If you have completed your education from outside the UAE and want to study or work in the country, you must understand what is equivalency certificate UAE. This certificate is essential for validating your foreign academic qualifications and confirming that they meet the UAE’s educational standards.
In simple terms, equivalency certificate UAE is an official document issued by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) that declares your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate equivalent to the corresponding level of education in the UAE.
Understanding What Is Equivalency Certificate UAE
When someone earns a degree abroad, the curriculum, grading system, and academic standards often differ from UAE institutions. To ensure fair evaluation, the UAE Ministry of Education examines your foreign credentials and certifies them as “equivalent” to local qualifications.
For instance, if you earned a bachelor’s degree from the UK, the UAE equivalency certificate confirms that your qualification matches the standard of a UAE bachelor’s degree. Without this certificate, many organizations in the UAE will not recognize your degree for employment, visa processing, or postgraduate admissions.
Why Do You Need an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?
The equivalency certificate UAE serves several critical purposes:
For Employment: Most employers, especially in the government and education sectors, require equivalency to validate your degree.
For Higher Education: Universities in the UAE need equivalency confirmation before allowing foreign graduates to enroll in advanced programs.
For Licensing: Professionals such as teachers, engineers, or medical staff need equivalency for licensing and registration.
For Visa and Immigration: Some residence and employment visas require attested and equivalent educational qualifications.
Without this certification, your degree might be considered invalid for official or professional use in the UAE.
Who Issues the Equivalency Certificate in UAE?
The UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) is the only official body that issues equivalency certificates. Applications can be made through the MOE website or Tawasul customer service center.
The ministry carefully evaluates your educational credentials, the university’s accreditation status, and the country where the degree was obtained.
Documents Required for Equivalency Certificate UAE
Before applying, you need to gather the following essential documents:
Original degree certificate (attested by the UAE Embassy and MOFA)
Transcript or mark sheets
Copy of passport and visa
Accreditation proof of the university or institution
Thesis or dissertation abstract (for postgraduate degrees)
School leaving certificates (for secondary level equivalency)
Any other supporting letters or course descriptions
All documents must be in Arabic or English. If issued in another language, they must be translated by an authorized translator and attested accordingly.
Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining Equivalency Certificate UAE
The process of getting your equivalency certificate UAE involves several stages. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Attest Your Educational Documents
Before applying for equivalency, your degree and transcripts must be attested by:
The Ministry of Education (of your home country)
UAE Embassy or Consulate (in your home country)
MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in the UAE
This confirms that your documents are genuine and issued by a recognized institution.
Step 2: Create an Account on the MOE Website
Visit the official UAE Ministry of Education website (www.moe.gov.ae) and create an account to start your equivalency application.
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Log in and fill out the equivalency application form. Upload all the required documents in PDF format, ensuring they are clear and properly labeled.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Once you submit your application, you’ll be asked to pay a small fee (usually AED 150–200) for processing. Payment can be made online.
Step 5: Application Review by MOE
The MOE will then review your documents, verify your university’s authenticity, and assess your degree’s level compared to UAE educational standards.
Step 6: Issuance of Equivalency Certificate
After successful verification, the Ministry issues your equivalency certificate UAE, which you can download digitally from your MOE account or collect physically if required.
Processing Time for Equivalency Certificate UAE
Typically, the MOE takes 10 to 20 working days to process the equivalency application. However, it may take longer if your university requires manual verification or if additional documents are requested.
Using complete and properly attested documents helps reduce delays.
Common Reasons for Equivalency Rejection
Sometimes, applicants face rejection or delay during the equivalency certificate UAE process due to:
Unrecognized or unaccredited universities
Incomplete document attestation
Missing course details or transcripts
Inaccurate translations
Incorrect submission format
To avoid this, always check the MOE guidelines and ensure that your institution is listed among accredited international universities recognized by the UAE.
Benefits of Having an Equivalency Certificate UAE
Obtaining your equivalency certificate UAE brings several advantages:
Opens access to government jobs and private employment
Qualifies you for postgraduate studies in the UAE
Helps in professional licensing applications
Provides legal recognition of your foreign degree
Strengthens your credibility in the UAE job market
It is a valuable document that validates your education and ensures your qualifications align with UAE standards.
How to Check the Status of Your Equivalency Certificate
You can check your equivalency application status through the MOE website or contact their Tawasul customer care service (800 51115). Updates are usually provided via email or SMS during each stage of the verification process.
Important Tips for Applicants
To ensure a smooth equivalency certificate UAE process, follow these tips:
Use only attested and verified documents.
Always submit clear digital copies.
Make sure your name matches on all certificates and passport.
Check if your university is accredited by your country’s higher education commission.
Keep track of application updates through your MOE dashboard.
Conclusion
Now that you know what is equivalency certificate UAE, it’s clear that this document is vital for anyone holding a foreign qualification who wishes to work or study in the UAE. It validates your degree according to UAE educational standards and ensures your qualifications are legally recognized.
By following the correct steps, submitting proper attestations, and using the MOE online system, you can easily obtain your equivalency certificate UAE and open the door to new opportunities across the Emirates.
