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An Equivalency Certificate plays a crucial role for individuals who have completed their education abroad or under a foreign curriculum within the UAE. It serves as formal recognition that a foreign academic qualification is equivalent to the educational standards established by the UAE Ministry of Education.
This certificate is especially important for expatriates and UAE residents who need to validate their academic credentials to pursue higher education, apply for job opportunities, or secure professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, engineering, or law. Without an equivalency certificate, foreign qualifications may not be recognized by universities or employers in the UAE, limiting access to academic progression and career growth. Therefore, obtaining this certification is a mandatory step for many, ensuring that their international education is acknowledged and aligned with UAE regulations.
Here is your guide for How to get an equivalency certificate in UAE easily!
What is an Equivalency Certificate?
Imagine you’ve worked hard to earn your high school diploma or university degree in another country, only to find that you can’t use it in the UAE without a little extra validation. This is where the Equivalency Certificate comes into play—a crucial document that ensures your foreign academic qualifications are officially recognized in the UAE.
Definition: A Stamp of Approval
An Equivalency Certificate is like a seal of trust from the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). It validates that your foreign academic credentials—whether it's your high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, or even your postgraduate qualifications—meet the UAE’s educational standards. It’s the UAE’s way of saying, “Yes, we recognize your hard work, and your qualifications are now considered valid here.”
Why Do You Need It?
Picture this: you’ve landed in the UAE, ready to dive into your dream career or pursue further education. You approach an employer or university with your foreign qualifications, but they can’t accept them unless they’re recognized locally. This is exactly where the equivalency certificate becomes your golden ticket.
You’ll need this certificate if:
You’re applying to a university in the UAE.
You’re seeking a job that requires specific qualifications (think healthcare, engineering, or education).
You’re aiming for a professional license in regulated fields, where proving your educational background is essential.
Without this validation, your qualifications may not hold the same weight they did in your home country. It’s like bringing a foreign currency to a local market—you need to exchange it for the local equivalent to make it valuable.
Different Types for Different Needs
There are two primary types of equivalency certificates:
General Education Equivalency (Grade 12): This applies to students who’ve completed their high school education under a foreign curriculum. If you’ve studied a non-UAE curriculum in or outside the country, you’ll need this certificate to validate your grade 12 results, especially if you plan on continuing to higher education or entering the job market.
Higher Education Equivalency (Undergraduate & Postgraduate Degrees): If you’ve earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree from a foreign university, this certificate validates your qualifications for professional and academic purposes in the UAE.
In short, the Equivalency Certificate bridges the gap between foreign education and the UAE’s academic and professional standards, opening doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain closed.
The process may seem like a formality, but in a competitive market like the UAE, this certificate is essential for making your foreign qualifications work for you!
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Steps to Obtain the Equivalency Certificate for General Education (Grade 12)
Step 1: Document Check (Optional)
Before beginning the formal application, it's helpful to check the specific documents required based on your curriculum. Here’s how:
Visit the MOE Service Card page on the Ministry of Education’s website.
Find out the documents by:
Selecting your curriculum: Choose the relevant curriculum (e.g., British, American, IB, etc.).
Inputting relevant details: Provide details like the country of study and the type of diploma.
Viewing the list of documents: The system will generate a tailored list of documents required for your equivalency application.
Step 2: Application for Equivalency
Once you have your documents prepared, follow these steps to submit your application:
Log in to the Ministry of Education’s portal using your UAE PASS. Ensure that your UAE PASS account is verified. This is essential as it grants you access to the government’s online services.
Fill out Certificate Details: Enter your personal information along with specifics about your certificate (e.g., name of the institution, year of graduation, etc.).
Upload Required Documents: Attach the necessary documents (see next section for details on what you’ll need).
Submit Application for Review: After submitting, the Ministry will assess the documents. They may ask for additional documents if needed.
Payment: Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive a notification to make the required payment online.
Receive the Outcome: After payment and final processing, you will be issued the equivalency certificate, which can be downloaded or collected based on the instructions provided.
By following these steps, you ensure your foreign education credentials are officially recognized in the UAE, helping you move forward with higher education or employment.
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Application Fees and Processing Time
Application Fees:
The fees for applying for an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE range from AED 200 to AED 300, depending on the type of certificate and the curriculum you followed.
Additional fees may apply if you opt for urgent processing, which would expedite your application.
Processing Time:
Standard processing time is typically 10 to 15 business days. This timeframe applies once all required documents have been submitted and the application has been reviewed by the Ministry of Education.
Exceptional cases may take longer, as they may require a more thorough examination by the General Education Equivalency Committee. Such cases may involve rare curriculums or missing documents that need further verification.
It’s important to submit complete and accurate documentation to avoid delays and ensure the process moves smoothly.
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Conditions and Exceptions
Grace Period for Additional Documents:
If your application requires additional documents, you will be notified by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Applicants are given a 7-day grace period to submit the missing or additional documents.
If the required documents are not provided within this time frame, the application will be automatically closed. Before closure, the MOE will attempt to contact the applicant three times to remind them.
Special Cases:
In certain circumstances, such as rare or unusual curriculums or discrepancies in the documents, the application may be referred to the General Education Equivalency Committee for further review.
These cases usually require additional time and may involve more detailed checks and verifications.
Appeal Process:
If your application is rejected, there is an option to appeal the decision.
You can request a review or appeal through the MOE portal, submitting any relevant supporting documents or additional information to strengthen your case.
Lifting a Deportation Order (For Special Circumstances)
In rare cases, individuals who have previously been deported from the UAE may still apply for an equivalency certificate.
However, this process requires special permission from the relevant UAE authorities, such as the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FICA).
The applicant must present their case to the authorities, including the reasons for deportation and justifications for re-entering the country, before proceeding with the equivalency application.
How to Get Equivalency Certificate in UAE for Higher Education Certificates
If you’ve completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree abroad and plan to work or pursue further studies in the UAE, you’ll need to obtain an equivalency certificate to validate your foreign qualifications. The process ensures that your degrees meet UAE educational standards and are recognized officially.
Requirements
Before you can apply for an equivalency certificate, you must attest your degree and associated documents from relevant authorities. Here’s what you need:
Bachelor's and Master's Degrees: Must be fully attested by your home country and the UAE authorities.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from the institution where you completed your degree.
Passport Copy and Emirates ID: Proof of identity is required as part of the submission process.
Attested Documents: Your degree certificates must be attested by:
The education authority in your home country.
The UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs once you’re in the UAE.
Steps to Obtain Equivalency Certificate in UAE for Higher Education
Attest Your Degree in Your Home Country:
Begin by attesting your degree certificate from the relevant education authority in the country where the degree was awarded.
Ensure it is attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent authority) in your home country.
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation:
Once you’ve arrived in the UAE, get your degree certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This step is crucial to ensure that the document is officially recognized by UAE authorities.
Submit Your Application on the MOE Portal:
Log in to the Ministry of Education (MOE) portal using your UAE PASS. Ensure your account is verified for easy access to services.
Follow the similar steps as for General Education (Grade 12) equivalency, entering your personal and degree details.
Upload Required Documents: These include your attested degree, transcripts, passport copy, Emirates ID, and sometimes a university accreditation letter (depending on your institution).
Submit the Application for Review:
After uploading the necessary documents, submit your application for the MOE to review. They may request additional documents if needed.
Payment:
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive a notification to proceed with the payment online.
Receive the Equivalency Certificate:
After the payment is made and the documents are fully verified, you will be issued your equivalency certificate, officially recognizing your degree in the UAE.
Documents Required for the Equivalency Process
Attested Degree Certificate.
University Transcripts.
Passport Copy.
Emirates ID.
University Accreditation Letter (if applicable, to prove the institution’s legitimacy).
By following these steps, you can ensure that your foreign higher education qualifications are fully recognized in the UAE, making it easier for you to pursue further academic or professional opportunities.
This guide on how to get an equivalency certificate in UAE provides a structured pathway for validating your foreign education, ensuring that you meet the country's academic and professional standards.
Fees for Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate in UAE
When applying for an equivalency certificate in the UAE, there are fees associated with processing your application. These can vary depending on the type of certificate (General Education or Higher Education) and the urgency of the processing.
Standard Application Fee: Ranges from AED 200 to AED 300.
Additional Fees: There may be extra charges for urgent processing, which allows you to expedite your application.
It's important to review the specific fee structure during the application process on the Ministry of Education (MOE) portal, as it may change based on the applicant's individual needs.
Fields That Require Equivalency Certificates to Work in the UAE
In the UAE, equivalency certificates are required for individuals working in specific regulated fields to ensure their foreign qualifications meet the local standards. The equivalency certificate confirms that their education aligns with the UAE's academic framework. Here are the fields that typically require equivalency for employment:
1. Education Sector
Teachers, professors, and academic administrators applying to work in UAE schools or universities are required to have their foreign qualifications equated to the UAE’s standards. Without equivalency, foreign degrees may not be accepted for professional licensing or employment in educational institutions.
2. Healthcare Sector
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals must have their degrees and professional qualifications attested and equated before obtaining a license to practice in the UAE. Authorities like Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Ministry of Health (MOH), and HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) require equivalency to verify that professionals meet the required educational standards.
Medical certification (e.g., from Prometric exams or licensing authorities) is also part of the process but is separate from academic equivalency.
3. Engineering and Architecture
Engineers and architects looking to work in the UAE must have their engineering degrees validated through equivalency. Many government and private sector positions, especially those in civil, mechanical, electrical, or construction engineering, require this certification for professional licensing and work permits.
4. Legal and Judicial Fields
Lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals need to equate their law degrees to UAE standards if they obtained their qualifications from foreign institutions. This process is essential for anyone aiming to work in legal advisory roles or within the judiciary.
5. Government and Public Sector Jobs
Many government jobs in various sectors (e.g., administration, public relations, and human resources) require that applicants’ degrees are equated. Equivalency is needed to ensure that the educational qualifications meet the requirements for employment in UAE public services.
6. Accounting and Finance
For roles such as chartered accountants, financial analysts, or auditors, having a foreign degree recognized through equivalency is often required by employers or professional licensing bodies to practice in the UAE.
7. Information Technology (IT)
While many IT roles may not mandate equivalency, higher-level positions in cybersecurity, networking, and software engineering within certain organizations or government entities may require that degrees are equated with UAE standards.
8. Specialized Technical Roles
Certain technical professions in fields like aviation, oil and gas, and telecommunications may require degree equivalency, especially when applying for professional licenses or permits in these specialized industries.
Additional Note:
Even if your field is not specifically regulated, some employers may still require equivalency for foreign degrees as part of their hiring criteria, especially for senior positions or roles in multinational companies.
What is the difference between certificate attestation and Equivalency?
Certificate attestation and equivalency serve different purposes but are often part of the same process when validating foreign educational qualifications in the UAE.
Certificate Attestation:
Purpose: Certificate attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of documents, such as educational degrees or certificates, issued by foreign institutions. This step ensures that the document is genuine and recognized by the relevant authorities in the country where it was issued.
Process: The document must be attested by several authorities:
Issuing country: The Ministry of Education or another authorized body in the country where the certificate was issued must verify the document.
UAE Embassy or Consulate: The UAE embassy or consulate in the issuing country then verifies the attested document.
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Once in the UAE, the document must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Applicability: This process is required for validating any foreign certificate, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and educational qualifications, ensuring they are recognized by UAE authorities.
Equivalency:
Purpose: Equivalency is the process of confirming that the content and level of a foreign qualification meet the academic standards of the UAE. It ensures that the foreign degree or certificate aligns with the educational framework of the UAE.
Process: After attestation, the document must be submitted to the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) for equivalency. The MOE assesses whether the foreign qualification is equivalent to the corresponding degree or certificate in the UAE.
Applicability: Equivalency is required for educational purposes such as pursuing higher education, obtaining professional licenses, or applying for jobs in certain sectors that require validated academic credentials.
Key Differences:
Attestation confirms the authenticity of the document, while equivalency evaluates the academic content and level of the qualification to determine if it meets UAE standards.
Attestation is required for all types of certificates, including non-educational ones, while equivalency specifically deals with academic qualifications like high school diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
In summary, certificate attestation is the first step to validate that a document is real, and equivalency ensures the academic qualifications are recognized by UAE standards for further education or professional purposes.
FAQs about how to get Equivalency Certificates in uae
1. How long does it take to get the equivalency certificate in UAE?
Typically, the process takes 10 to 15 business days once all required documents have been submitted and the application is reviewed by the Ministry of Education (MOE). However, the time frame may extend if the case is complex or if additional documents are required. For cases that are sent to the General Education Equivalency Committee for further review, the processing time might be longer.
2. Can I apply for equivalency without a UAE PASS?
No, UAE PASS verification is mandatory for accessing the MOE online services. This national digital identity ensures secure access to government services, including applying for an equivalency certificate. To proceed with your application, make sure your UAE PASS account is fully verified.
3. What if I cannot provide the required documents within 7 days?
If you are unable to provide the required documents within 7 days of the request, the Ministry of Education will close your application after three contact attempts. It’s important to submit all documents promptly to avoid delays or the need to reapply.
4. What is the procedure for an equivalency certificate in UAE?
The procedure for obtaining an equivalency certificate involves several steps:
Document attestation: Ensure your degree or diploma is attested by your home country’s authorities and the UAE Embassy or Consulate.
MOFA Attestation: Once in the UAE, have the document attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Submit the application: Log in to the MOE portal using UAE PASS, upload the required documents, and complete the application.
Review and payment: The MOE will review your application, and after payment, you will receive your equivalency certificate.
5. How much is the payment for equivalency certificate in UAE?
The payment for an equivalency certificate in the UAE typically ranges from AED 200 to AED 300. Additional fees may apply for urgent processing or specialized cases. It’s advisable to check the MOE portal for the latest fee structure.
6. How many days will it take for equivalency certificate in UAE?
The standard processing time is 10 to 15 business days, but exceptional cases that require further investigation or additional documents may take longer.
7. What documents are required for an equivalency certificate in UAE?
The required documents vary depending on the type of certificate (general or higher education) but generally include:
Attested degree certificate
Transcripts from your educational institution
Passport copy
Emirates ID
University accreditation letter (if required) Ensure all documents are attested by the relevant authorities before submission.
8. What is the benefit of an equivalency certificate in UAE?
An equivalency certificate ensures that your foreign academic qualifications are recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education, allowing you to:
Pursue higher education in UAE universities.
Gain employment in regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and engineering.
Obtain professional licenses where educational qualifications are required.
9. What is UAE equivalency of Indian degrees?
Indian degrees can be equated to UAE standards through the equivalency process, but they must first be attested by the Indian authorities, followed by attestation from the UAE Embassy in India, and finally by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After attestation, the degree must be submitted to the MOE for equivalency verification.
10. How to check equivalency in UAE?
You can check the status of your equivalency application by logging into the MOE portal using your UAE PASS. Notifications about the progress of your application will be sent to you, and you can track it online until completion.
11. What is the equivalency exam in UAE?
The equivalency exam refers to certain assessments required in specific fields (such as healthcare) to validate that the individual’s foreign qualifications meet UAE standards. For instance, medical professionals may be required to pass the Prometric exam in addition to having their degree equated.
12. How do I attest my degree for UAE?
To attest your degree for the UAE, follow these steps:
Have the degree attested by the education authority in your home country.
Get it attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Once in the UAE, have the document attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
13. How much does degree attestation cost in UAE?
The cost of degree attestation in the UAE typically ranges from AED 150 to AED 200 per document for MOFA attestation. Additional fees may apply for the attestation in your home country and at the UAE Embassy.
14. How many days will it take for UAE attestation?
The UAE attestation process typically takes 2 to 5 business days for each step, depending on the workload of the respective authorities. Attestation in your home country may take longer depending on the specific procedures there.
15. Can I go directly to MOFA for attestation?
Yes, you can visit the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) directly for attestation. However, it’s recommended to book an appointment online through their official portal to avoid long wait times.
Understanding how to get an equivalency certificate in the UAE is essential for validating foreign academic qualifications. Whether you’re pursuing higher education or employment, following the proper steps—such as document attestation and submitting your application through the MOE portal—ensures your qualifications are recognized. With the right preparation and a clear process, obtaining the equivalency certificate can open up valuable opportunities in the UAE’s academic and professional sectors.
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Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for general informational purposes only. The details provided are based on the best information available at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice due to potential updates in educational policies or scheduling adjustments by the respective authorities. Readers are advised to contact the relevant offices directly for the most accurate and current information.