Validating Foreign Degrees in the UAE: A Complete Guide
If you have obtained your university degree outside the UAE and are considering employment in the region, it is crucial to ensure that your qualification is officially recognized. This process is vital for meeting the academic and professional standards set by the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), which is necessary for job applications, further education, and visa processes.
Understanding the Recognition Report
A Recognition Report is an official document issued by the MoHESR that confirms your foreign qualification aligns with the UAE’s educational standards and international benchmarks. This report is widely accepted by federal and government entities throughout the UAE as proof of your degree’s validity.
In some cases, your application may require additional review, which could extend the processing time. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the requirements and procedures involved in obtaining this report.
Eligibility Requirements for Recognition
To have your degree recognized, you must meet specific criteria:
1. **Authenticity of the Certificate**: The degree must be original and verified as authentic. 2. **Accreditation of the Institution**: The university or educational institution that awarded your degree must be accredited by the relevant authority in the country where you studied at the time of your enrollment. 3. **Complete Documentation**: All required documents and supporting materials must be submitted according to the Ministry’s guidelines.
If your application is incomplete, it will be returned to the authorized partner for you to provide the missing documents within 30 business days. Failure to respond after a reminder will result in automatic closure of your application.
Required Documents for Application
To successfully complete your application for a Recognition Report, you will need to gather several key documents:
1. **Qualification Verification Report**: Before your degree can be recognized, it must be verified. You can submit a verification request through one of the MoE’s accredited partners, such as QuadraBay, DataFlow, or VFS Global. Emirati students on scholarships may submit a letter from their sponsoring institution instead.
2. **Graduation Certificate**: Provide the original graduation certificate or an official equivalent from your university. If you do not have this document, you must request it directly from the institution.
3. **Legal Translation**: Any documents not issued in Arabic or English must be accompanied by a certified legal translation.
4. **Additional Academic Records**: – For Bachelor’s or Diploma degrees: Submit the official academic transcript, signed and stamped, covering the entire study period. – For Postgraduate degrees: Include a thesis abstract if your study was research-based.
It is important to note that the Ministry may postpone or reject applications that are missing required information. Additionally, application fees are non-refundable.
Understanding the Costs Involved
The total cost for obtaining a Recognition Report varies based on your qualification level and consists of two main stages:
– **Verification Fee**: This fee is determined during the submission process to the accredited partner and varies by case. – **Recognition Fee**: Payable to the Ministry, the fees are as follows: – Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree: Dh100 – Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s Degree: Dh150 – Doctoral Degree (PhD): Dh200
Additional fees may apply if your university is requested to provide extra documents.
Processing Timeline
The entire process typically takes around 18 working days:
– 15 working days for qualification verification – 3 working days for the issuance of the Recognition Report
Delays may occur if further evaluation is needed or if the awarding institution takes longer to respond.
Step-by-Step Application Process
To apply for a Recognition Report, follow these steps:
1. **Start a New Application**: Visit the Ministry of Education website and search for “Recognition Of University Certificates Issued Outside The UAE.” Click on “Start New Application.”
2. **Choose a Verification Partner**: Select one of the accredited partners for your verification process.
3. **Select the Verification Package**: Review your pre-filled details and choose the package that corresponds to your qualification.
4. **Submit Details and Pay Fees**: Enter your personal and qualification information, upload the required documents, and pay the applicable verification fee.
5. **Verification by Partner**: The partner will contact your university to confirm the authenticity of your degree. You may be asked for additional documents if any information is unclear.
6. **Receive Verification Report**: Once verified, a report with a reference number will be issued, which will be used for your recognition application on the Ministry’s platform.
7. **Complete Application on the Ministry Platform**: Log in to the MOE portal using your UAE Pass. If you do not have a UAE Pass, you can request IT assistance.
8. **Enter Your Reference Number**: Provide the verification report’s reference number and your date of birth. Review your details for accuracy and complete the payment for the recognition service.
9. **Receive the Recognition Result**: You will receive an email with the outcome of your application—either Recognised or Not Recognised. You can also download your Recognition Report directly from your MOE account.
FAQs
What is a Recognition Report?
A Recognition Report is an official document confirming that a foreign qualification meets the UAE’s academic and professional standards, necessary for employment and further education.
How long does the recognition process take?
The process typically takes around 18 working days, with 15 days for qualification verification and 3 days for the issuance of the Recognition Report. Delays may occur based on additional evaluations.
What documents are required for the application?
You need a qualification verification report, graduation certificate, legal translations of non-English documents, and additional academic records, depending on your degree level.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Recognition Report for your foreign degree is a crucial step for anyone looking to work or study in the UAE. By ensuring that you meet all eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documentation, you can navigate the application process smoothly. Be prepared for potential delays and follow up as needed to ensure your application is processed efficiently.
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