Whether you are moving to the VAE to promote your career, start the university or apply for a long -term residence permit, such as the Golden Visa, one document is the key to unlocking your future: the certificate of equivalence. Published by the Ministry of Education of the VAE, this official document confirms that your foreign academic qualifications meet the educational standards of the country. Without this, opportunities can be delayed or even refused. Here is everything you need to know who needs it, why it matters and how you can get it.
What is a certificate of equality and who needs it?
A certificate of equivalence, also known as a certificate of recognition, is a formal document issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the VAE to verify that a diploma obtained outside the UAE is equal to the country’s academic benchmarks. This certificate proves that:
- Your qualification is of a recognized, accredited institution.
- Your academic program corresponds to both the standards of the Ministry of Education and International Academic Benchmarks.
You must obtain an equivalence certificate if you:
- Studying in the VAE: Universities can reject foreign qualifications without them.
- Working in the VAE: Required for regulated professions (semi -government, government) such as Engineering, Healthcare, Education and for promotions for management roles.
- Request a gold visa: Mandatory for highly qualified professionals and students who apply for a long -term residence permit.
- Looking for competent/level 1 Visa: Necessary for highly qualified aliens.
- Follow higher education: Especially for postdoctoral studies or the transfer of credits.
Even if you have years of experience or hold senior positions, your diploma must be recognized locally before you can practice, study or be used in many sectors in the VAE.
Major Update – Mohesr is now treating all equivalence services
From November 1, 2024, all certificate overview services in the VAE will now be handled by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR). Previously managed by De Toe, brings this transition:
- Streamlined application processes
- Consistent standards for recognition
- Unified Portal Access For Faster Service
All applications must now go through the MOHESR equivalence -service portal, which integrates verification and application under a single system.
The step -by -step process to get a certificate of equality in the VAE
The certificate of equivalence process is mandatory and includes five detailed phases. You must complete them in order, each phase depends on the successful completion of the before this. Here is a complete breakdown:
Phase 1: Degree certificate – Been that the documents are real
What this phase is for:To confirm that your academic documents (such as your diploma and transcript) are original, legitimate and officially published by a recognized educational institution in your country.Who should do this:Everyone applies a equivalence certificate, regardless of your country of study.Which documents are required:
- Original diploma certificate
- Original Academic Transcript
- Valid passport
- In some cases, a student -ID or proof of graduation date can be requested
Steps to follow:
- Contact your university to get your original certificate and transcript (if you don’t have them yet).
- Witnesses of your documents in the country where you studied. This includes three levels:
- Certificate by your university or university registrar
- Certificate by the Ministry of Education of your country (or equivalent authority)
- Certificate by the
Vae -amcassade In your home country
- Translate your documents into English or Arabic if they are in a different language.
- This translation must be legalized or certified.
- Keep both original and translated copies ready.
Why this matters: Attesting is the first proof that your documents have not been falsified or incorrectly proposed. Without this your application will be rejected before it even starts.
Phase 2: Degree -Verification – Confirming the issuing institution and the program are valid
What this phase is for:To check whether your university or university is accredited and whether your specific qualification was really awarded. This is done through official tired-authorized verification partners.Authorized verification partner companies:Who should do this:Everyone, this is a mandatory step.Steps to follow:1. Go to the website of both:2. Create a personal account.3. Subject the following documents digitally:
- ATTest -Graad certificate
- ATTest Transcript
- Passport
- Proof of residence (such as Emirates ID, Visa or lease contract)
- Details of your institution (name, address, website, contact)
4. Make the required payment online (reimbursement depends on your diploma and institution).Some verifications are completed within 7-21 working days; Delays can occur, depending on the answer from your university.5. Wait for the verification partner to contact your university or institution directly to confirm that:
- Your diploma is real
- Your institution is accredited
- The program corresponds to international academic standards
6. Receive your verification report:
- This includes a unique reference number
- You need this number for the final equivalence application
Important: This step is different from a certificate. Although certificate proves that your documents are legally approved, verification confirms the academic legitimacy of your diploma.
Phase 3: Letter of security (If necessary)
What this phase is for:Some applicants can be asked to offer a letter of authenticity – a formal letter from your university or embassy that confirms that your qualification is authentic.Who needs this:
- This is optional, and not always required
- Often apart from applicants from countries such as: US, VK, Canada, Australia
- Contact the MOHESR portal or contact their support to confirm whether your application requires this.
As rLike, follow these steps:
- Contact your university:
- Request a letter of authenticity that confirms your diploma has been officially awarded.
- Let it be validated by the embassy of your country in the VAE or your home country.
- Submit the letter to DataFlow of Qadrabay (even if it has already been issued):
- It must be converted into a verification report that is accepted by the authorities of the VAE.
Remark: A authenticity letter is not a replacement for verification. It must still go through the official verification process.
Phase 4: ICA Travel Report – Proof that you were studying in the country where the degree was published
What this phase is for:To prove that you were physically present in the country where your diploma was awarded. The VAE requires proof that you lived there during your studies.What is an ICA travel report? Who needs this:
- A record issued by the government with all access and exit data
- Confirms that you have not studied remotely or fraudulently
Who needs this:
- All applicants who studied outside
How to apply:Option 1: ICA Customer Happiness Center (for all residents of the VAE)
- Visit your nearest ICA center
To take:
- Emirates ID
- Passport
- Details of the study period (start and end dates)
Option 2: Dubainow -app (only for Dubai Visa holders)
- Log in with your VAE -Pass
- Go to “Request for travel report”
- Enter and send the date range
Option 3: Tasjeel Centers
- Walk to a bagjeel center and request the travel report
- Care for Emirates ID and Passport
Why this is necessary: The VAE attaches great importance to verifying personal presence, especially to exclude remote education from non-approved sources.
Phase 5: Submit your equivalence -request online
After you have completed the first four phases: certificate, verification, (optional) authenticity letter and ICA travel report, you are ready to request the certificate of equivalence.Platform to use:All applications must now go through the Portal of the MOHESR equivalence services.Steps to apply:
- Visit the civil servant Mohesr -Portal
- Log in using your VAE pass (you must have this setup first)
- Enter the equivalence application for
- Upload all required documents:
- Actuest degree and transcript
- Verified report (DataFlow or Qadrabay)
- ICA Travel Report
- Passport and Emirates -id
- (Optional) letter of authenticity, if applicable
- Enter your verification -reference number of Dataflow or Qadrabay
- Pay the application costs online
- Shipping and follow your application status via the same portal
Why the certificate of equivalence matters
Skipping this process can lead to:
- University admission delays or refusal
- Legal barriers for employment in technical, medical or education sectors
- Unwillingness for visa such as the Golden Visa or skills -based access tests
- Stuck promotions or vacancies in regulated industries
In short, this certificate is not optional, it is fundamentally for access to everything, from labor markets to educational and immigration paths in the VAE. If you move to the VAE for work, education or long-term residence, it is officially recognized that your academic references are recognized a non-negotiable step. The certificate of equivalence ensures that your hard -earned qualifications have value in the systems of the VAE, whether you strive on a top track, a job of the government or long -term stay via a gold visa. Following the process carefully is the key to prevent delays and to unlock new opportunities.Safeguard: Information about the certificate of the equivalence process can be changed and can vary based on land, curriculum or qualification type. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, consult the official website of the VAE Ministry of Higher Education and authorized verification partners such as Dataflow or Qadrabay. This article only offers general guidelines.
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