If you hold a degree, diploma, or academic certificate issued outside the UAE and wish to use it for employment, higher education, professional licensing, or residency in the Emirates, securing a UAE equivalency certificate from the Ministry of Education (MOE) is a mandatory step for professionals and students validating foreign qualifications in the UAE. If you’re asking, “How can I get my degree recognized in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?” you’re in the right place. This official educational credential evaluation confirms your high school, bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD certificate meets the UAE’s academic standards.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap for the entire MOE equivalency process. We will simplify UAE equivalency certificate requirements, from the critical first step of MOFA attestation and DataFlow PSV to submitting your application for the equalization of certificates, ensuring you can validate your credentials and avoid common delays or rejection.
A certificate of equivalency verifies that your foreign qualifications meet the UAE’s academic standards. Whether you hold a university degree or high school certificate, a Qualification Recognition Certificate ensures your qualifications are recognized by employers, universities, and government authorities. The UAE Equivalency Certificate (now often referred to as a Certificate of Recognition) is required for individuals with foreign degrees who wish to work, pursue further education, or apply for specific residency programs (e.g., Golden Visa) in the UAE. The equivalence certificate in UAE is a vital document that paves the way for various opportunities in the UAE, including:
This official educational credential evaluation confirms your high school, bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD certificate meets the UAE’s academic standards as defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Gather your:
Complete attestation in this order:
Tip: If your documents are not in English or Arabic, obtain a certified translation before starting the process.
The MOE requires Primary Source Verification (PSV) for all foreign degrees. You must:
Only degrees verified through these partners are accepted for equivalency. This step is mandatory for Indian, Pakistani, UK, US, Egyptian, Filipino, Nigerian, and all other foreign qualifications.
UAE PASS is the UAE’s official national digital identity.
You must have an active UAE PASS account to access the MOE Equivalency Portal and submit your online application.
The MOE will provide a reason for the rejection (e.g., unrecognized university, insufficient credits, online study).
Collect any new evidence that addresses the rejection reason. You cannot simply resubmit the same file. This may include a detailed credit hour letter from your university, proof of campus-based study, or official documentation proving the university's accreditation at the time you studied.
Submit a "Reconsideration Request" through the same MOE e-services portal. This is a separate service from the initial application.
There is a fee for the appeal process.
Your case will be reviewed by a specialized committee. Their decision is typically final.
MOE Equivalency Assistance in UAE
Applying for a UAE equivalency certificate for degrees obtained through distance learning has become more streamlined under the new “University Certificates Recognition” system. This system acknowledges degrees from accredited institutions, including those acquired via online learning, with the exception of specialized professions like engineering, medicine, and law. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ensure your degree is from an accredited institution that is recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Gather all necessary documents, including your degree certificate, transcripts, and a letter from your university confirming the mode of study.
An Equivalency Certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) is a crucial requirement for certain UAE Golden Visa categories, especially for those seeking 10 years Golden visa long-term residency based on their academic and professional achievements. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
The Ministry of Education has approved a list of top universities from around the world, and degrees from these institutions are more likely to be recognized for equivalency. The list is updated periodically and includes institutions that are:
Certain top-ranked universities do not require the MOE equivalency process due to their global recognition and accreditation. Degrees from these institutions are automatically recognized by the MOE:
The UAE’s Ministry of Education has replaced the “University Qualification Equivalency” system with the “University Certificates Recognition” system to streamline the recognition process for degrees from foreign higher education institutions (HEIs). This system simplifies and enhances the flexibility of certificate recognition while maintaining the UAE’s high educational standards (Ministry of Education UAE).
Please note that the above information regarding UAE visa regulations and equivalency processes is to the best of our knowledge which is subject to change without prior notice. We recommend confirming the latest requirements with the relevant government authorities (e.g., Ministry of Education) before applying.
Based on the latest updates in the second phase of the system, the recognition criteria for certificates from foreign higher education institutions have been relaxed for certain fields. These include Architecture and Built Environment, Computer Science and Information Systems, Data Sciences, Natural Sciences, Education and Training, and Law and Legal Studies. These changes are expected to benefit over 60,000 students in 2024, making it easier for them to pursue further studies or enter the UAE workforce.
This new system simplifies the process, making it more efficient and flexible for applicants. Key updates include:
Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate in Dubai is essential for anyone with a foreign educational qualification who wishes to work, study, or apply for a visa in the UAE. This process is overseen by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) and involves several crucial steps to ensure that foreign degrees meet the UAE’s educational standards.
Applications can be rejected due to insufficient documentation, unrecognized institutions, or non-compliance with the UAE’s educational standards.
Yes, the PhD equivalency UAE process follows similar steps but require additional documentation and verification.
The Equivalency Certificate is not mandatory for all job roles in Dubai, but it is essential for certain professional positions, particularly in regulated sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, and government services across the UAE, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. It is mandatory for regulated professions to ensure that foreign degrees meet the UAE's standards.
The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your case and the accuracy of your submitted documents.
We help minimize delays and ensure a seamless experience, so you can focus on your career or studies.
Yes, but they must be accompanied by certified translations into English or Arabic.
Use the MOE’s application tracking tool to receive real-time updates.
We streamline the process of obtaining your Equivalency Certificate and also assist with Golden Visa applications.
