An equivalency certificate, now referred to as a Certificate of Recognition, is issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Education. This certificate verifies that a degree obtained from an institution outside the UAE meets the country’s educational standards and international academic criteria. The primary purpose is to ensure the legitimacy of the degree and to filter out fraudulent qualifications.
Who Needs an Equivalency Certificate?
While not every job in the UAE requires an equivalency certificate, certain occupations and situations do mandate it:
- Students: High school equivalency is required for students pursuing higher education in the UAE.
- Professors, Faculty Members, and Teachers: An equivalency certificate is mandatory for their highest qualification.
- Engineers: Required to obtain a certificate to register for a mandatory Society of Engineering card (SOE) in Dubai.
- Golden Visa Applicants: May need an equivalency certificate for certain categories.
- Expats in Government Positions: Particularly those in technical roles, where an equivalency certificate is often a requirement.
- Medical Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff must obtain a certificate as part of the licensing process with UAE health authorities.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Recognition
The process involves two stages:
Stage 1: Degree Verification
- Verify your degree with a Ministry of Education trusted partner, such as Dataflow or Quadra Bay.
- Once verified, you will receive a Verification Document and a reference number to use when applying for the Certificate of Recognition.
Stage 2: Certificate of Recognition
- Log into the Ministry of Education portal using UAE Pass.
- Enter your reference number and date of birth.
- Confirm your personal and educational details.
- Pay the application fee.
- You will receive the Certificate of Recognition decision via email and can download the result from your account.
Specialized Professions
For specialized degrees in fields such as engineering, medicine, and technology, the requirements vary, including the need for on-campus study and verification of previous degrees. Other specialized degrees in fields like arts, humanities, and social sciences may have fewer requirements, such as no need for attestation or travel reports.
For Applicants Outside the UAE: The equivalency process can still be initiated. Applicants must register with UAE Pass using their passport, and additional documentation such as a travel report from immigration may be required.
These new guidelines aim to streamline the process and ensure that qualifications meet the UAE’s high standards, safeguarding the integrity of educational and professional credentials in the country.
