The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has introduced revised regulations for recognizing foreign university degrees, including provisions for online and distance learning qualifications under specific conditions.

Conditional Recognition for Online and Distance Learning Degrees

The ministry will now grant conditional recognition to degrees earned through distance learning, open education, online courses, and correspondence programs, provided they meet specific criteria set by a dedicated ministerial committee. However, vocational certificates, training programs, and specialized degrees for specific student groups will not be recognized.

Two-Step Degree Recognition Process

The recognition process is streamlined into two key stages:

1. Verification of Degree Authenticity:

   • Applicants must verify their qualifications through authorized agencies, Dataflow or QuadraBay, which authenticate documents before they proceed for official recognition.

2. Official Recognition by the Ministry:

   • Once verified, applicants can obtain an official recognition report from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

This fully online process takes approximately 30 working days, with a three-month appeal window for reconsideration requests.

Recognition Criteria and Conditions

Each degree is assessed individually based on accreditation in the home country and adherence to approved study methods. The ministry will not recognize:

• Vocational certificates without formal academic study.

• Short-term training program certificates.

• Academic documents that form only part of a broader study program.

• Degrees from specialized programs limited to international students.

To qualify for recognition, applicants must:
Follow their university’s official study program.
Ensure the awarding institution is accredited in its home country.
Verify that credit transfers are made to licensed institutions.
Ensure online degrees meet UAE-approved distance learning criteria (maximum 18 credit hours per semester).
Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s or doctoral programs in medical and engineering fields.

Fees for Degree Recognition

The ministry has set the following fees for degree recognition:

• Dh100 – Bachelor’s degree

• Dh150 – Postgraduate degree

• Dh200 – Doctoral degree

Verification fees vary based on the country of study and institution-specific costs, with payments made via e-Dirham or postpaid cards.

With these new policies, the UAE aims to ensure the quality and credibility of foreign degrees while facilitating a structured and efficient recognition process for students and professionals.

 

 

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