Outcomes-Based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) University Guide
These guidelines
are an institutional manual that is meant to support universities to succeed in an outcomes-driven environment. The OBF is designed to
enhance the quality of higher education in the UAE while empowering universities to become more independent, positioning the framework as a driver of excellence, a quality assurance mechanism, and a tool for institutional empowerment. This means institutions can use the document not only to understand expectations, but also to strengthen internal systems in a way that supports innovation, accountability, and measurable improvement.
The document makes planning easier by organizing performance around
six clear pillars with transparent weights: Employment Outcomes (25%), Learning Outcomes (25%), Industry Collaboration (20%), Research Outcomes (15%), Reputation (10%), and Community Engagement (5%). This structure helps institutions align strategy, allocate resources wisely, and communicate their value to stakeholders in a coherent and measurable way.
Finally, the guidelines encourage
sustainable improvement and smarter data systems. Many KPIs rely on multi-year rolling averages rather than single-year snapshots, reinforcing long-term quality enhancement. The guide also outlines a forward-looking data approach that will increasingly shift toward surveys and master APIs, and welcomes institutions to submit more accurate data where appropriate.
In short, these guidelines offer institutions a clear, constructive, and empowering manual that supports better strategy, stronger evidence culture, and meaningful improvement across employability, learning, research, partnerships, reputation, and community impact.
Data Submission Guidelines
The latest version of the Outcomes-Based Evaluation Framework (OBF) Data Submission Excel Template will be provided on request.
This is an interim tool that is to be used by the Higher Education Institutions that are not electronically connected through the MOHESR Master API for automatic and live data transfer. These Higher Education Institutions should use this tool only for submitting the data required to calculate the OBF KPIs for the renewal of program accreditation and institutional licensure to avoid any lapses in accreditation validity. Please consult the Licensure and Accreditation Requirements Manual for relevant information.
Corrective Action Plan (CAP)
A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is a structured report prepared by a Higher Education Institutions to address areas of sub optimal performance identified through the Outcomes-Based Evaluation Framework. It may be submitted proactively by the institution or requested by the Commissioner, the External Review Team (ERT), or the Ministry’s Inspection Team when major correctable issues are found.
A CAP includes:
- KPI details and historical performance
- Self-analysis, root cause analysis, and benchmarking
- Target KPI values
- Corrective actions, required resources, and expected impact
- Implementation responsibilities, timelines, and progress status
The CAA/Ministry reviews each CAP and may request revisions to ensure the plan is realistic, evidence-based, and capable of achieving measurable improvement.
Please also check this page regularly for additional updates to the Guidebook and supporting templates
