If you are looking to work, study, or settle in the UAE, obtaining an Equivalency Certificate is essential. This document will enable you to validate your academic qualifications abroad and undertake any employment or higher studies abroad.
In this article, we will explain how to apply for and obtain the equivalency certificate uae, its various requirements, and answer other questions you might have.
What is an Equivalency Certificate UAE?
In the simplest of terms, an Equivalency Certificate is issued by the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates. This document is provided to anyone who has studied abroad and wishes to validate their overseas degree in the UAE. It acts as a legally binding document that certifies degree holders that their acquired degree is acknowledged by the UAE education system, allowing them to seek further education and jobs or apply for residency within the UAE.
Who Needs an Equivalency Certificate?
You will require a UAE equivalency certificate if any of the following applies to you:
- Earning Certificate UAE: One aims to settle, work, or continue studies and has already completed them outside the UAE.
- Embassies often require such documentation when issuing visas or providing residency resources.
- I plan to undertake a postgraduate course at a university or college in the UAE.
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Documents Required to Apply for an Equivalency Certificate UAE
You will need to submit several documents to obtain an equivalency certificate in the United Arab Emirates.
- Valid Passport Copy: This document is used to identify the applicant as a person.
- Degree Certificate: This document states your educational qualification and should be attested by relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the home country.
- Transcript: This document represents either a copy of the academic transcript or a copy of the mark sheet.
- Translation of Documents: Documents that are not written in Arabic or English must be translated in a certified manner.
- Certificate of Good Conduct: This document is required in certain situations, for example, when applying for a teaching job.
- Emirates ID (for residents): The Emirates ID is to be provided by a resident of the United Arab Emirates.
How do you apply for an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Make sure that all your documents and degrees are attested by the relevant educational authorities. Also, ensure that the document translation is done properly wherever required.
Step 2: Apply Online through the MOE Portal
In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has a website that provides all the necessary information for the equivalences. Here is how you can do so:
Step 3: Go to the official MOE website or the “eServices” website.
Please create an account (you need one to apply). Complete the Option of Equivalency Document Application. Fill out the necessary details and documents of personal identification and the student’s academic records. Provide the appropriate papers, such as the degree and transcripts.
Step 3: Application Fee Payment
Complete the application payment, which is reasonably charged and can be made through the portal. Wait for the submission to be reviewed by the Ministry of Education. It can take a few weeks, depending on the work needed. The Ministry of Education might ask for more documents as they see fit. The process is to submit all the processes until the Equivalency Certificate is received. It begins with the approval of the application and then provides a duplicate of the certificate received. The Ministry will provide both options: download from the portal or provide the physical page-based method.
Cost of Applying for an Equivalency Certificate
| Certificate Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Degree Equivalency | AED 200 – AED 1,000 |
| Postgraduate Equivalency | AED 500 – AED 1,500 |
| Certificate Revalidation | AED 100 – AED 500 |
The fees depend on the type of degree and the application complexity. Be sure to check the specific fee structure on the MOE website before applying.
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How long will it take to complete an Equivalency Certificate?
If there are no complications, it will take 7 to 15 business days. Remember that this can be longer if other supporting material is needed and provided later or if it is further complicated in any way.
Applying for an Equivalency Certificate
To obtain an equivalency certificate, you are required to complete a specific form and submit it to the administrative authorities, along with several documents specified on the official website of the Ministry, which include your academic transcripts and other proof of qualifications, alongside the application payment fee ranging between 200-1000 AED. Check the corresponding fees with the Ministry before lodging your application.
How to Avoid Common Issues?
Issues in Attestation:
Most applicants who submit degrees with insufficient documents tend to have their applications rejected for failing for superficial reasons, such as owing their degree and the relevant transcripts and only needing to be attested. This serves as a highly relevant source of rejection.
Inadequate Applications:
It suffices to assert that an application’s documents must include everything required; no sheet of paper is to be left out. Relying on assumptions will prolong the entire verification cycle.
Nonaam-phone Issue:
Conclusively, such documents must be translated into Arabic or English if they exist in different languages, which would cause additional complications.
Conclusion
For people possessing foreign credentials, obtaining an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE is an important requirement for working, studying, or relocating in the UAE. Providing the relevant details and paperwork while applying for a certificate can facilitate the process and reduce unnecessary holdups.
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FAQ’s
How do the equivalency certificate and attestation differ from one another?
An equivalency certificate establishes the equivalency of your foreign degree with that of the UAE educational system. At the same time, attestation refers to validating the documents issued and certified by relevant officials in your country of origin.
What if my degree was earned through an online program?
Yes, as long as the degree received has been officially recognized. The jurisdiction of the online college or university is also considered to ensure the intended one is recognized.
Is an equivalency certificate required for every job in the UAE?
It depends on the job; some jobs, especially in government sectors, and some professional jobs, such as education and healthcare, require an equivalency certificate.
How do I check the status of my application?
After you submit an application, you can track the process through the following portal and log in to your MOE account.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
If your application was turned down, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will provide information on what went wrong. After fixing the issues, for example, by providing missing documents or explaining the inconsistencies, you can submit your application again.
