If you graduated outside the UAE and now live or work here, an employer, university, licensing body or visa authority may ask you to prove that your degree is accepted in the UAE. For university qualifications, this may be a recognition report issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR). Many people still call it an “equivalency certificate”.
The service is now referred to as Qualification Recognition. The final recognition decision rests with MOHESR.
Equivalency Certificate UAE: What Applicants Should Know
At Expert Attestation Services, we can assist you with preparing and submitting your MOHESR recognition application. Our team can guide you through the documentation requirements and application process, helping you prepare your documents before submission.
While the final decision rests with MOHESR, we can support you throughout the process and help minimise avoidable delays caused by incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents.
What Is Degree Equivalency and Qualification Recognition in the UAE?
MOHESR now calls this service Qualification Recognition. It replaced the equivalency process for university degrees, which is why you may see both terms on employer forms and job offers.
The result is a digital recognition report confirming whether your qualification, issued by an accredited institution outside the UAE, is accepted for use here. MOHESR describes it as a document for employment, further study, visas and government services.
Recognition is a two-stage process
Degree verification
A MOHESR-approved verification partner contacts your university to confirm that your degree is genuine.
MOHESR assessment
MOHESR reviews the file and issues its decision: Recognised or Not Recognised.
Our team can guide you through the MOHESR application stages and explain the documents required for your qualification.
Are Qualification Recognition and Attestation the Same?
These terms are often mixed up, and choosing the wrong service can cost you time and non-refundable fees.
A genuine attested degree can still be refused recognition if the awarding institution was not accredited when you studied there. Equally, recognition does not replace attestation when an employer or authority asks for both. Expert Attestation Services can also assist with document attestation.
Share the requirement received from your employer or relevant authority. We can help you identify the appropriate service.
Who Needs a Degree Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?
You may need a recognition report if you hold a degree from outside the UAE and any of the following applies:
Employment and promotions
Engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers, university lecturers and other professionals applying for jobs or promotions.
Further education
Students applying for postgraduate programmes at UAE universities.
Professional licensing and registration
Doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, engineers and teachers seeking professional licensing or registration in the UAE.
Golden Visa applications
Professionals applying under eligible skilled-worker or specialised professional categories.
Government services
Applicants whose relevant government authority specifically requires a degree recognition report.
If you are not sure which requirement applies to you, send us the request your employer or authority provided. We can help you understand the requirements and identify the appropriate service.
Qualifications Covered by MOHESR Recognition
MOHESR recognition applies to education qualifications from accredited institutions outside the UAE, including:
Whether your degree is from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the UK, Egypt or another country, the MOHESR recognition process follows the same general procedure.
Processing times may vary depending on how quickly the issuing university responds to verification requests and the checks carried out by MOHESR on the institution. The timeframe can therefore differ from one applicant to another and is beyond our control.
Documents Required for MOHESR Qualification Recognition
MOHESR has simplified the documentation requirements over the years. The main documents generally required for the application include:
Graduation certificate
A clear scanned copy of your degree certificate or an official equivalent issued by your university.
Passport copy
A copy of the passport photo page. The name should match the details on your degree certificate. If the names differ, supporting documentation linking the two names may be required.
Additional documents that may be requested
Depending on your qualification and the verification process, MOHESR or its verification partner may also request:
- Academic transcript: A complete transcript covering the full period of study, signed and stamped by the university where required.
- Thesis abstract: May be requested for research-based postgraduate qualifications.
- Certified translation: Required for documents issued in languages other than Arabic or English.
- Proof of name change: For example, a marriage certificate or other official document confirming the change of name.
Want to check your documents before applying?
Share a clear scanned copy of your degree certificate with our team. We can assist you in reviewing the documentation requirements before you proceed with your application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equivalency Certificates in the UAE
What is the difference between attestation and recognition?
Attestation confirms that the signatures and seals on a document are genuine. Recognition is MOHESR’s assessment of whether your qualification, from an accredited institution, is accepted in the UAE.
How long does degree recognition take?
According to MOHESR, degree verification through an authorised partner takes up to 18 days. Once verification is completed, the Ministry’s recognition report is issued within 2 working days, provided all requirements are met.
The overall timeframe may vary depending on the university’s response and any additional verification requirements.
Can Expert Attestation Services guarantee that your degree will be recognised?
No. MOHESR makes the final recognition decision. No company can guarantee the outcome.
Is this the process for Grade 12 certificates or UAE university degrees?
- School certificates are handled by the Ministry of Education.
- Degrees from UAE universities use a MOHESR service.
Need Assistance with MOHESR Qualification Recognition?
Whether you need assistance with document preparation, application submission or guidance on the recognition process, Expert Attestation Services is here to assist.
Contact our team in the UAE to discuss your qualification and the requirements for your application.
Get assistance today →The final decision on qualification recognition rests with MOHESR. Requirements and processing times may vary by application.