Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a wealth of opportunities, drawing talent from around the world in the fields of business, education, and employment. One important step that is often overlooked when starting your journey in this dynamic country is the process of equalizing your educational degree.
An Equivalency Certificate in the UAE is the process of accepting and verifying degrees or certifications earned from foreign educational institutions. This ensures that overseas degrees comply with the standards set by the Ministry of Education in the UAE. This blog will guide you through everything you need about equivalency certificates, including how to apply, required documents, processing time, and costs.
What is an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?
An Equivalency Certificate issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Education confirms that a degree awarded by a recognized institution outside the UAE meets the country’s academic standards and international education norms.
Many academic and vocational sectors require this certificate to validate the authenticity of degrees and certifications. The verification process prevents the misuse of fake degrees and applies to certifications obtained through online or distance education programs. However, certifications from open schools or non-UAE academic programs that do not meet UAE educational standards will not be equalized.
Who Can Apply for an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?
Anyone with an academic credential, including a secondary school diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD, can apply for this certificate. The following categories often require equivalency certificates:
- Students
- Students looking to continue their education in the UAE need an equivalency certificate for their prior educational qualifications to enroll in universities or colleges. Without this certificate, they may not be eligible for admission or may face delays in the enrollment process.
- Teachers
- In order to be considered for teaching positions at schools, colleges, or universities, candidates must obtain an equivalency certificate. This certificate serves to confirm the recognition of their degree and is a critical requirement for joining the teaching faculty.
- Doctors
- Doctors seeking a medical license from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the Department of Health (DOH), or the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) must obtain an equivalency certificate to complete their licensing process.
- Engineers
- If you’re looking to start a career in engineering, it’s important to know that you’ll need to get an equivalency certificate. This certificate is a key step for registering with the Society of Engineers (SOE) in Dubai.
- Foreign Nationals Applying for Government Jobs
- Foreign nationals who are seeking employment in government positions within technical or scientific domains are typically required to obtain an equivalency certificate for their academic degrees.
- Golden Visa Applicants
- Professionals applying for the UAE Golden Visa in the professional category are required to submit an equivalency certificate for their educational qualifications as part of the application process. This certificate serves to validate the educational credentials in accordance with UAE standards.
Documents Required for Equivalency in UAE
To apply for an equivalency certificate, you will need the following documents:
- Documents Required for Equivalency in UAE
- To apply for an equivalency certificate, you will need the following documents:
- Original and copy of the Educational Certificates
- Fully attested educational certificate
- Academic Transcripts
- Accreditation from Educational Insitution
- Passport copy
- Any additional requirements specified by MOE
Procedure for Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate
The process for obtaining an equivalency certificate involves several steps:
Step 1: Certificate Attestation
Ensure that your educational certificate is attested by both your home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, if your degree is not in English or Arabic, it is important to have it translated by a certified translator.
Step 2: Apply for a Genuinity Certificate
Apply/Request a legitimate certificate to confirm that your degree was issued by an accredited institution. This process requires communication between the Ministry of Education, the university, and the UAE embassy or consulate.
Step 3: Double Check Attestations
Make sure your documents include the necessary attestations in the original copies. This should involve attestations from the following entities:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of study.
- The UAE Embassy in the country of study.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.
Step 4: Apply for Equivalency
Once you have obtained the genuineness certificate and double-checked your documents to include all the Attestations needed, you can apply for the equivalency certificate through the Ministry of Education’s online portal. Ensure all the required documents are submitted.
Step 5: Payment
To process the equivalency certificate, please be advised that an application fee is required. This fee varies based on the educational level of the certificate being requested.
Step 6: Review and Approval
Upon the submission of your application, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will conduct a thorough review of your application and the accompanying documentation. This review process may require several weeks to complete. Upon successful approval, the MOE will issue an equivalency certificate, which will be available for collection.
Processing Time and Costs
The time and costs for obtaining an equivalency certificate vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the issuing university. Generally:
- Genuinity Certificate: Takes up to 30 days
- MOE Review and Approval: This process may take several days or weeks.
- Equivalency Certificate: Once approved, the MOE will issue the equivalency certificate.
The costs varies and may include certificate itself, government processing fees, and specific charges imposed by the university. These costs may vary depending on the institution and the country in which it is located.
How Cervantes Legal Translation Can Help You
Navigating the process of obtaining an equivalency certificate in the UAE can be complex and time-consuming. Cervantes Legal Translation is here to simplify the process for you with expert services and personalized guidance.
Why Choose Cervantes?
- Attestation Services: We ensure that all your educational documents are properly attested and meet the requirements of the UAE government.
- Legal Translation Services: Need your documents translated into Arabic? Our Legal translators provide accurate, reliable translations tailored to your needs.
- Guidance Through the Process: We’ll assist you in obtaining your genuineness certificate by liaising with educational institutions and government offices.
- Prompt and Error-Free Services: Our team guarantees fast, efficient service while paying attention to every detail to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
Getting an equivalency certificate in the UAE can feel a bit overwhelming and take up a lot of your time. But don’t worry! Cervantes Legal Translation is here to make things easier for you with friendly expert services and personalized support every step of the way.
While the process may seem intricate, understanding each step and seeking professional assistance can make it much more manageable. Cervantes Legal Translation provides expert guidance, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for all your equivalency certificate and attestation needs.
