UAE Simplifies Foreign Degree Recognition
The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has rolled out a recently overhauled system to simplify the recognition of international university degrees, marking a significant step toward attracting global talent and supporting international students and professionals in the country.
The Recognition Report, an official document confirming that a foreign qualification aligns with UAE’s approved academic and professional standards, is now easier and faster to obtain through a digitized, streamlined application process. This report is recognized by all federal and government entities across the Emirates as proof of degree authenticity — a must-have for employment, postgraduate admissions, and certain visa applications.
Key reforms reduce required documents from 14 to just four, cutting paperwork by 70%. This has already resulted in a sharp rise in recognised qualifications, nearly doubling numbers from 5,780 to over 12,000 in the past year. Notably, the new system accepts degrees earned through online and distance learning programs (excluding select professions like medicine, engineering, and law), reflecting growing global demand for flexible education.
Applicants can now submit credentials online, verified by trusted third-party agencies such as DataFlow and QuadraBay. MoHESR aims to maintain a turnaround time of about 30 working days. Additional review may be required in exceptional cases, which can extend processing times.
Applicants must submit original and authentic certificates from officially accredited institutions dating to their enrolment period. Failure to provide complete and accurate documents within 30 business days after notification may result in application closure.
Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Director of MoHESR’s International Education Support and Scholarships Department, noted, “This updated system integrates with local scholarship bodies and uses unified standards across all specialisations, enhancing the educational experience and easing certificate recognition for career and academic progression.”
This move aligns with the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, aiming to boost efficiency and citizen-friendly public services, further supporting the nation’s goal to become a global education and talent hub.
For full details and to apply for degree recognition, applicants are advised to visit the official MoHESR website.
