How to Get an Equivalency Certificate in UAE

How to Get an Equivalency Certificate (Certificate of Recognition) in the UAE

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Your Complete Guide to Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE

What is an Equivalency Certificate?

An Equivalency Certificate, formally known as the Certificate of Recognition, is issued by the UAE Ministry of Education to validate that your foreign higher education degree. The UAE Ministry of Education issues a Certificate of Recognition that validates your foreign degree, diploma, or other academic qualifications and higher education degree earned outside the UAE ensuring they meet UAE academic standards. This certificate is important for individuals looking to pursue higher education, secure employment in regulated professions (like teaching, engineering, or healthcare), or apply for the UAE Golden Visa.

Required Documents for Applying Equivalency Certificate

Before starting the application process, ensure you have the following documents attested and ready:

Degree certificate: Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country and the UAE Embassy.
Academic transcripts: Attested and translated into Arabic or English if required.
High school certificate (for Bachelor’s degree holders).
Passport copy.
Verification report from DataFlow (for degree verification).
Genuineness letter (if required based on the country of your qualification).

These documents ensure the authenticity of your degree and streamline the approval process

Why is Equivalency certificate Essential in UAE?

This certificate is essential for various purposes, including:

Employment: Many employers, especially in regulated sectors like medicine, engineering, and education, require this certificate.

Higher Education: If you wish to pursue further studies in the UAE, you may need this certificate for admission.

Professional Licensing: Certain professions require a recognized degree for licensing purposes.

Golden Visa Applications: The Certificate of Recognition is mandatory for applying for the UAE Golden Visa in professional categories like manager, Executive, SEO, Doctor, Engineering, Etc.

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Understanding the UAE's New Recognition System

The New “University Certificates Recognition” System in the UAE (2024)

The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced the University Certificates Recognition system, which replaces the older University Qualification Equivalency system. This new system is designed to streamline and simplify the recognition process for degrees issued by foreign higher education institutions (HEIs). It offers greater flexibility for students and professionals seeking education or employment in the UAE.

This new system offers several advantages:

No Physical Presence Requirement: No Physical Presence Requirement: Previously, graduates needed to have spent a minimum number of days in the country of study (30 days for master’s degrees, 168 days for bachelor’s). This requirement has now been removed, allowing distance learning and e-learning degrees to be recognized, except for certain specialized professions (e.g., medicine, engineering, law).
Simplified Recognition for Top-Ranked Universities: Degrees from universities ranked 1-200 globally require only basic verification of the certificate’s authenticity. For lower-ranked universities (e.g., 601+), more conditions might apply, but the system has relaxed many previous requirements.
Expanded Eligibility for E-Learning: Unlike before, degrees obtained via distance learning or online programs are now fully recognized under this system, as long as they meet the Ministry’s standards. This change reflects the global shift towards online education and helps modernize the UAE’s recognition framework. Recognition is extended to online and distance learning programs, provided they meet MoE standards.
Faster Processing Times: The updated system reduces the waiting times for degree recognition, helping applicants secure their certificates quicker, which is crucial for job applications and further studies. Once a degree is verified by a trusted partner (such as DataFlow), the recognition process can be completed swiftly. Expect quicker turnaround times for certificate issuance, aiding in timely job applications and academic pursuits.

Recognition Criteria:

Top-Ranked Universities: Certificates from top-ranked HEIs require only certificate verification.
Lower-Ranked Institutions: For universities ranked lower than 601, additional verification may be required, but the system has been designed to streamline even these cases(MOE UAE official).

Impact on Specialized Professions:

While many programs now benefit from the relaxed rules, specialized professions (like medicine, law, and engineering) still require additional steps for recognition, ensuring these fields maintain high professional standards

The new University Certificates Recognition system provides more flexibility for both students and professionals, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to recognizing diverse educational pathways, including e-learning. It also simplifies the process for applicants, making it easier to have foreign degrees recognized, while maintaining the UAE’s high standards in education and employment.

This updated system will be especially beneficial for those pursuing jobs or residency (e.g., Golden Visa applications) in the UAE. For a smoother experience, applicants are encouraged to verify their certificates through trusted partners such as DataFlow before submitting them to the Ministry

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Equivalency certificate Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Attestation of Documents

Before applying for the equivalency certificate, your academic documents must be attested. This involves several layers of authentication:

Home Country Attestation: Get your degree and transcripts attested by relevant authorities in the country where you obtained your degree (e.g., Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
UAE Attestation: Once attested in your home country, you’ll need the UAE embassy or consulate to further authenticate these documents. If your documents are not in Arabic or English, they must also be translated and notarized.
Degree Verification (DataFlow Process): The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) requires that your degree is verified by the DataFlow Group, which conducts primary source verification (PSV). This ensures the degree is authentic and from an accredited institution.

Step 2: Submission of Documents to the Ministry of Education (MoE)

Once your documents are attested, you can proceed with the online application on the MoE’s website:

Create an Account: Register on the MoE portal using UAE PASS, a digital identity that links your official details. This can be done through the UAE Pass app or directly on the MoE website.
Submit Documents: Upload the following key documents:
- Attested degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- High school certificate (for Bachelor’s degree applicants)
- Passport copy
- Verification report from DataFlow
Application Form: Fill out the online application form with personal and academic details. Make sure all the information matches your attested documents.

Step 3: Apply for a Genuineness Letter (If Required)

For some countries, especially if you are applying from institutions that are less well-known, the MoE may require a Genuineness Letter. This confirms that your degree was issued by an accredited institution.

You can obtain this letter from the UAE embassy in your home country or through DataFlow.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

Application fees may vary depending on the level of the degree and the complexity of the verification process:

Application Fee: Pay the Fees for Grade 12 equivalency and higher for university degrees.

Make sure to pay these fees promptly to avoid delays in your application.

Step 5: Track & Collect the Equivalency Certificate

Once submitted, the processing time for your equivalency certificate can range from 1 to 4 months, depending on the country and the degree verification complexities.

After approval, you will receive an electronic or physical copy of your equivalency certificate, which can be used for further studies, employment, or residency applications.

How to Obtain an Equivalency Certificate?

Submit Educational Documents: To begin the equivalency process, you must submit your original degree certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) along with transcripts, and they must be attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country as well as the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Apply Through the Ministry of Education (MOE): Once your documents are attested, you can apply for equivalency through the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). The MOE evaluates whether your degree is comparable to the UAE’s educational standards.
Additional Steps: Depending on the field of study and profession, some applicants may need to provide additional documentation such as course syllabi, academic transcripts, or proof of accreditation from the issuing institution.

Why Equivalency Certification is Important for UAE Golden Visa Applicants?

Legal Recognition: It ensures that your foreign educational qualifications are legally recognized and accepted by the UAE authorities.
Eligibility Confirmation: In certain professions, you must have your qualifications verified to confirm your eligibility for a long-term residency (Golden Visa).
Professional Licensing: If you plan to work in regulated fields such as healthcare or engineering, equivalency certification is often required to obtain professional licenses in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Was My MOE Equivalency Certificate Rejected?

MOE Equivalency Certificate rejections can occur for several reasons:

Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Ensure all required documents are submitted accurately, including transcripts, degree certificates, and supporting materials.
Non-Recognized Institution or Program: Verify that your institution and program are on the UAE Ministry of Education's recognized list.
Curriculum Discrepancies: Significant differences between your curriculum and UAE standards can lead to rejection.
Distance Learning or Online Programs: Some programs may not be fully recognized. Check the specific requirements.
Study Location Issues: Discrepancies between your study location and the degree-issuing institution can cause problems.

Addressing a Rejection:

Appeal: You often have a timeframe (e.g., 3 months) to appeal. Gather new evidence and follow the appeals process carefully.
Reapply with Corrections: If the rejection was due to errors or missing information, reapply with the necessary corrections.
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Is a Certificate of Recognition the same as an Equivalency Certificate?

Yes, in the context of higher education degrees obtained outside the UAE, a Certificate of Recognition is the same as an Equivalency Certificate. Both terms refer to the MoE's process of validating foreign degrees.

Are Online Degrees Accepted in the UAE?

Yes, the UAE generally recognizes online degrees, but with certain conditions.

Under the new University Certificates Recognition system, degrees obtained through distance learning or online programs are eligible for recognition, except for specialized professions such as medicine, engineering, and law.

What is an Equivalency Certificate for Indian Degrees in the UAE?

An Equivalency Certificate for Indian Degrees, also known as a Certificate of Recognition, is an official document issued by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) that validates your Indian degree for use in the UAE. It essentially confirms that your Indian degree meets UAE standards and is comparable to relevant UAE qualifications.

Key Purposes:

Employment: Many UAE employers require this certificate to verify your educational qualifications.
Further Education: It may be necessary for admission to UAE universities or other higher education institutions.
Visa Applications: Certain visa categories may require evidence of recognized qualifications, which the certificate provides.

Core Functions of the Equivalency Certificate:

Recognition of Institution & Program: Confirms your Indian institution and program are accredited and recognized by the UAE.
Authenticity Verification: Ensures your Indian degree is genuine and not counterfeit.
Comparability Assessment: Establishes equivalency between your Indian degree and a corresponding UAE qualification.

Process to Obtain:

Attestation: Complete necessary attestation for your degree documents in India and the UAE Embassy.
Verification: Get your degree verified by an MoE-approved partner (e.g., DataFlow).
Application: Submit your application online via the MoE portal with all required documents and fees.
Evaluation: The MoE assesses your application and, if your degree fulfills the criteria, issues the Equivalency Certificate.

Remember: Specific requirements and procedures may differ based on your degree and institution. Consult the MoE website or seek professional advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Is an Equivalency Certificate Required for a Golden Visa in the UAE?

Yes, an Equivalency Certificate is often mandatory for Golden Visa applications in the UAE. This certificate, issued by the UAE Ministry of Education, validates your foreign educational qualifications, ensuring they meet the UAE's standards.

Why It's Essential:

Skill Assessment: It enables authorities to accurately assess your qualifications, crucial for specialized Golden Visa categories.
Streamlined Processing: Having the certificate upfront can expedite your application as it demonstrates prior evaluation of your credentials.
Credibility: It adds credibility, showing compliance with UAE regulations and confirming recognized qualifications.
Compliance: Recent updates in specific Emirates explicitly require this certificate for certain Golden Visa categories.

When It's Needed:

Highly Skilled Professionals: Particularly in fields like engineering, medicine, or technology.
Scientists and Researchers: Demonstrating recognized qualifications is vital for these categories.
Investors and Entrepreneurs: While not always mandatory, it can strengthen your application, especially if your business venture relies on your educational background.
Other Categories: Some Emirates may require it for additional categories, so check the specific requirements.

An Equivalency Certificate significantly boosts your chances of a successful Golden Visa application in the UAE. It demonstrates your qualifications' validity, streamlines the process, and helps authorities assess your eligibility effectively.