Founded in 1988 by Federal Decree the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the largest higher educational institution in the UAE, having a well-respected reputation for innovative learning.
Over 18,000 students attend 17 modern men’s and women’s campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujairah, Madinat Zayed, Ras Al Khaimah, Ruwais and Sharjah.
HCT offers many different, work-relevant, English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Computer & Information Science, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences and Education at various levels. All programs are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure the students’ skills are job-relevant and to the highest standards.
Students learn in a technologically sophisticated, e-learning environment that encourages development of independent and life-long learning skills.
HCT graduates are eagerly sought by employers as they are capable of operating effectively in today’s global business environment. Over 60,000 academic credentials have been awarded to its graduates.
The HCT has established dynamic relationships with UAE companies and organizations and the world’s leading universities and organizations.
Mission
The Higher Colleges of Technology is dedicated to the delivery of technical and professional programs of the highest quality to the students, within the context of sincere respect for diverse beliefs and values.
Graduates will have the linguistic ability to function effectively in an international environment, the technical skills to operate in an increasingly complex technological world, the intellectual capacity to adapt to constant change, the commitment to sustainable development and the leadership potential to make the greatest possible contribution to the community for the good of all its members and stakeholders.
History
In 1985, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, made a commitment to establish a new system of post-secondary education for UAE Nationals that would stress the ideals of productivity, self-determination and excellence.
His Excellency envisioned a system of the highest quality that would be used to educate Nationals for the professional and technical careers necessary in a rapidly developing society.
In fulfillment of that vision, the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) was established in 1988 by Federal Law No 2 issued by the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace.
Four colleges commenced that year. Since then, thirteen additional colleges and the Center of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) have opened throughout the Emirates to form the system of the Higher Colleges of Technology.
Governance
The Higher Colleges of Technology constitute a federal independent academic corporate body for higher education established under Federal Law No. 2 of 1988 and later re-organized under Federal Law no. 17 of 1998. Under the authority of Federal Law no. 17, the HCT confers degrees at the Bachelor, Higher Diploma Advanced Diploma and Diploma levels.
The HCT operates as a system of 17 separate campuses for male and female students in urban and rural locations in five emirates. The headquarters are located in the city of Abu Dhabi.
The HCT is governed by a Governing Council which includes the Chancellor, H.E. Mohammad Hassan Omran Al Shamsi, who replaced H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development in April 2013; the Vice Chancellor Dr Tayeb Kamali and other qualified and experienced members from various sectors in the UAE appointed by the Cabinet on the recommendation of the Chancellor. The Chancellor is the legal representative of the System. The Vice-Chancellor is responsible for the management of the HCT and the implementation of its regulations and resolutions.
