The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced new rules for recognizing foreign university degrees. These changes affect students and professionals who obtained degrees through distance learning, online courses, and other non-traditional education methods.
New Rules for Degree Recognition
Under the new policy, degrees earned through distance learning, open education, and online programs will be conditionally recognized. However, they must meet strict guidelines set by a special committee. The ministry has clarified that certain types of degrees and certificates will not be accepted.
The following qualifications will not be recognized:
- Vocational certificates and short-term training programs
- Degrees obtained through programs designed only for specific student groups (such as international students)
- Certificates that are part of a broader study program but do not constitute a full degree
- Other cases that do not meet the ministry’s criteria
New Degree Verification Process
To make the attestation process smoother, the ministry has appointed two official agencies, Dataflow and QuadraBay, to handle degree authentication and equivalency certification.
The process includes two steps:
- Degree Verification: Applicants must first verify their degree through either Dataflow or QuadraBay. These agencies will check if the degree is genuine.
- Official Recognition: After verification, applicants can request official recognition from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Fees for Degree Recognition
The ministry has set a fee structure for recognizing degrees:
- AED 100 for a bachelor’s degree
- AED 150 for a master’s degree
- AED 200 for a doctoral degree
Verification fees vary depending on the country where the degree was obtained and the issuing university’s policies. Payments can be made electronically through e-Dirham or postpaid cards.
To check pricing details for degree certificate attestaion, contact harf.
Five Key Conditions for Recognition
To qualify for recognition, degrees must meet five key conditions:
- The applicant must follow the study program as required by the university.
- The degree must comply with the ministry’s recognition standards.
- Any university to which credits are transferred must be accredited in its home country.
- If studying online, the university must be recognized by the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education, and online study hours should not exceed 18 credit hours per semester (or equivalent in other systems).
- For medical and engineering degrees, applicants for master’s or doctoral programs must hold a bachelor’s degree in the same field.
What This Means for You
If you obtained your degree through an online or distance learning program, check if it meets the UAE’s new standards. The ministry advises all applicants to verify their qualifications before applying for jobs or further studies in the UAE.
