The University Recognition Certificate in the UAE is mandatory for overseas graduates and professionals. Learn about who needs it, the application process, required documents, validity, timelines, and more.

Who Needs the University Recognition Certificate in the UAE?

The certificate is required for:

Students who completed high school or university outside the UAE and seek admission for further education
Professionals holding foreign degrees who want to work in the UAE: teachers, doctors, engineers, nurses, etc.
Government employees in certain designated job roles
Applicants for UAE Golden Visa in categories needing qualification recognition

Why is the equivalency certificate required?

The UAE government issues the certificate to:

Verify that foreign qualifications meet UAE education standards
Validate the authenticity and legitimacy of overseas academic degrees
Allow qualified professionals to work in their fields in the UAE
Facilitate admission of students to UAE universities
Assess candidates for immigration benefits like Golden Visas

Which qualifications are eligible?

Recognition can be obtained for:

High school certificate or diploma
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Doctorate degree
Professional or vocational diplomas and certificates

Distance learning and online degrees from accredited institutes are also eligible.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow this 2-step application process:

1. Document Verification

Visit Ministry of Education website and register for e-service
Fill out the application form with personal and qualification details
Pay verification fees based on academic level
Upload scanned copies of all required documents
Track application status online
Receive verification report from Ministry

2. Recognition

Login to Ministry portal using UAE pass
Enter reference number and date of birth
Confirm all personal and degree details
Pay recognition certificate fees
Download official digital certificate
Receive attested hard copy in mail

Documents Required

Provide high-quality scanned copies of:

Passport
Educational qualifications: degree, transcripts, and marksheets
High school certificate for bachelor’s applicants
Thesis or dissertation for postgraduates
Official translations, if applicable

Ministry Portal Registration

Use your UAE Pass to create an account on the Ministry of Education portal. This allows you to:

Submit the recognition application online
Pay fees via credit card
Track status and view updates
Communicate with Ministry officials
Download digital certificate when ready

Fees and Payments

Verification fees: AED 600–1500 based on degree level
Recognition certificate fee: AED 200-300
Accepted payment modes: credit card, debit card or bank transfer
Extra fees for expedited service, if applicable

Tracking Application Status

Applicants can track real-time status on the Ministry portal
Status displayed as pending, in progress, complete, rejected, etc.
Queries can be raised through registered portal account

Certificate Validity and Renewal

A recognition certificate does not expire once it is issued
Valid for life of holder and does not need renewal
Update recognition if you acquire additional qualifications

How can the certificate be used?

The certificate allows holders to:

Apply for admission to UAE universities
Take up employment in qualified roles like teaching, healthcare, etc.
Apply for relevant licensing from professional bodies
Support immigration applications to UAE

Timelines for Processing

Routine applications take 2-4 weeks
Priority service completes process in 5 days
Additional verification may require 6–8 weeks
Rejected applications have 6-month waiting period for reapplication

Priority Service for Urgent Applications

Expedited processing in 5 days for extra fees
Recommended for those with tight deadlines
Apply for priority service when starting application

Follow the step-by-step guide to apply for your university recognition certificate in the UAE. Reach out for any support needed during the process.

What is a Certificate of Recognition?

In the UAE, the Ministry of Education issues official certificates called Certificates of Recognition. It confirms that a degree or academic qualification obtained outside the UAE meets the standards and criteria set by the Ministry of Education.

The certificate verifies that the foreign degree or credential complies with international education standards as well as UAE guidelines.

The Certificate of Recognition is required by those who have earned academic qualifications like high school diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees or doctorates from institutions abroad. This includes qualifications obtained through distance learning or online education.

The majority of academic institutions and employers in the UAE demand a Certificate of Recognition from the Ministry of Education for any degrees earned abroad. This helps validate the authenticity of foreign credentials and ensures they meet UAE equivalency requirements.

Using an Equivalency Agency

The certificate process can be complex for those unfamiliar with UAE systems. An agency like Globoprime can provide end-to-end assistance.

Globoprime agents are experts in equivalence applications with years of experience
They assess eligibility and recommend the right pathway
Help prepare all required documents
Assist with Ministry portal registration and application
Provide ongoing application tracking and support
Offer faster turnaround times versus self-applications
Provide consultation on using the certificate for employment, etc.

While the Ministry warns against unauthorized consultants, reputed agencies like Globoprime are reliable partners for a smooth equivalence certification process in the UAE.