HCT at a Glance

The Higher Colleges of Technology is the largest higher educational institution in the United Arab Emirates with the current enrolment exceeding 18,000 students, all UAE nationals.

Since the establishment of its four founding colleges in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology have become well respected for innovative learning in the United Arab Emirates. Across the UAE today, in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais, the sixteen HCT men's and women's modern campuses offer an impressive range of programs - more than 80 programs at four different credential levels - Diploma, Higher Diploma, Bachelor and Masters. More than 11,000 of the current students are female.

The HCT celebrated its 20th year of operations in 2007 with many strategic new initiatives to further expand and enhance its operations in quality and in increasing access. HCT has awarded 44,114 credentials to date. These graduates have gone into the UAE employment market, making a significant impact on sustainable economic and social development of the country.   

Quality

HCT is committed to maintaining the highest quality in all its programs, and has a rigorous program quality assurance system (PQAS) in place for this purpose. As part of the PQAS, the HCT Learning Model defines eight graduate outcomes which are to be achieved through each program, and these are evaluated annually.  HCT places a strong emphasis on international accreditation and benchmarking of professional programs.  

Enhanced learning

New skills and teaching techniques are regularly incorporated into the colleges' programs and courses. All students learn in a technologically sophisticated educational environment that encourages development of the independent and life-long learning skills necessary for success in a fast changing world. Emphasis is on student-centered, hands-on, technology enabled and workplace relevant teaching-learning practices.

Programs in English

More than 80 programs are delivered in English: Applied Communications; Business; Education; Engineering Technology; Health Sciences; and Information Technology. All programs are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that the skills students learn are job-relevant and to high standards.

Graduates

HCT graduates have developed a reputation throughout the UAE for their technical and communications skills and for their adaptability to actual workplace conditions. Because of this, HCT graduates are eagerly sought by organizations looking to build their workforce with young Emiratis who are capable of operating effectively in today's global business environment.

A mix of theory and practice

All students must undertake a period of work experience, internship or practicum in order to graduate from a Diploma, Higher Diploma, or Bachelor program.

Industry links

Strong ties to business and industry result in large numbers of HCT graduates finding rewarding employment. Many organisations have entered into partnerships with the HCT to provide training and development programs - these include Department of Health and Medical Services - Dubai, UAE Armed Forces, Standard Chartered Bank, Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Sheikh Khalifa Funds through SME training.  Industry links have led to the establishment of HCT's commercial arm, the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training. The Centre is involved in strategic alliances with a number of multinational organisations to collaborate on a full range of business and technology solutions.

Global awareness: events, conferences and exchanges

HCT places significant emphasis on preparing students for a globalized workplace. Students are provided with opportunities to become conversant with international best practices in their professions and understanding of other cultures.  Major international conferences such as Education Without Borders and Festival of Thinkers are organized by HCT to meet this objective. Also, HCT has entered agreements with several institutions around the world to send students to different countries for work experience, language training and cultural visits.