Founded in 1988 by Federal Decree the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the largest higher educational institution in the UAE, having a well-respected reputation for innovative and hands-on, workplace relevant teaching and learning methodologies, which are based on the philosophy of Learning by Doing.
Approximately 20,000 students attend 17 modern, technology-enhanced men’s and women’s campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujairah, Madinat Zayed, Ras Al Khaimah, Ruwais and Sharjah.
HCT offers many different, work-relevant, English-taught programmes in Applied Communication, Business, Computer & Information Science, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences and Education at various levels. All programmes are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure the students’ skills are job-relevant and to the highest standards.
Students learn in a technologically sophisticated, e-learning environment that encourages development of independent and life-long learning skills.
HCT graduates are eagerly sought by employers as they are capable of operating effectively in today’s global business environment. Over 60,000 academic credentials have been awarded to its graduates since 1991.
The HCT has established dynamic relationships with UAE companies and organisations and the world’s leading universities and organisations.
Vision
The Higher Colleges of Technology will be recognised as the best applied higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates, producing knowledgeable, innovative and skilled Emirati graduates that support the nation in pursuit of excellence.
Mission
The Higher Colleges of Technology is dedicated to the delivery of applied and vocationally focused programmes that achieve national and international standards at the Diploma, Bachelor’ s and Master’ s levels. Delivered through excellent instruction based on ‘learning by doing’ and in a technology-rich environment, supported by applied research, our programmes are designed to meet the employment needs of the UAE and support Emirati students in becoming innovative and work-ready.
History
In 1985, H.E. 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.
Four colleges commenced that year. Since then, thirteen additional colleges and the Center of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) have opened throughout the Emirates to form the system of the Higher Colleges of Technology.
The HCT-Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College (RKWC) offers a range of modern programmes. The newly constructed campus, opened in May 2013, is adjacent to the HCT Ras Al Khaimah Men’s College. The Women’s College’s learning facilities are state-of-the-art and provide an excellent environment in which to work and study.
Facilities include a student career centre, audiovisual studio, fully equipped Learning Resources Centre, computer and specialist laboratories and a full range of services aimed towards making the students’ time at RKWC a rewarding and fulfilling learning experience.