How to Get Equivalency Certificate in UAE?

Are you planning to study or work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? If so, one crucial document you must obtain is an Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is a document issued by the UAE Ministry of Education to validate academic qualifications obtained from recognized institutions outside the UAE. It verifies that the degree meets the required academic standards and international education criteria.

This certificate is essential for individuals who have completed their education outside the UAE and wish to pursue further education or employment in the country.

In this blog post, we will guide you through obtaining an Equivalency Certificate in UAE to prepare you for your academic or professional journey in this dynamic nation. Whether you are a student, a professional, or an expatriate seeking career opportunities in the UAE, obtaining this certificate is essential.

 

What is Equivalency Certificate UAE?

The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) issues an Equivalency Certificate or Certificate of Recognition. This certificate is an official document that verifies the compatibility of your foreign-acquired educational qualifications with the UAE’s academic standards.

This certificate is issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in the United Arab Emirates. It proves that your educational background meets the requirements to pursue further education or seek employment within the country. It bridges the gap between educational systems, ensuring your achievements are recognized and valued in the UAE.

Read Also: What is Equivalency Certificate UAE?

 

Step 1: Document Attestation

Here are two steps:

1.     Attestation from UAE Embassy/Consulate

To obtain an Equivalency Certificate, first, authenticate your academic credentials, including your highest degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) and High School/Secondary School certificate, through the UAE embassy or consulate in the country of issuance.

This process ensures the authenticity of your documents for the UAE authorities. It’s crucial to note that if your documents are in a language other than English or Arabic, they must be translated into one of these languages before attestation.

Sim-trans is the best Arabic translation company in Dubai, boasting a team of native translators and interpreters accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Choose Sim-trans to translate your document into any language. We provide more than 150 language translations.

For Bachelor’s degree applicants:

• The attested Bachelor’s degree
• Transcript
• High school/Secondary school certificate

For Master’s degree applicants:

• The attested Master’s degree
• Transcript
• Bachelor’s degree
• Transcript of the Bachelor’s degree

2.     Applying for a “Genuineness Letter” (for specific countries)

A genuineness letter from the UAE embassy is required for degrees from certain countries. This confirms your university’s accreditation.

To find out if your country needs this letter, look at the list of nations on the Ministry of Education website. The process involves communication between the Ministry of Education, the college or institution, and the UAE embassy or consulate.

For the list of countries requiring genuineness letters, https://www.moe.gov.ae/En/EServices/ServiceCard/Equ/Pages/CountriesList.aspx.

If you are an Indian citizen, you must apply through IVS Global, the accredited service provider, for the Verification of Education Document. The concerned university will receive the application for verification. To verify that your application has been delivered to the university, you may trace it on the Courier business website: https://www.dtdc.com/track.

Please contact DTDC Courier Company and ensure that the package is delivered to the appropriate university if there is any delay in courier delivery.

CGI Dubai – Track the Document: https://www.cgidubai.gov.in/track-the-document/.

 

Step 2: Obtain an ICA Travel Report

Securing an ICA travel report is essential to moving forward in the equivalency certificate process. This document outlines your travel history to the UAE, including entry and exit dates, ports, and passport details.

This report is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Applicants can request an ICA travel report through the ICA customer happiness center, their online portal, or the Dubai Now App, making the process accessible and straightforward.

 

Step 3: Apply Through the MOE Equivalency Portal

Here are two steps:

1.     Online Application

The MOE offers an online portal for equivalency certificate applications.  You’ll need a UAE Pass, which is the country’s digital identity system.

2.     Documents Required

The specific requirements might vary based on your specialization.

• Copy of a valid Emirates ID
• Copy of a valid visa page and passport
• ICA travel report (if needed)
• Genuineness letter (if required)
• Transcripts
• Attested degree certificate/award
• Provide Arabic ministry exam for Arabic passport holders
• Provide Islamic studies ministry exam for Muslims

Ministry of Education UAE Equivalency Certificate Portal:

https://www.moe.gov.ae/En/EServices/ServiceCard/pages/CertEquivalent.aspx.

 

Processing Time and Fees

Processing Time: On average, it takes five working days.

Fees: According to the MOE website, processing the application costs 50 AED.

 

Who Needs an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?

This certificate is required for:

1. Students enrolling in UAE institutes with foreign qualifications.
2. Teachers and lecturers aspiring to work in educational institutes.
3. Engineers who must register with professional entities like the Society of Engineers.
4. Healthcare professionals aiming to obtain medical licenses.
5. Expatriates seeking jobs in government entities and free zone companies.
6. This certification is also required for certain groups of Golden Visa applicants.

This wide range underscores the certificate’s significance across various fields and purposes in the UAE.

 

Equivalency Requirements for Different Curriculums

1. For students with a UAE high school diploma, achieving minimum scores in SAT, IELTS, or EMSAT is essential for equivalency.
2. Those who have pursued the British curriculum must have completed five approved subjects at the O/AS/A Levels.
3. International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma seekers must pass six subjects to meet the minimum scores for each.

See the MOE website for a list of all the criteria for the various global curriculums.

Read Also: Equivalency Certificate UAE: Top Reasons for Rejection and How Overcoming

 

Preparing Your Documents for Submission

Before submitting your application for an Equivalence Certificate:

1. Ensure that all documents are in order, including correctly attested and, if applicable, translated into English or Arabic.
2. Compile your highest degree certificate, academic transcripts, high school certificate, and any additional required documents such as the Genuineness Letter and ICA travel report.
3. Check the Ministry of Education’s guidelines for any specific formatting or additional documents needed.
4. Organizing your documents beforehand will streamline the application process and help avoid unnecessary delays.

 

What to Do If Your Application is Denied

If your application for an Equivalence Certificate is denied, carefully reviewing the rejection notice for specific reasons is vital. Often, issues can be resolved by providing additional documentation or clarifying misunderstandings. You can appeal the decision directly through the Ministry of Education’s portal, where you can submit any required information or corrections.

Addressing all the concerns mentioned in the denial is crucial to increase your chances of approval upon re-evaluation. Persistence and attention to detail are essential in successfully navigating this process.