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How to Get an Equivalency Certificate from the Ministry of Education UAE?

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Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE (2024)

1. Understanding the Equivalency Certificate

Equivalency certificate or Equalization of studies from a country other than the UAE is the process by which the Ministry of Education in UAE officially validates a degree and acknowledges the studies to be equal to UAE standard.

An Equivalency Certificate is essential for individuals who have obtained educational qualifications from outside the UAE. This document certifies that your foreign degree or diploma is recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education and meets local academic standards. It’s often required for job applications, further studies, or professional licensing in the UAE. typically involves attestations in the home country of the certificate and the destination country (in our case UAE) finally the review by equivalency committee after which the certificate of Equivalency is issued from the Ministry of education, UAE.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Type of Institutions: The foreign institution must be accredited by both its home country and the UAE Ministry of Education.
  • Program Accreditation: The specific degree program must also be recognized by the respective accrediting bodies.
  • Study Mode: Full-time study is typically required; part-time or online degrees are usually not accepted unless explicitly approved.

  • Document Verification (Stage 1)

    Before applying for the Equivalency Certificate, you must get your academic degree verified by the Ministry’s trusted verification partners. This process ensures that the documents submitted are authentic and issued by a legitimate institution.

    • Key Verification Partners: As of now, DataFlow and QuadraBay are two authorized providers for degree verification services. These partners will verify your documents and send a confirmation to the Ministry of Education.
    •  

    • Application Process for the Equivalency Certificate (Stage 2)

      Once your degree is verified, you can proceed with the application for the Equivalency Certificate through the MOE’s online portal.

      • Required Documents:

        • Original degree certificate and transcripts (attested)
        • Passport and Emirates ID
        • Proof of residency during your studies (e.g., student visa)
        • Letter of Accreditation from the issuing country’s Ministry of Education or equivalent

    • Steps:

      1. Visit the MOE e-services platform and sign in.
      2. Select the “Equivalency Service” and complete the online form.
      3. Upload your verified degree and other necessary documents.
      4. Pay the required application fee via the portal.

    • Approval Time & Cost

      Once submitted, the equivalency application typically takes 2–8 weeks (depending on the educational institution response and other factors) for processing. If all requirements are met, your certificate will be issued digitally

It is imperative to follow the procedure as:

  • Attestation of documents
  • Applying for a Genuinity letter (if certificates are from India, All Asian and African countries) from the Indian embassy (in the case of Indian certificates)
  • Applying for an equivalency certificate online via the Ministry of Education website.

Globo Prime can assist with:

  • Attestation of all relevant certificates from home country
  • Attestation of relevant certificates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE
  • Apply for equivalency on behalf of the client via the MOE website

Who needs an equivalency certificate?

A foreign student who wished to enroll for higher studies in the UAE

An ex-pat who has secured a job in government services in UAE

All teachers and professors (faculty) of colleges and schools

People who apply for Golden Visa in UAE.

Skilled workforce such as doctors, engineers, nurses etc.

  How GloboPrime can help obtain an equivalency certificate

Since the process is challenging and multi-layered, it is important to pay attention to details. The attestation of all educational certificates requires expertise and discernment of the process involved. It is certainly difficult if you wish to handle this by yourself. Leave it to the experts, GloboPrime will ensure swift and seamless services with accurate attention to detail.

Equivalency certificate in UAE

Prior to the submission of your documents for Equivalency, it is crucial to understand what documents require to be attested. This will certainly help in avoiding unnecessary expenses and saves you time.

The main steps involved in this procedure are:

  • Ministry of Education attestation from the home country (if this is part of the attestation process in the home country)
  • Notarisation of the certificate (if a copy is being attested)
  • Attestation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the issuing country
  • Attestation from the UAE Embassy in the country of origin
  • Attestation at the Ministry of foreign affairs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Legal Translation of the original certificate if the certificates are not in Arabic or English
  • Submission online at Ministry of Education site

Requirements in the case of bachelor’s degree (for Asian & African degrees)

  • Attested Original degree certificate
  • Attested transcripts (consolidated mark sheet)
  • Attested Higher Secondary certificate
  • Attested High School certificate
  • Genuity letter obtained from the respective embassy in UAE
  • Passport copy
  • UAE Visa copy
  • Indian identity card copy

Note: If part of the studies was done abroad, the entry and exit stamps from the passport is also required. 

Requirements in the case of diploma (for Asian & African degrees)

  • Attested Original diploma certificate
  • Attested transcripts (consolidated mark sheet)
  • Attested Higher Secondary certificate (if the student has done higher secondary)
  • Attested High School certificate
  • Genuity letter obtained from the respective embassy in UAE
  • Passport copy
  • UAE Visa copy
  • Indian identity card copy

Note: If part of the studies was done abroad, the entry and exit stamps from the passport are also required.

Requirements in the case of Master’s degree (for Asian & African degrees)

  • Attested Original Master’s degree certificate
  • Attested Master’s transcripts (consolidated marksheet)
  • Attested Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • Attested Bachelor’s transcripts (consolidated mark-sheet)
  • Genuity letter obtained from the respective embassy in UAE
  • Passport copy
  • UAE Visa copy
  • Indian identity card copy

Note: If part of the studies was done abroad, the entry and exit stamps from the passport is also required.

Requirements in the case of PhD degree (for Asian & African degrees)

  • Attested Original PhD degree certificate
  • Attested Ph.D.’s transcripts (consolidated mark sheet)
  • Attested Master’s degree
  • Attested Master’s transcripts (consolidated mark sheet
  • Attested Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • Attested Bachelor’s transcripts (consolidated marksheet)
  • Genuity letter obtained from the respective embassy in UAE
  • Passport copy
  • UAE Visa copy
  • Indian identity card copy

Note: If part of the studies was done abroad, the entry and exit stamps from the passport are also required.

 GloboPrime will then assist with uploading the relevant documentation onto the MOE website. We believe the time is the essence in meeting the timelines and complying with the prescribed guidelines for attestation of Equivalency certificates to be used in the UAE. Our commitment to quality makes us a trusted partner for thousands of satisfied clients.

The process may vary depending on the document and the government rules of the origin & destination country. The Apostille stamp will apply if the origin and destination countries are part of Hague convention 1961.

Original certificates may not be required for some countries.

Acceptance or rejection of documents is solely the discretion of the government authorities concerned. Additionally, requirements and processes may vary from time to time depending on the government authorities’ policies, terms, and conditions.

Can I attest the originals or photocopies documents in UAE? 

Most western and European countries accept the attestation on a copy. Asian countries especially India only accept to stamp the original documents, not photocopies.

Where can I apply for an Equivalency certificate?

Applying at the Ministry of education online portal is now the correct way. The MOE does not entertain physical submissions. GloboPrime can help to ease the process for you.

Where can you carry out certificate attestation in UAE? 

You may call our office on +9714 2394809 for document attestation or visit our office (location map here).

What should I do in case the certificate handed over to GloboPrime is lost or damaged? 

GloboPrime will handle your documents as if it was ours. We are ISO certified and have our Quality management system in place. If the certificates are oversized, we use tubes to ensure the document does not get damaged during the courier and handling process.

Which all certificate needs Equivalency? 

Equivalency for School Certificate

Equivalency for High school certificate

Equivalency for Degree Certificate

Equivalency for Master’s Certificate

Equivalency of Diploma certificate

What is Embassy/consulate attestation?

Legalization of the document by an Embassy/Consulate of a country done specifically for use of the document in that respective country

What document do I have to send for Equivalency certificate attestation? 

Depending on the grade of your study and your highest qualification documents are to be attested.

Where to apply for Equivalency certificate attestation? 

You can send us an email, call us for assistance or walk into our office with the documents to be attested and equalized.

How to get an appointment for an Equivalency Certificate Attestation?

Currently, the Ministry of Education operates online. They do not entertain physical visits and submission. Hence there is no need for an appointment. 

What is the Ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA) Attestation in UAE for Equivalency certificate?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and International Cooperation serve as the connecting link between the wise leadership and people of the UAE on one side and the whole World on the other side. The Ministry undertakes several responsibilities from supervision of all Embassies representing UAE to entering bilateral agreements and pacts with other nations.

In Addition to these responsibilities, The Ministry also handles verification and attestation of documents issued outside UAE and UAE-issued documents to be used abroad.

Branches of Ministry of foreign affairs in UAE:

  • Dubai Ministry of foreign affairs
  • Abu Dhabi ministry of foreign affairs
  • Sharjah Ministry of foreign affairs
  • Fujairah Ministry of foreign affairs
  • Umm Al Quwain Ministry of foreign affairs
  • Ras Al Khaimah Ministry of foreign affairs
  • Ajman Ministry of foreign affairs

How to get an appointment for an embassy or consulate for Equivalency certificate attestation in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

Appointments are no longer required as most processes for embassies and Ministry of Education is online.

What is the cost of Equivalency certificate attestation for use in UAE?

Cost depends on the kind of document(s). Please call/mail us to know the updated process, timeline, and fees structure.

Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE for Engineers, Doctors, and Other Professionals

In the UAE, professionals such as engineers, doctors, and others with foreign qualifications must have their degrees recognized by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to ensure that these qualifications meet local standards. Here’s an updated and detailed guide that will help you understand the process and ensure a smooth application for your equivalency certificate, tailored to specific professions like engineering and medicine.

An Equivalency Certificate For professionals in specialized fields such as engineering, medicine, law, etc is a crucial step for employment and professional licensing in the UAE.

You will need an equivalency certificate if:

  • You obtained your degree from a foreign institution.
  • You are applying for a job, license, or continuing education in the UAE in fields like engineering, medicine, or law.

Requirements for Professional Equivalency: Engineers, Doctors & More

For Engineers:
  • Accredited Institutions: The degree must be from an institution accredited by both its home country and the UAE MOE.
  • Documents Required:
    • Attested degree certificates and transcripts.
    • Letter of Accreditation from the country where the degree was awarded.
    • A valid Emirates ID and passport.
    • Proof of residency during the study period( Ministry of Education).
For Doctors:
  • MOE & DHA/HAAD Approvals: Beyond MOE equivalency, doctors need to seek approvals from health authorities like DHA or HAAD.
  • Additional Documents:
    • Medical degrees and licenses, attested by relevant authorities.
    • Internship certificates and other professional qualifications.
For Other Professionals:
  • Professions like lawyers, teachers, or accountants will need an equivalency certificate to pursue further career opportunities in the UAE.

Key Steps in the Application Process

Step 1: Degree Verification

Before applying for equivalency, your degree must be verified through trusted MOE-approved verification partners, such as DataFlow or QuadraBay. This process ensures the authenticity of your academic documents.

Step 2: Submitting the Equivalency Application

Once your degree is verified, you can proceed with the application on the MOE e-services portal.

  • Documents to Submit:
    • Verified degree certificate, transcripts, and proof of accreditation.
    • Emirates ID, passport, and proof of residency.
    • Any attested documents such as a scholarship letter or internship certificates.
Processing and Approval
  • The MOE evaluates the institution’s ranking and verifies that the educational criteria have been met. Depending on the institution’s rank, further checks may be applied.

 Updated Guidelines for Recognition

The new University Certificates Recognition system replaces the previous Qualification Equivalency System and aims to streamline the process. Notable updates include:

  • Distance Learning: Degrees obtained through distance learning are now eligible for recognition, except for specialized fields like engineering and medicine.
  • Flexibility Based on Institution Rank: The ranking of the foreign institution influences the number of conditions applied. For top-tier institutions (ranked 1-200), only basic verification is needed(Ministry of Education).

Professional Licensing Requirements for Engineers & Doctors

For engineers, additional licensing through Dubai Municipality or Abu Dhabi Municipality may be required after obtaining the MOE equivalency. For doctors, health authority approvals (DHA/HAAD) are necessary in addition to the MOE certificate.

Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate is a critical step for professionals aiming to work or pursue further studies in the UAE. By following the updated processes laid out by the MOE, you can ensure your qualifications are recognized swiftly. Stay updated with MOE guidelines and ensure all required documents are properly attested and submitted.

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