Getting an equivalency certificate in the UAE is a critical step for anyone with foreign academic qualifications who plans to study, work, or migrate to the Emirates. Whether you’re applying for a teaching job, planning to pursue higher education, or need to validate your degree for licensing, this certificate ensures that your academic qualifications are officially recognized in the UAE.
This guide will walk you through what it is, who needs it, how to apply, fees involved, common challenges, and why it’s so important.
What is an Equivalency Certificate?
An equivalency certificate is an official document issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Education (MoE) that confirms your foreign academic degree is equal to a corresponding qualification in the UAE educational system. This process ensures that your qualifications meet the country’s standards for academic and professional roles.
Role of the Ministry of Education in the UAE
The MoE is the only authority responsible for granting equivalency. The certificate is essential for regulated professions like teaching, engineering, healthcare, and more. It’s also often required during the employment visa process.
Who Needs an Equivalency Certificate in UAE?
Anyone who has earned a degree outside the UAE and wishes to work or pursue education in the country may need an equivalency certificate. This includes expats, international students, professionals applying for license registrations, and even entrepreneurs registering their businesses in certain sectors.
Scenarios Where Equivalency is Mandatory
- Teachers applying for school jobs
- Doctors or nurses registering with health authorities
- Engineers applying for municipality approval
- Students applying for postgraduate programs
- Job seekers applying for skilled employment
- Professionals applying for visa upgrades
If your employer or licensing body requests an equivalency certificate in the UAE, it’s a mandatory part of your documentation.
How to Get Equivalency Certificate in UAE – Step-by-Step Process
Getting an equivalency certificate involves collecting the right documents, completing online applications, and following several review procedures. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Attest Your Academic Documents
Before you apply, you must get your certificates attested by:
- Your home country’s Ministry of Education
- The UAE embassy in your home country
- The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) inside the UAE
The degree, transcript, and any relevant academic certificates must go through this chain of attestation.
Step 2: Create an Account on MoE Portal
Visit the Ministry of Education’s website or the official MoE smart app. Create a user account to begin the application.
Step 3: Submit the Equivalency Application Online
Upload the following documents:
- Attested degree and transcript
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (if available)
- Visa page
- University accreditation letter (if requested)
- Online filled form
Step 4: Get Your University Verified
In some cases, you may be required to provide:
- A confirmation letter from your university stating mode of study (full-time, part-time, online)
- Course duration
- Accreditation proof
The Ministry will verify the university’s status in your home country and check if the program is recognized.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Fees are paid online after uploading the documents. Once everything is accepted, the Ministry will process your request.
Step 6: Receive the Equivalency Certificate
You’ll get notified via SMS or email. You can download the certificate digitally or request a physical copy.
Fees of Equivalency Certificate in UAE
The cost of obtaining the equivalency certificate depends on the type of degree and level of qualification.
Estimated Costs by Degree Level:
- Bachelor’s degree: AED 100 to AED 300
- Master’s degree: AED 200 to AED 500
- PhD or Doctoral degree: AED 500 to AED 1,000
Additional courier charges may apply for printed copies. Fees are subject to change and depend on the nature of the evaluation process.
Common Challenges to Obtain a Equivalency Certificate in UAE
While the process may seem straightforward, applicants often face delays or rejection due to document-related issues.
Most Frequent Issues Faced:
- Missing or incomplete attestation
- Unrecognized universities
- Lack of university confirmation letters
- Certificates not in English or Arabic (requiring translation)
- Distance learning or online degrees not being accepted
To avoid rejection, it’s important to carefully follow every step and work with certified translators and legal attestation services if needed.
Advantages of Getting a Equivalency Certificate in the UAE
Having an equivalency certificate in the UAE opens doors across academic, employment, and legal sectors.
Key Benefits Include:
- Eligibility for skilled job roles and work visas
- Admission into higher education programs
- Access to professional licensing and regulatory bodies
- Recognition of academic achievement
- Competitive edge in the UAE job market
Employers and authorities view equivalency as a validation of your education, giving you credibility and opportunities in regulated fields.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining an equivalency certificate in the UAE is a crucial one for those with foreign degrees who want to legally and professionally operate in the country. It may involve steps like attestation, document verification, and fees, but the long-term value it provides makes it worth the effort.
Whether you’re applying for a teaching license, planning to enter the healthcare sector, or launching a startup, getting your degree recognized is non-negotiable.
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FAQs
What is the purpose of an equivalency certificate in the UAE?
It certifies that a foreign academic qualification is equal to a UAE degree, allowing it to be used for jobs, education, or licensing.
Do I need to attest my degree before applying for equivalency?
Yes, attestation from your home country and UAE authorities is mandatory before submitting an application.
Can I apply for an equivalency certificate online?
Yes, the Ministry of Education provides an online portal where you can apply and track your application.
How long does it take to get an equivalency certificate?
It usually takes 3–6 weeks depending on the completeness of documents and university verification process.
Are online degrees accepted for equivalency in the UAE?
Some online or distance learning degrees may not be accepted. The university’s recognition and mode of study are carefully reviewed.
What happens if my degree is not recognized?
You may not be able to get the certificate. In such cases, additional documentation or alternate routes may be suggested by MoE.
Is equivalency required for every job in the UAE?
Not always, but for licensed professions and certain skilled roles, it’s mandatory to provide this certificate.
