Want to study, work or settle in UAE? Don't skip the Certificate of Equivalency: Here's How to apply step by step

Whether you're moving to the UAE to advance your career, begin university, or apply for long-term residency like the Golden Visa , one document is key to unlocking your future: the Certificate of Equivalency. Issued by the UAE Ministry of Education , this official document confirms that your foreign academic qualifications match the country's educational standards. Without it, opportunities can be delayed or even denied. Here’s everything you need to know who needs it, why it matters, and how to get it.

What is a certificate of equivalency and who needs It?
A Certificate of Equivalency, also known as a Certificate of Recognition, is a formal document issued by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) to verify that a degree earned outside the UAE is equivalent to the country’s academic benchmarks.

This certificate proves that:

• Your qualification is from a recognized, accredited institution.
  
• Your academic program aligns with both UAE Ministry of Education standards and international academic benchmarks.
  
  

Who needs It?

You must obtain an Equivalency Certificate if you're:

• Studying in the UAE: Universities may reject foreign qualifications without it.
  
• Working in the UAE: Required for regulated professions (semi government, government) like engineering, healthcare, education, and for promotions to managerial roles.
  
• Applying for a Golden Visa: Mandatory for highly qualified professionals and students applying for long-term residency.
  
• Seeking Skilled/Level 1 Visas: Necessary for highly qualified foreign nationals.
  
• Pursuing higher education: Especially for postgraduate studies or transferring credits.
  
  

Even if you have years of experience or hold senior roles, your degree needs to be recognized locally before you can legally practice, study, or be employed in many sectors in the UAE.

Major update – MoHESR now handles all equivalency services
As of November 1, 2024, all certificate equivalency services in the UAE are now handled by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR). Previously managed by the MoE, this transition brings:

• Streamlined application processes
  
• Consistent standards for recognition
  
• Unified portal access for faster service
  
  

All applications must now go through the MoHESR Equivalency Service Portal , which integrates verification and application under a single system.

The step-by-step process to get a Certificate of Equivalency in the UAE

The Certificate of Equivalency application process is mandatory and involves five detailed stages. You must complete them in order, each stage depends on the successful completion of the one before it. Here’s a full breakdown:

Stage 1: Degree attestation – Proving the documents are real

What this stage is for:

To confirm that your academic documents (like your degree and transcript) are original, legitimate, and officially issued by a recognized educational institution in your country.

Who needs to do this:

Everyone applying for an equivalency certificate, regardless of your country of study. What documents are required:

• Original degree certificate
• Original academic transcript
• Valid passport
• In some cases, a student ID or proof of graduation date might be requested

Steps to follow:

Contact your university to get your original certificate and transcript (if you don’t already have them).

Attest your documents in the country where you studied. This involves three levels:

• Attestation by your university or college registrar
• Attestation by your country’s Ministry of Education (or equivalent authority)
• Attestation by the UAE Embassy in your home country

Translate your documents into English or Arabic, if they are in another language.

• This translation must be legalized or certified.
• Keep both original and translated copies ready.

Why this matters: Attestation is the first proof that your documents were not faked or misrepresented. Without this, your application will be rejected before it even starts.

Stage 2: Degree verification – Confirming the issuing institution and program are valid

What this stage is for:

To verify that your university or college is accredited and that your specific qualification was genuinely awarded. This is done through official MoE-authorized verification partners.

Authorized verification partner companies:

• DataFlow Group
• QadraBay

Who needs to do this:

Everyone, this is a mandatory step.

Steps to follow:
1. Go to the website of either:

• DataFlow Group
• QadraBay

2. Create a personal account.

3. Submit the following documents digitally:

• Attested degree certificate
• Attested transcript
• Passport
• Proof of residency (such as Emirates ID, visa, or tenancy contract)
• Details of your institution (name, address, website, contact)

4. Make the required payment online (fee depends on your degree and institution).

Some verifications are completed within 7–21 working days; delays can happen depending on your university’s response.

5. Wait for the verification partner to contact your university or institution directly to confirm that:

• Your degree is genuine
• Your institution is accredited
• The program matches international academic standards

6.Receive your Verification Report:

• This includes a unique reference number
• You’ll need this number for the final equivalency application

Important: This step is different from attestation. While attestation proves your documents are legally endorsed, verification confirms the academic legitimacy of your degree.

Stage 3: Genuineness Letter (If required)
What this stage is for:

Some applicants may be asked to provide a Genuineness Letter — a formal letter from your university or embassy confirming that your qualification is authentic.

Who needs this:

• This is optional, and not always required
• Commonly waived for applicants from countries like:USA, UK, Canada, Australia
• You should check with the MoHESR portal or contact their support to confirm whether your application requires it.

If required, follow these steps:

Contact your university:

• Request a Genuineness Letter confirming your degree was officially awarded.

Have it validated by your country’s embassy in the UAE or your home country.

Submit the letter to DataFlow or QadraBay (even if it’s already issued):

• It must be converted into a Verification Report to be accepted by the UAE authorities.

Note: A Genuineness Letter is not a substitute for verification. It still needs to go through the official verification process.

Stage 4: ICA Travel Report – Proving you studied in the country where the degree was issued
What this stage is for:

To prove that you were physically present in the country where your degree was awarded. The UAE requires proof that you lived there during your studies.

What is an ICA Travel Report? Who needs this:

• A government-issued record showing all entry and exit dates
• Confirms that you did not study remotely or fraudulently

Who needs this:

• All applicants who studied outside the UAE

How to apply:

Option 1: ICA Customer Happiness Center (for all UAE residents)

• Visit your nearest ICA center

Bring:

• Emirates ID
• Passport
• Details of the study period (start and end dates)

Option 2: DubaiNow App (only for Dubai visa holders)

• Log in using your UAE PASS
• Go to “Request for Travel Report”
• Fill in the date range and submit

Option 3: Tasjeel Centers

• Walk in to a Tasjeel center and request the travel report
• Provide Emirates ID and passport

Why this is needed: The UAE places high importance on verifying in-person attendance, especially to rule out distance learning from non-approved sources.

Stage 5: Submit your equivalency application online
Once you’ve completed the first four stages: attestation, verification, (optional) genuineness letter, and ICA travel report, you’re ready to apply for the Certificate of Equivalency.

Platform to use:

All applications must now go through the MoHESR Equivalency Services Portal.

Steps to apply:

Visit the official MoHESR portal

Log in using your UAE PASS (you must have this set up first)

Fill out the Equivalency Application For

Upload all required documents:

• Attested degree and transcript
• Verified report (DataFlow or QadraBay)
• ICA Travel Report
• Passport and Emirates ID
• (Optional) Genuineness Letter, if applicable

Enter your Verification Reference Number from DataFlow or QadraBay

Pay the application fee online

Submit and track your application status via the same portal

Why the certificate of equivalency matters

Skipping this process could result in:

• University admission delays or denials
  
• Legal barriers to employment in technical, medical, or education sectors
  
• Ineligibility for visas like the Golden Visa or Skill-based Entry Permits
  
• Stalled promotions or job offers in regulated industries
  
  

In short, this certificate is not optional, it is foundational for accessing everything from job markets to education and immigration pathways in the UAE.

If you're relocating to the UAE for work, education, or long-term residency, getting your academic credentials officially recognized is a non-negotiable step. The Certificate of Equivalency ensures your hard-earned qualifications hold value in the UAE’s systems, whether you’re aiming for a top university, a government job, or long-term residence through a Golden Visa. Following the process carefully and completely is key to avoiding delays and unlocking new opportunities.


Disclaimer: Information regarding the Certificate of Equivalency process is subject to change and may vary based on country, curriculum, or qualification type. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please consult the official UAE Ministry of Higher Education website and authorized verification partners such as DataFlow or QadraBay. This article provides general guidance only.