owner of the Higher Education Institution of financial guarantees ensuring the institution’s ability to meet its financial obligations. b. Obtaining any permits required by the Competent Local Authorities and fulfilling any other requirements and conditions determined by the concerned local authorities, taking into consideration that the location, premises, and facilities of the Higher Education Institution shall be suitable for conducting the educational process and shall comply with health requirements and security and safety standards.

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Article (7) Validity and Renewal of Institutional Licensure 1. Institutional Licensure shall be valid for a renewable specified term. The term of Institutional Licensure shall be determined by a resolution of the Minister. 2. A Higher Education Institution shall be evaluated by the Ministry for the purposes of renewing Institutional Licensure, and renewal shall be effected in accordance with the same conditions and controls prescribed for the initial issuance of Institutional Licensure, as the case may be. 3. The Ministry may grant a Higher Education Institution an additional period of ninety (90) days following the expiry of Institutional Licensure to provide the data required to conduct the evaluation for renewal purposes, provided that acceptable justifications are submitted to the Ministry. 4. If the Higher Education Institution fails to provide the Ministry with the data required to conduct the evaluation for renewal purposes within the period specified in clause (3) of this Article, the Institutional Licensure shall be revoked and the administrative penalties prescribed in this regard shall be imposed in accordance with the Regulations of Violations, Penalties, and Administrative Measures issued pursuant to Article (20) of this Decree by Law. In such case, any permit issued by the Competent Local Authority shall be deemed cancelled upon the revocation of the Institutional Licensure.

Article (9) Revocation of Institutional Licensure 1. Subject to the imposition of the penalties and measures set out in the Regulations of Violations, Penalties, and Administrative Measures issued pursuant to Article (20) of this Decree by Law, the Ministry may issue a resolution revoking the Institutional Licensure of a Higher Education Institution in any of the following cases, provided that the necessary measures are taken to address the status of students enrolled in the Higher Education Institution: a. If the Higher Education Institution carries out an activity for which it is not licensed. b. If it is established that the Institutional Licensure was obtained as a result of submitting forged documents or incorrect data or information. c. If the Higher Education Institution remains closed for a period exceeding three (3) consecutive months without an excuse acceptable to the Ministry. d. If the Higher Education Institution fails to commence operations within one year from the date of issuance of the Institutional Licensure without an excuse acceptable to the Ministry. e. Any other cases specified in the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions. 2. The Ministry shall coordinate with the Competent Local Authority prior to revoking the Institutional Licensure, where the Higher Education Institution has obtained a permit from the Competent Local Authority, for the purpose of fulfilling any requirements or procedures before such authority.

Article (10) Program Accreditation 1. A Higher Education Institution shall be prohibited from offering any academic program, or promoting or advertising it, or admitting students thereto, or commencing study therein, prior to obtaining Program Accreditation.

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 10 2. The issuance of Institutional Licensure shall constitute a prerequisite for initiating the procedures for Program Accreditation of the academic programs offered by the Higher Education Institution. 3. In order to obtain Program Accreditation, the Higher Education Institution shall submit an application to the Ministry, and shall be subject to a comprehensive evaluation by the Ministry to verify its fulfilment of the standards and conditions for Program Accreditation. 4. The Ministry may accredit academic programs that have obtained international accreditations without the need to repeat the Program Accreditation procedures or to pay additional fees, provided that the following conditions are met: a. The Higher Education Institution has obtained Institutional Licensure. b. The international accreditation body is reliable and approved by the Ministry. c. The standards of the international accreditation body are not lower than the national accreditation standards.

Article (11) Validity and Renewal of Program Accreditation 1. Program Accreditation shall be valid for a specified period subject to renewal, and such period shall be determined in accordance with the term of the Institutional Licensure of the Higher Education Institution offering the academic program. 2. The academic program shall be evaluated by the Ministry for the purpose of renewing Program Accreditation, and renewal shall be effected in accordance with the same conditions and controls prescribed for the initial issuance of Program Accreditation, as the case may be. 3. The Ministry may grant the Higher Education Institution an additional period of ninety (90) days following the expiry of Program Accreditation, provided that justifications acceptable to the Ministry exist. 4. If the Higher Education Institution fails to provide the Ministry with the data required to conduct the evaluation for renewal of Program Accreditation within the period specified in clause (3) of this Article, Program Accreditation shall be revoked and the administrative penalties prescribed in this regard shall be imposed in accordance with the Regulations of

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 11 Violations, Penalties, and Administrative Measures issued pursuant to Article (20) of this Decree by Law, while taking the necessary measures to address the status of students enrolled in the academic program. 5. The Ministry shall coordinate with the Competent Local Authority prior to revoking Program Accreditation, where the Higher Education Institution has obtained a permit from the Competent Local Authority, for the purpose of fulfilling any requirements or procedures before such authority.

Article (13) Oversight and Inspection 1. The Ministry shall oversee the compliance of Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions with the provisions of this Decree by Law, the resolutions issued in implementation thereof, and the approved national frameworks referred to in Article (5) of this Decree by Law. For this purpose, the Ministry may conduct inspections, request the necessary information and documents, and take the measures required to verify the institutions’ compliance with the prescribed standards and requirements. 2. The Ministry’s powers of oversight over Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions shall not prejudice the powers granted to

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 12 the Competent Local Authorities in respect of oversight and inspection under their applicable local legislation.

Article (14) Higher Education Institutions in the Free Zones 1. Higher Education Institutions established in the free zones shall obtain Institutional Licensure in order to carry out their activities. 2. Higher Education Institutions in the free zones shall obtain a Local Permit from the Competent Local Authority prior to applying for Institutional Licensure. 3. The Ministry shall grant Institutional Licensure to a Higher Education Institution in a free zone that has obtained a Local Permit, without the need to repeat Institutional Licensure procedures or to pay additional fees. 4. A Higher Education Institution in a free zone shall provide the Ministry with the required information and data in accordance with the approved mechanism issued by a resolution of the Minister after coordination with the Competent Local Authorities, without prejudice to the right of the Competent Local Authority to request data or information. 5. All academic programs offered by Higher Education Institutions in free zones shall be subject to the Program Accreditation standards and mechanisms approved by the Ministry. 6. The Ministry and the Competent Local Authorities may coordinate with one another to implement oversight and inspection procedures in respect of Higher Education Institutions operating in free zones. 7. The Competent Local Authority shall impose penalties and administrative measures on Higher Education Institutions in free zones in accordance with the local legislation in force in the Emirate. The Ministry may notify the Competent Local Authority of violations relating to such institutions for information and coordination purposes. 8. The Competent Local Authority may issue local frameworks regulating the issuance of Local Permits, evaluation, oversight, performance quality, and scientific research activities in Higher Education Institutions in free zones, provided that such frameworks do not conflict with the requirements of the approved national frameworks referred to in Article

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 13 (5) of this Decree by Law, and that they include the standards, conditions, indicators, and procedures required at the federal level.

Article (15) Regulating Electronic/Digital and Blended Learning Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions that provide electronic/digital or blended educational programs shall comply with the following: 1. Adopt innovative and flexible educational methods that take into account the particular nature of digital education, ensure data protection and intellectual property rights, and enhance effective interaction and participation between students and faculty members. 2. Apply quality assurance standards in accordance with the approved national frameworks referred to in Article (5) of this Decree by Law. 3. Such programs shall be subject to independent academic or professional accreditation to ensure the efficiency of educational outcomes. 4. Conduct periodic reviews of such programs to ensure the continuity of quality and the updating of curricula in line with technological developments and labor market requirements, in accordance with the standards and mechanisms specified in the approved national frameworks referred to in Article (5) of this Decree by Law.

Article (16) Obligations of Higher Education Institutions Higher Education Institutions shall comply with the following: 1. Obtain prior approval from the Ministry and, where applicable, from the Competent Local Authority if the institution has obtained a permit therefrom, before implementing any substantial changes it intends to introduce, in accordance with the approved National Framework for Licensure of Higher Education Institutions. 2. Obtain prior approval from the Ministry and, where applicable, from the Competent Local Authority if the institution has obtained a permit therefrom, when adding any new

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 14 academic units (such as colleges, institutes, or centers) or closing any existing academic unit. 3. Ensure that all academic programs are subject to the Program Accreditation standards and mechanisms approved by the Ministry. 4. Obtain prior approval from the Ministry before implementing any substantial amendments to its academic programs. 5. Provide any information, documents, or records relating to the higher education activities carried out by the institution or relating to its performance, upon the request of the Ministry and in accordance with the mechanisms approved thereby. 6. Provide the Ministry with data concerning applicants, enrolled students, new students, continuing students, graduates, and its academic and administrative staff, in accordance with the mechanisms approved thereby. 7. Permit authorized employees of the Ministry or the Competent Local Authority to enter the institution and carry out auditing, evaluation, and oversight of its facilities and activities through examination of records, documents, and papers, or by any means deemed necessary by such employees to perform their duties. 8. Comply with the controls governing advertising, publication, and the use of Higher Education designations as specified in the approved national frameworks for Higher Education referred to in Article (5) of this Decree by Law. 9. Apply the principles of institutional governance, transparency, and disclosure, including risk management, the safeguarding of academic integrity, quality decision-making, and operational continuity. 10. Develop an innovative and flexible educational environment that utilizes modern technologies in teaching, assessment, and scientific research, and supports digital transformation in Higher Education. 11. Adopt sustainable practices and solutions in the management of educational resources and facilities in a manner that enhances energy and water efficiency and reduces the environmental impact of the Higher Education Institution. 12. Comply with the requirements, standards, and controls specified in the approved national frameworks for Higher Education referred to in Article (5) of this Decree by Law.

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Article (17) National Registers of Higher Education Institutions and their Academic Programs 1. The following national registers shall be kept by the Ministry: a. The national register of Higher Education Institutions licensed in the State, which shall include data on Higher Education Institutions that have obtained Institutional Licensure, including the name of the institution in both Arabic and English, the accredited programs it provides, and such other licensing data as specified in the approved National Framework for Licensure of Higher Education Institutions. b. The national register of accredited Higher Education programs in the State, which shall include data on academic programs that have obtained Program Accreditation, including the names of the programs and their sub-specializations and specific disciplines in both Arabic and English, the institutions providing such programs, and such other Program Accreditation data as specified in the approved National Framework for Licensure of Higher Education Institutions. 2. A resolution of the Minister shall determine the mechanisms for linking the national registers referred to in Clause (1) of this Article with the relevant databases of Higher Education Institutions holding Institutional Licensure, as well as the controls and procedures for registering, maintaining, managing, using, circulating, exchanging, and making available the aforementioned data and information. Such linkage mechanisms shall include coordination with the Competent Local Authorities regarding linkage with the databases of Higher Education Institutions in free zones that have obtained a Local Permit.

Article (18) Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions 1. Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions shall, prior to providing any professional or technical program culminating in the award of qualifications classified

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 16 within the levels of the National Qualifications Framework, obtain the approval of the Competent Local Authority, if any, in accordance with the local legislation in force and the approved National Framework for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, before applying for Institutional Accreditation. 2. The Ministry shall grant Institutional Accreditation to Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions that have obtained the approval of the Competent Local Authority. 3. A Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institution shall obtain Program Accreditation prior to providing any professional or technical program culminating in the award of qualifications classified within the levels of the National Qualifications Framework. 4. A Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institution shall obtain Program Accreditation prior to providing international professional qualifications. 5. The Ministry or the Competent Local Authority, within their respective competences, shall grant the Training License to training centers and institutes authorizing them to carry out their training activities and to provide training programs that do not culminate in the award of qualifications classified within the levels of the National Qualifications Framework. 6. Training centers and institutes holding a Training License that wish to provide professional programs culminating in the award of an accredited professional qualification classified within the levels of the National Qualifications Framework shall obtain the approval of the Competent Local Authority, after fulfilling the requirements set out in the National Framework for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and shall obtain Program Accreditation.

Article (20) The Regulations of Violations, Penalties, and Administrative Measures 1. The Cabinet shall, upon the proposal of the Minister and after to the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, issue a resolution concerning the Regulation of Violations, Penalties, and Administrative Measures to be imposed by the Ministry in respect of acts falling within its competence that are committed in violation of the provisions of this Decree by Law and the resolutions issued in implementation thereof, including the approved National Frameworks referred to in Article (5) of this Decree by Law. The resolution shall include the necessary measures to take into account the situation of students enrolled in Higher Education Institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions as of the date of its entry into force. 2. Without prejudice to the authority of the Ministry to impose penalties pursuant to Clause (1) of this Article, Higher Education Institutions in free zones, Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions, and training centers and institutes providing programs that do not culminate in the award of qualifications classified within the levels of the National Qualifications Framework shall be subject to the penalties and administrative measures imposed in accordance with the applicable local legislation in the Emirate within whose jurisdiction the Competent Local Authority falls.

Article (21) Grievances 1. Without prejudice to Clause (4) of this Article, a Higher Education Institution or a Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institution may submit a written grievance against decisions, procedures, penalties, or measures issued or imposed by the Ministry pursuant to the provisions of this Decree by Law or the resolutions issued in implementation

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 18 thereof, within a period not exceeding (60) sixty days from the date of becoming aware of the decisions, procedure, penalty, or measure being grieved against. 2. A Grievance Committee shall be formed within the Ministry by a resolution of the Minister determining its composition and rules of procedure. The Committee shall decide on the grievances referred to in Clause (1) of this Article within (60) sixty days from the date of submission thereof. The decision issued in respect of the grievance shall be final, and the grievant shall be notified thereof. 3. No action shall be admissible before the courts in respect of disputes arising from the implementation of the provisions of this Decree by Law or the resolutions issued in implementation thereof unless the grievance referred to above has been submitted and decided upon, or the legally prescribed period for deciding it has elapsed, as the case may be. 4. Grievances submitted against decisions, procedures, penalties, or measures imposed by the Competent Local Authority on Higher Education Institutions in free zones, as well as on Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions and training centers and institutes providing programs that do not culminate in the award of qualifications classified within the levels of the National Qualifications Framework, shall be governed by the local legislation in force in the Emirate within whose jurisdiction the Competent Local Authority falls.

Article (22) Penalties 1. Without prejudice to any more severe penalty provided for in any other law, any person who commits any of the following acts shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year and a fine of not less than (AED 100,000) one hundred thousand Dirhams and not exceeding (AED 10,000,000) ten million Dirhams, or by either of these two penalties: a. Establishing or operating a Higher Education Institution or providing higher education programs and services in the State for the purpose of awarding a qualification, or promoting or advertising its services, prior to obtaining Institutional Licensure.

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 19 b. Providing any academic or professional program, promoting or advertising it, admitting students thereto, or commencing study therein without obtaining Program Accreditation for such programs. c. Advertising the granting of certificates before fulfilling the requirements and obtaining the licenses necessary for granting them in accordance with the provisions of this Decree by Law and the resolutions issued in implementation thereof. d. A Higher Education Institution’s refusal to provide data or information requested by the Ministry, or the provision of incorrect data or information. 2. The penalties stipulated in this Article shall not prejudice the authority of the Ministry to impose administrative penalties or take the necessary measures pursuant to the provisions of this Decree by Law and the resolutions issued in implementation thereof, nor the authority of the Competent Local Authority to impose administrative penalties or take the necessary measures in accordance with its applicable local legislation.

Article (24) Governance of Federal Public Higher Education Institutions Notwithstanding any provision contained in the laws establishing Federal Public Higher Education Institutions, the Cabinet shall, upon the proposal of the Minister and subject to the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, issue a resolution regulating the governance of Federal Public Higher Education Institutions in the State, including the organization of their Boards of Trustees, mechanisms for appointing

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Federal Decree by Law of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research 20 their heads, and the regulation of their administrative, financial, human resources, and contractual affairs, their scholarship schemes, and their funding mechanisms.