Ministry clarifies rules for recognising educational degrees from outside UAE

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) has stated that it recognises university, open education, e-learning and correspondence education degrees issued outside the country through the affiliation system and according to specific regulations, noting that it has two trusted partners abroad accredited to verify qualifications.

In reply to a question about recognition of university qualifications issued outside the UAE, the MOHESR stated on its website that all study methods were being considered, provided that the educational institution is accredited by academic accreditation agencies in the country of study, where a student abides by the study method approved by the university.

The MOHESR affirmed that the qualification recognition committee would neither consider recognition requests for vocational certificates of education that do not include study, nor certificates granted as a result of training courses.

Other cases that would not be considered include documents and academic records if they are part of the study to attain a scientific degree, cases that clearly violate internationally recognised academic systems, programmes limited to specific segments of students, such as those designated for foreign students, and any other cases that do not meet the standards and conditions.

The MOHESR explained that Dataflow and QuadraBay are two external agencies accredited to verify qualifications and are trusted partners.

Both partners provide the verification document and certify the embassy letters, it said, noting that applying through one of these two agencies is mandatory for the first stage of the process of obtaining the qualification recognition certificate.

Recognition of a qualification is done through two stages, the first is verifying the validity of the qualification, and the second is specific to recognition of the qualification, it said.

It indicated that the service of recognition of qualifications issued outside the UAE is 100 per cent electronic and there is no specific time to provide the service.

The period required for recognising a qualification is 30 working days, while the period allowed for applying to reconsider the recognition decision is three months from the date the recognition decision is taken.

As far as fees are concerned, the MOHESR explained that the fees that a graduate must pay to either of the trusted partners to have his qualification authenticated vary based on the country of study and the fees that may be imposed by the university or the granting body determined by the MOHESR-approved service providers.

After the first stage is completed, it is possible to apply for a certificate of recognition after paying a fee of Dhs100 for a bachelor’s degree, Dhs150 for a postgraduate degree and Dhs200 for a doctorate degree. Electronic payments are accepted via the e-Dirham card or post-paid cards.