An equivalency certificate in the UAE (also known as a Certificate of Recognition) is an official document that validates foreign educational qualifications according to UAE standards. As of November 1, 2024, this service has been officially transferred from the Ministry of Education (MOE) to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR).
This significant transition streamlines the process under one unified authority, creating a more efficient experience for applicants while maintaining stringent quality standards for academic recognition in the UAE.
A UAE equivalency certificate (Certificate of Recognition) confirms that your foreign degree or diploma meets the UAE’s educational standards and international academic criteria. This vital document verifies that your qualification is: From an accredited institution recognized by UAE authorities Equivalent in academic level to UAE qualifications Meeting international standards for educational quality Compliant with UAE attendance and study requirements The certificate serves as official recognition of your academic credentials, opening doors to employment, further education, professional licensing, and residency opportunities throughout the United Arab Emirates. This process is critical for employment, higher education, visa applications (including the Golden Visa), and professional licensing.
Having your foreign educational qualifications officially recognized in the UAE unlocks numerous opportunities:
Employment Opportunities
Educational Advancement
Visa and Residency Benefits
Core Requirements | Additional Documents (If Applicable) |
---|---|
Grade 12 certificate | School accreditation documentation |
Transcripts for grades 10-12 | Standardized test scores |
School leaving certificate | Educational authority verification |
Valid passport copy | Transfer documentation (if applicable) |
Core Requirements | Additional Documents (If Applicable) |
---|---|
Bachelor’s degree certificate | Program curriculum details |
Complete academic transcripts | Internship/practical training proof |
High school certificate | Transfer credit documentation |
Valid passport copy | Research project documentation |
Emirates ID (UAE residents) | Genuinity certificate (specific countries) |
Verification report | ICA travel report (if required) |
Core Requirements | Additional Documents (If Applicable) |
---|---|
Master’s/PhD certificate | Thesis/dissertation abstract |
Complete academic transcripts | Research publications list |
Previous degree certificates | Supervisor recommendation letters |
Valid passport copy | Program duration verification |
Emirates ID (UAE residents) | Credit hour documentation |
Verification report | Specialization confirmation |
We assist with UAE MOFA Attestation Services in Abu Dhabi and across all emirates including mofa attestation in Dubai & Sharjah We offer attestation services for a wide range of documents, including:
This certificate verifies that your high school education meets UAE standards, equivalent to the UAE General Secondary School Certificate. It's essential for: University admissions in the UAE, Entry-level positions requiring secondary education, Foundation programs at UAE colleges, Certain visa and sponsorship requirements,
The most commonly requested type of equivalency certificate, required for: Professional positions across sectors, Postgraduate admissions, Government sector employment, Professional licensing applications, Higher-level visa categories,
Advanced degree equivalency for specialized roles, necessary for: Senior positions and executive roles, Academic appointments, Research positions, Specialized consultancy work, Golden Visa and other premium residency options
Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a UAE Equivalency Certificate
Core Documents Required:
MOHESR partners with verification services to authenticate educational credentials:
If your application is rejected, don’t lose hope. MOHESR offers an appeal process:
Appeal Eligibility
Appeal Process Steps
Improving Appeal Success Rates
While it’s possible to navigate the equivalency process independently, many applicants choose to work with professional services to streamline the process:
Benefits of Professional Assistance:
Choose a reputable agency in the UAE like GloboPrime, specialize in equivalency certificate services, offering comprehensive support for both individuals and organizations for their employees.
We passionately provide all types of attestation services in UAE from start to finish, serving over 120+ countries including:
Specialized Attestation Services:
Embassy Attestation Services