HCT Partnership
Partnership for Success
Want to know more about the partnership between the University of Waterloo and Higher Colleges of Technology?
Why did the University of Waterloo partner with HCT?
For many great reasons. The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is UAE’s largest educational institution and, with a network of 16 colleges, the only organization servicing the entire United Arab Emirates. HCT has also established a reputation for graduating students with strong technical skills and the ability to serve the growing demand for leadership in the public and private sector. In fact, this reputation mirrors uWaterloo’s own in Canada. We were also looking to partner with an organization that would meet uWaterloo’s high Canadian standards. HCT campuses are equipped with the latest in information technology, campus infrastructure and laboratories.
What type of relationship exists between University of Waterloo and HCT?
The University of Waterloo and HCT have forged an academic partnership. The University will offer its programs initially on the campus of Dubai Men’s College, while faculty teaches all uWaterloo programs from the University of Waterloo in Canada. The curriculum and programs are identical to those taught at our Canadian-based campus so students who complete the 3rd and the 4th years of the program in Waterloo will receive the University of Waterloo degree.
Does the partnership between uWaterloo and HCT protect its students in any way?
Yes it does. HCT recognizes all credits earned in uWaterloo programs offered in the UAE. Furthermore, an articulation agreement between the two institutions allow students to continue their education at HCT if they are unable, or choose not, to finish their degree at the University of Waterloo in Canada. In these cases students can qualify for a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field from HCT.
How did your relationship come about?
HCT was originally modeled on the Canadian college system, particularly the structure common in the province of Ontario, the home province of the University of Waterloo. The collegial relationship that developed between HCT and Canada over the past 21 years resulted in visits by both the past and current Presidents of the University of Waterloo. These presidents were impressed with the vision for higher education in the UAE, and the inspired leadership they observed under the direction of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.
Discussions leading to the launch of selected uWaterloo programs in 2009 began in 2004 and have been carefully planned to ensure that students from the SAMENA region will receive the highest quality program possible.