Overview of the HCT
In 1985, HE 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.
Today, the system of the HCT is the largest higher educational institution in the United Arab Emirates with the current enrollment exceeding 22,000 students.
The sixteen HCT men’s and women’s campuses offer an impressive range of instructional programs in the fields of Applied Media, Business, Computer Information Science, Engineering Technology and Science, Education, General Studies, Health Sciences and Military and Security with all HCT programs being delivered in English, excepting courses in Arabic and Emirati Studies.
Graduates of the HCT make immediate contributions to government, business and industrial sectors, and develop into leaders in their fields. The HCT is dedicated to student- oriented learning, which places the responsibility for education upon the students themselves and promotes lifelong learning.
Profile
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| Enrolment | 22,037 students |
| Campuses | 16 |
| Academic & Supporting Departments | 8 |
| Graduates | 53,083 |
| Credentials | 76,384 |
Our Vision
The Higher Colleges of Technology is the leading applied higher education institution in empowering generations to contribute to shaping the future of the UAE.
Our Mission
Provide applied higher education to equip generations with knowledge, skills, and competencies that meet international standards and the future needs of the UAE industry and society.
Values
Creativity & Innovation, Accountability, Integrity, Excellence, Respect, Community Spirit, Service to Society
Strategic Pillars
Technical Leaders: HCT is the preferred choice for employers in high growth economic sectors seeking competent & skilled leaders in their technical specializations
No Emirati Left Behind: HCT is an all Inclusive higher education provider offering Learning Opportunities for all Emiratis
Graduate Companies: HCT is the hub of choice for student entrepreneurs and investors to connect, innovate, incubate, and venture
HCT Institutional Strengths
HCT’s institutional strengths that differentiate it from other higher educational institutions in the UAE are:
- commitment to educational access - HCT is an access institution for the UAE built upon twenty-five years of producing high quality Emirati graduates who are prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to economic development and UAE society;
- practical application of knowledge - HCT is a national resource for connecting the practical application of knowledge to workforce needs and applications. This is the cornerstone of the HCT learning model and its educational philosophy;
- the quality of our faculty and learning environment - HCT faculty possess both academic qualifications and professional experience which combined with the HCT’s state of the art teaching and learning resources, technologies and facilities provide students with a high class educational experience. The quality and high employment rate of its graduates are reflective of the quality of the faculty and the learning environment;
- program accreditation - HCT programs are internationally accredited by professional accrediting agencies;
- linkages with business and the community - HCT programs are continually aligned with the changing and emerging needs of business and industry; and are supported by state-of-the-art technologies. HCT campuses are also cultural and community centers that contribute to local culture, history and Emirati heritage;
- graduate employment - HCT’s most consistent effectiveness measure is the high employment rate of its graduates who are in strong demand by employers across the UAE.