Everyone thinks their uni is the best, but now it’s gonna be written on paper. Or in (the) stars.

DXB is stepping up on education and we’re so here for it (’cause learning is obvs super important). Basically, here’s the lowdown. Effective Tuesday (July 2), the entire emirate of Dubai is introducing a star-rating system in which colleges are ranked from 1 star to 6 stars. Did someone say, pressure? 

via GIPHY

The Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan was also totes onboard with the new initative, noting “the Dubai government has placed the highest priority on developing higher education and increasing the competitiveness of our local universities. This is part of our efforts to build a knowledge-based economy.” 

Well there you have it. Thanks to the royal fam and ofc the mother, father and aunt of education in Dubs aka KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority), students will now be able to make more well-informed decisions about education. Yes to this! 

So, like me, you may be wondering exactly how KHDA is gonna pull off this star system. Don’t worry, it’s as easy as a checklist. Based on eight different criteria, the KHDA will assign a certain star rating to each institution and voila! 

Here are the eight “quality” criteria points:

  • Teaching
  • Employability
  • Research
  • Internationalisation
  • Facilities
  • Overall Programme Strength
  • Wellbeing
  • Social Responsibility and Inclusiveness