The UAE and India will soon create a framework to recognise educational certificates issued by schools, colleges and universities in each other’s countries under a new deal. They will also set curriculum standards, and more teachers and professors would be allowed to travel between the two countries for joint research programmes, course development, conferences, and lectures on mutual interests.

An MoU signed recently between the education ministers of the two countries, includes facilitating academic collaboration between higher education institutions, twinning, joint degrees and dual degree programmes.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Education and Dharmendra Pradhan, Indian Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi said UAE-India historical and cultural ties were robust and have been reinforced through extensive collaboration in key sectors, notably in education.

Dr. Al Falasi said: “We underscore the significance of this collaboration with the Republic of India, which will enhance the effectiveness, growth, and prosperity of our educational system in line with the aspirations of both countries. We at the Ministry of Education are keen to continue establishing cooperation frameworks with educational institutions and entities regionally and globally to advance our educational system and elevate the quality of education.

“These collaborations also contribute to the exchange of knowledge and experiences with countries around the world to boost the skills and competencies of teachers and students, preparing them to tackle future challenges.”

The MoU will drive exchange of information in public and higher education, including regulations and legal structures covering the sector. This also includes exchanging best practices in evaluation and classification frameworks and information that elevate national qualifications, the latest developments and trends in technology, as well as frameworks and policies for the development of gifted and talented skills.

Moreover, the MoU stipulates capacity development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teaching staff, as well as any other areas to be mutually agreed upon.

The total number of students of Indian nationality in general education schools in the UAE is 271,109, including 248 in government schools and 270,861 in private schools, while the number of students in higher education institutions is 5,707, including 1,142 in public education institutions and 4,565 in private education institutions.