The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a UAE Equivalency Certificate

An Equivalency Certificate, issued by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE), serves as an essential document for validating academic qualifications earned from recognized institutions outside of the UAE. It ensures that your degree meets the necessary academic standards and aligns with international education criteria. Whether you are a student, a professional, or an expatriate aspiring to work or pursue further education in the UAE, acquiring an Equivalency Certificate is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step required to obtain an Equivalency Certificate, highlighting the necessary documents and procedures.

Why is the UAE Equivalency Certificate Important?

The Equivalency Certificate is a mandatory requirement for individuals who want their international qualifications recognized in the UAE. Employers, universities, and even immigration authorities rely on this certificate to confirm that your academic credentials meet UAE standards. Without it, you may face challenges in securing a job, gaining admission to educational programs, or even obtaining a work visa in regulated professions.

Step 1: Attestation of Degree and Higher Secondary Certificate

The first and most critical step involves having your highest academic degree (Bachelor's or Master's) and Higher Secondary School (HSS) certificate attested by the UAE embassy in the country where they were issued. This step is essential to establish the authenticity of your qualifications.

Important Note: If your degree or HSS certificate is not in English or Arabic, it must be translated by a certified translator.

Documents Required for Attestation

• For Bachelor’s Degree:
• For Master’s Degree:

This attestation step is crucial as it lays the foundation for subsequent verification stages in the equivalency process.

Step 2: Obtaining a Genuineness Letter (if applicable)

In certain cases, the Ministry of Education may require a Genuineness Letter to confirm that your degree was issued by an accredited institution. To determine whether your country requires a genuineness letter, consult the Ministry of Education's list of countries. This verification process may involve coordination between the UAE embassy or consulate, your university, and the Ministry of Education.

• For applicants from India: You must apply for Verification of Educational Documents.

Step 3: Applying for an ICA Travel Report

The next step in the process is to provide an ICA travel report. This report includes crucial information about your entry and exit dates, passport details, and the ports of entry/exit. It serves to verify your stay in the country where your qualification was obtained.

The ICA travel report can be obtained from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You can request the report through several channels, including:

• The ICA Customer Happiness Center
• Online platforms
• The Dubai Now App

Step 4: Submitting the Equivalency Certificate Application

Once you have completed the previous steps, you are ready to apply for your Equivalency Certificate through the MOE online portal. This portal allows you to submit all necessary documents digitally and track the progress of your application.

Documents Required to Apply:

• Valid Emirates ID (copy).
• Valid passport and visa page (copies).
• ICA Travel Report (entry and exit report).
• Genuineness Letter from the UAE embassy or consulate (if required).
• Attested degree certificate and Higher Secondary School certificate.
• Arabic Ministry Exam (for holders of Arabic passports).
• Islamic Studies Ministry Exam (for Muslims).

After completing the application on the MOE Equivalency Certificate Portal, make sure that all uploaded documents are clear, correctly formatted, and meet MOE standards.

Tips for a Successful Equivalency Application

1. Start Early: The equivalency process can take several weeks, depending on your documents and country of origin. Starting early ensures that you have enough time to address any unexpected delays.
2. Ensure Accurate Translations: If your certificates are in languages other than Arabic or English, make sure they are translated accurately by a certified translator.
3. Track Your Application: Always monitor the progress of your application using the online tracking tools provided by the MOE or authorized courier services. If any issues arise, take action promptly.
4. Be Proactive: Follow up with your university or the attestation office if your documents are taking longer than expected to process. Prompt communication can help avoid delays.

Why Choose GloboPrime to Assist with Your Equivalency Application?

At GloboPrime, we offer:

• End-to-End Document Support: From attestation to translation, we ensure your documents meet all MOE requirements.
• Application Assistance: We help you fill out forms accurately, reducing the chances of rejection or delays.
• Tracking and Follow-Up: We monitor the status of your application to provide you with timely updates.

Conclusion

Obtaining a UAE Equivalency Certificate is an essential step if you want your foreign qualifications recognized for career or academic opportunities in the UAE. By following this guide and preparing your documents correctly, you can expedite the process and avoid potential delays. Whether you are planning to enroll in an educational institution or advance your career in the UAE, GloboPrime is here to support you every step of the way.