When it comes to living, working, or studying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), understanding the equivalency certificate is crucial for those who hold foreign academic qualifications. If you're asking "what is equivalency certificate UAE?", you're not alone. At Sharp Attestation, we help individuals and professionals navigate this important academic recognition process to ensure their qualifications are officially accepted by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE).
What is Equivalency Certificate UAE?
An equivalency certificate in the UAE is an official document issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE) that certifies a foreign academic qualification as being equivalent to a specific degree level recognized in the UAE educational system. It verifies that your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree earned from outside the UAE is comparable to similar programs offered by UAE universities.
This certificate is mandatory for many official purposes in the UAE, including employment in certain fields, higher education admission, and professional licensing.
Why is an Equivalency Certificate Required in the UAE?
The UAE maintains high academic standards, and the Ministry of Education wants to ensure that all degrees used for employment or academic purposes meet the same quality levels. You’ll need an equivalency certificate if:
✅ You’re applying for a teaching license or education job in the UAE.
✅ You’re pursuing a postgraduate degree in a UAE university.
✅ You’re seeking employment in regulated professions like engineering, law, medicine, and more.
✅ You’re getting a professional license from UAE regulatory bodies (e.g., DOH, MOH, KHDA, MOE).
✅ You want your degree to be officially recognized by government departments.
Without this certificate, your foreign degree may not be accepted by employers, universities, or licensing authorities in the UAE.
Types of Degrees That Require an Equivalency Certificate
Educational Levels Covered:
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Doctorate (Ph.D.)
Fields Where Equivalency is Commonly Required:
Education & Teaching
Engineering & Architecture
Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health
Law & Legal Studies
Business & Finance
Media & Communications
At Sharp Attestation, we guide you through the entire process of applying for an equivalency certificate UAE no matter your field or country of graduation.
Eligibility Criteria for Equivalency Certificate UAE
To apply for an equivalency certificate, you must meet the following conditions:
The university must be internationally accredited and recognized by the UAE MOE.
The program must be conducted in a full-time and on-campus mode.
For bachelor’s degrees: Must have completed 12 years of school education before admission.
For master’s or doctoral degrees: Must provide proof of previous degree levels.
Must provide a valid accreditation report if requested.
The country of study and the institution must follow standard academic procedures (no distance education, unless specifically approved).
Required Documents for Equivalency Certificate in UAE
To process your equivalency request, the following documents are typically required:
Passport copy
Visa page or Emirates ID
Attested degree certificate (attested by home country authorities + UAE embassy + MOFA UAE)
Transcripts/Mark Sheets
Accreditation letter from the university or ministry
Proof of regular study (attendance certificate, migration certificate, etc.)
Thesis or research paper (for master’s/PhD degrees)
Authorization letter (if applying via agency)
Note: All documents must be translated into Arabic (if required) and properly attested.
How to Apply for an Equivalency Certificate in UAE
The application is submitted online through the Ministry of Education – UAE (MOE) portal. Here's a simplified process:
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Ensure all academic documents are fully attested and translated (if needed).
Step 2: Create MOE Account
Register on the MOE website and start a new equivalency application.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload all documents in the proper format.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Submit the application and pay the required fee online.
Step 5: Wait for Evaluation
The MOE reviews the application. They may request additional documents.
Step 6: Receive Certificate
If approved, the equivalency certificate will be issued electronically and/or by mail.
Time Required to Get an Equivalency Certificate
The processing time depends on the country of graduation, complexity of the case, and MOE response time.
Standard cases: 15 to 25 working days
Complex or international cases: Up to 40 working days or more
Express services: Not typically available
Common Reasons for Rejection of Equivalency Application
Degree obtained via distance learning or online mode (not approved).
Incomplete attestation of documents.
Non-recognized university or program.
Failure to submit research documents for higher degrees.
Inconsistent academic timeline or insufficient schooling years.
Sharp Attestation – Your Partner for Equivalency Certificate UAE
Navigating the equivalency certificate UAE process can be overwhelming. At Sharp Attestation, we provide:
✅ Document Attestation & Legalization
✅ Translation Services (to Arabic or English)
✅ Complete Guidance on Equivalency Application
✅ Submission and Follow-up with MOE
✅ Hassle-Free Document Collection & Delivery
✅ Support for More Than 100 Countries
We work with graduates from India, Pakistan, UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Philippines, Nigeria, and many other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is an equivalency certificate mandatory for jobs in UAE?
Yes, especially for professions in education, healthcare, law, and engineering.
Can I apply for an equivalency certificate from outside the UAE?
Yes, as long as you have all the required documents and a valid UAE ID or sponsor.
Can I use an online degree for equivalency?
Generally, no. The UAE MOE does not accept online or distance learning degrees unless they are from specially approved universities.
How can Sharp Attestation help me?
We handle everything—from attesting your documents to submitting your MOE application and following up till approval.
Contact Sharp Attestation Today
Don’t let paperwork stand in the way of your career or academic goals. Trust the experts at Sharp Attestation to help you get your equivalency certificate UAE approved without stress.
? Phone: 050 218 4107
? Website: www.sharpattestation.com
