(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Training institutes in Dubai cannot offer degree programmes and mislead students with false promises, said a spokesperson from the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
"We advise students to check that their training institute, university or course is licensed or accredited by the KHDA. They can do this by checking the website or speaking to us directly."
The spokesperson added: "Training institutes can't offer degree programmes. When we review applications, we ensure course names are not misleading and can't be confused with higher education degrees or diplomas."
Student complaints are taken seriously, with the regulator investigating each case before taking action.
"All student complaints are taken seriously and we investigate each case accordingly. We also check the newspapers for advertisements, and take action against any institution which is not offering the KHDA-approved programmes. In addition, we run regular compliance visits to training institutes."
An institute in Dubai's Knowledge Village claiming to offer courses from XLRI Jamshedpur faces the risk of action for misleading prospective students.
The Allied Institute of Management Studies (AMSI) runs regular evening classes, with as many as 40 students attending classes from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
A Khaleej Times reporter posed as a student and called the institute to know more about the 'Executive MBA' programme.
"Our programme is equivalent to an MBA 100 per cent," said a representative over the phone.
The representative further added, "KHDA approves our programmes."
However, a senior official from the KHDA confirmed the institute does not have a permit to teach 'degree programmes'.
"The institute has an educational permit issued by KHDA for the activities mentioned. However, they do not have a permit to teach degree programmes. Upon receiving a complaint, KHDA will be sending a compliance team to report on this violation."
The institute charges students up to Dh85,000 for a three-year programme.
However, an AMSI spokesperson said: "We offer short-duration executive certificate programmes varying from three days to six months. We are licensed by KHDA and hence all our programmes are recognised by KHDA."
It remains to be seen whether the programmes advertised by the AIMS as 'Executive MBA' are a violation of the regulatory rules set out by the KHDA.
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