How to Obtain an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction:

An Equivalency Certificate is a crucial document issued by the UAE Ministry of Education to validate academic qualifications earned from recognized institutions abroad. This certificate ensures that your degree meets the UAE’s academic standards and international education criteria. Whether you are a student, professional, or expatriate seeking career opportunities in the UAE, obtaining this certificate is essential. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Attesting Your Degree and High School Certificate

Begin by getting your highest academic degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) and High School/Secondary School (HSS) certificate attested by the UAE embassy in the country where you obtained them. If these documents are not in English or Arabic, they must be translated accordingly.

For a Bachelor’s degree, you will need:

• Attested Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Transcript of records
• Attested High School/Secondary School certificate (required for the Ministry of Education application)

For a Master’s degree, you will need:

• Attested Master’s degree certificate
• Transcript of records
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Transcript of the Bachelor’s degree

Step 2: Obtaining a 'Genuineness Letter' (If Required)

In some cases, a genuineness letter is needed to confirm that your studies were conducted at an accredited institution. Check the Ministry of Education’s list of countries to see if your country requires this letter. If needed, the process involves coordination between the UAE embassy, your college/university, and the Ministry of Education.

For Indian applicants, the Verification of Education Document can be done via IVS Global, the authorized service provider. The application will be sent to the relevant university for verification. You can track the status of your application through the courier company’s website to ensure it has been delivered to the university.

Step 3: Applying for an ICA Travel Report

To move forward with the equivalency process, you must obtain an ICA Travel Report, which details your entry and exit dates, ports of entry/exit, and passport information. This report can be acquired from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Applications for this report can be submitted through ICA customer happiness centres, online platforms, or the Dubai Now app.

Step 4: Submitting Your Application for the Equivalency Certificate

After completing the previous steps and gathering all the necessary documents, you can apply for the Equivalency Certificate via the Ministry of Education's online portal. Follow the instructions provided on their website to complete the application form accurately.

Documents Required for the Equivalency Certificate Application:

• Copy of valid Emirates ID
• Copy of valid passport and visa page
• ICA Travel Report (exit entry report)
• Genuineness letter (if applicable)
• Attested degree and higher secondary certificate
• Arabic Ministry exam results (for Arabic passport holders)
• Islamic Studies Ministry exam results (for Muslims)

Conclusion:

Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE is a necessary step to ensure that your academic qualifications are recognized within the country. By following the outlined steps—degree attestation, obtaining a genuineness letter if needed, applying through the Ministry of Education’s portal, and submitting the required documents—you can facilitate the recognition and acceptance of your academic credentials in the UAE.