SUAD Education Policy

The ECTS System

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) in which academics credits are attached to the completion of different components of study. The definition of credits in higher education systems may be based on different parameters, including written and oral assessments, tutorials and personal work. 

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is a student-centric system based on the workload required to achieve the objectives of any individual programme. Objectives are specified in terms of the learning outcomes and competencies to be acquired. 

ECTS is based on the principle that 60 credits measure the workload of a full-time student over one academic year. Credits in ECTS can only be obtained after successful completion of the work required and appropriate assessment of the learning outcomes achieved. Learning outcomes are sets of competences outlining what the student will have learnt, understood or be able to do after completing a process of learning. 

In general, credits awarded in one programme may be transferred to another programme offered by the same or another institution. This transfer can only take place if the awarding institution (Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité) recognises the credits and the associated learning outcomes. Successful credit transfer requires academic recognition of credits by the Academic Committee.

The UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s bachelor's and master's programmes are all accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). The CAA is the UAE federal quality assurance agency for higher education. It undertakes licensure of higher education institutions and accreditation of their award-bearing academic programmes to ensure high standards and quality learning opportunities. 

The High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education

In addition, the bachelor's and master's programmes offered by the School of Law, Economics and Business in SUAD are evaluated by the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres) in France. Hcéres is a French public service agency responsible for the periodic evaluation of all state-contracted higher education and research institutions in France. It ensures the quality, relevance, and integrity of programmes offered.

The academic year is made up of two semesters, each consisting of 13 weeks of teaching. Students are evaluated throughout the semester (Continuous Assessment) and a final examination takes place at the end of each semester. 

Regular, enrolled students are eligible to take examinations. First-and second-semester examinations are held in January and either May or June. A catch-up examination session is held for students who fail their courses. This session is normally held in June. All examination periods are confirmed and identified in a published academic calendar.

Attendance is compulsory for all types of classes, including lectures, tutorials, labs and course-related conferences and activities. 

If a student’s recorded attendance is less than 75% of the sessions for a given course, the student may not be permitted to take the final examination for that course and will be required to attend the catch-up session (if available). In that case, the Continuous Assessment grade (if applicable) is cancelled. 

If the course is assessed solely through Continuous Assessment, there is no final examination or catch-up session; the grade after cancellation of the Continuous Assessment is zero. If compensation does not occur at the end of the academic year, the student will be required to repeat the course in the following academic year. 

If a student’s average attendance across all classes within the programme is less than 75%, the student may be withdrawn from the programme. 

An exceptional scheme can be applied for undergraduate students who cannot attend classes either due to employment or for medical reasons, subject to the acceptance of their request by the Head of Academic Department and the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. 

Due to their professional activities, attendance of postgraduate students may follow specific rules, in agreement with the Head of Department and the Director of the programme. 

Any student who decides to withdraw from their studies must inform the Admissions Department, complete the official withdrawal form, and return their student identification card.