Whether you are shifting to the UAE to advance your profession, start college, or apply for long-term residency like the Golden Visa, one doc is essential to unlocking your future: the Certificate of Equivalency. Issued by the UAE Ministry of Education, this official doc confirms that your international tutorial {qualifications} match the nation’s academic requirements. Without it, alternatives could be delayed or even denied. Here’s every little thing you want to know who wants it, why it issues, and the way to get it.
A Certificate of Equivalency, also called a Certificate of Recognition, is a proper doc issued by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) to confirm {that a} diploma earned exterior the UAE is equal to the nation’s tutorial benchmarks. This certificates proves that:
You should receive an Equivalency Certificate in the event you’re:
Even you probably have years of expertise or maintain senior roles, your diploma wants to be acknowledged regionally earlier than you may legally follow, examine, or be employed in many sectors in the UAE.
As of November 1, 2024, all certificates equivalency companies in the UAE at the moment are dealt with by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR). Previously managed by the MoE, this transition brings:
All purposes should now undergo the MoHESR Equivalency Service Portal, which integrates verification and software underneath a single system.
The Certificate of Equivalency software course of is necessary and entails 5 detailed phases. You should full them in order, every stage is dependent upon the profitable completion of the one earlier than it. Here’s a full breakdown:
What this stage is for:To verify that your tutorial paperwork (like your diploma and transcript) are authentic, reliable, and formally issued by a acknowledged academic establishment in your nation.Who wants to do that:Everyone making use of for an equivalency certificates, regardless of your nation of examine.What paperwork are required:
Steps to comply with:
Why this issues: Attestation is the first proof that your paperwork weren’t faked or misrepresented. Without this, your software will likely be rejected earlier than it even begins.
What this stage is for:To confirm that your college or school is accredited and that your particular qualification was genuinely awarded. This is completed by official MoE-authorized verification companions.Authorized verification accomplice corporations:Who wants to do that:Everyone, it is a necessary step.Steps to comply with:1. Go to the web site of both:2. Create a private account.3. Submit the following paperwork digitally:
4. Make the required cost on-line (charge is dependent upon your diploma and establishment).Some verifications are accomplished inside 7–21 working days; delays can occur relying in your college’s response.5. Wait for the verification accomplice to contact your college or establishment instantly to verify that:
6.Receive your Verification Report:
Important: This step is totally different from attestation. While attestation proves your paperwork are legally endorsed, verification confirms the tutorial legitimacy of your diploma.
What this stage is for:Some candidates could also be requested to present a Genuineness Letter — a proper letter out of your college or embassy confirming that your qualification is genuine.Who wants this:
If required, comply with these steps:
Note: A Genuineness Letter will not be an alternative to verification. It nonetheless wants to undergo the official verification course of.
What this stage is for:To show that you just had been bodily current in the nation the place your diploma was awarded. The UAE requires proof that you just lived there throughout your research.What is an ICA Travel Report? Who wants this:
Who wants this:
How to apply:Option 1: ICA Customer Happiness Center (for all UAE residents)
Bring:
Option 2: DubaiNow App (just for Dubai visa holders)
Option 3: Tasjeel Centers
Why that is wanted: The UAE locations excessive significance on verifying in-person attendance, particularly to rule out distance studying from non-approved sources.
Once you’ve accomplished the first 4 phases: attestation, verification, (non-obligatory) genuineness letter, and ICA journey report, you’re prepared to apply for the Certificate of Equivalency.Platform to use:All purposes should now undergo the MoHESR Equivalency Services Portal.Steps to apply:
Skipping this course of may end result in:
In quick, this certificates will not be non-obligatory, it’s foundational for accessing every little thing from job markets to training and immigration pathways in the UAE. If you are relocating to the UAE for work, training, or long-term residency, getting your tutorial credentials formally acknowledged is a non-negotiable step. The Certificate of Equivalency ensures your hard-earned {qualifications} maintain worth in the UAE’s techniques, whether or not you’re aiming for a high college, a authorities job, or long-term residence by a Golden Visa. Following the course of rigorously and fully is essential to avoiding delays and unlocking new alternatives.Disclaimer: Information relating to the Certificate of Equivalency course of is topic to change and will differ primarily based on nation, curriculum, or qualification sort. For the most correct and up-to-date particulars, please seek the advice of the official UAE Ministry of Higher Education web site and approved verification companions reminiscent of DataFlow or QadraBay. This article gives normal steerage solely.