The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has released the Guide for Governance of Work Experience for Students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including universities and vocational training centres. The guide aims to make work experience a core component of students’ academic journey, bridging theory and practice to prepare them for the labour market while preventing improper practices.
Practical Framework for All Stakeholders
Her Excellency Taif Mohamed Alamiri, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Regulation and Governance Sector, said:
“We ensured the guide offers a clear, practical framework for all stakeholders involved in students’ work experience, aligned with the highest standards of quality and governance. It helps HEIs design more effective programmes, offers work experience providers a framework for collaboration with higher education institutions and gives students hands-on experience to prepare them for the labour market.”
Commitment to Quality and Oversight
Her Excellency Alamiri added:
“The guide reflects MoHESR’s commitment to global best practices in educational governance. Its implementation will be monitored through field visits and ongoing evaluation in cooperation with local and federal partners to ensure compliance with the approved criteria. Work experience bridges education and employment, and ensuring its quality is a national priority and an investment in the future.”
Unified National Framework
The guide establishes a unified national framework for work experience in HEIs, defining the roles of institutions, providers and students while enhancing oversight and quality assurance. It includes operational manuals and templates to help universities design effective, high-quality work experience programmes that build students’ skills.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Higher education institutions must create clear plans, assign supervisors to oversee students, and assess their performance.
- Work experience providers should offer a safe, professional environment, assign qualified mentors, and continually improve their programmes.
- Students are expected to show professionalism, attend regularly, and document their work experience in an official certified record.
Monitoring and Compliance
MoHESR oversees implementation through field monitoring and periodic unannounced visits to HEIs and work experience providers. The Ministry collaborates with partners such as the Ministry of Emiratisation and Human Resources to ensure standards are met, prevent improper practices, and promote continuous improvement of work experience programmes.
Alignment with National Strategy
The launch of the guide aligns with MoHESR’s strategy to strengthen quality and governance across higher education. It ensures that academic outcomes, both theoretical and practical, support the objectives of ‘We the Emirates 2031’ and ‘UAE Centennial 2071’, enhancing national competitiveness in education, research and innovation while preparing future-ready generations.
Reporting and Feedback
Direct channels have been established to report comments or violations related to work experience via the Customer Happiness Centre (800511) or contact them below: