The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced updates to its policies regarding the recognition of foreign university degrees. These changes are aimed at improving the acceptance of degrees obtained through various non-traditional educational methods.

Under the new regulations, the ministry will now grant conditional recognition to degrees acquired through distance learning, open education, online education, and correspondence education. However, this recognition is contingent upon these degrees meeting specific criteria established by a dedicated ministerial committee.

The ministry has also specified that certain qualifications, including vocational certificates, training program certificates, and degrees from specialized programs aimed at particular student demographics, will not be recognized. A statement from the ministry emphasized the necessity for compliance with these new regulations for any students who have pursued non-traditional study modes.

To facilitate the degree recognition process, the ministry has appointed two external agencies—Dataflow and QuadraBay—as authorized partners for degree verification and equivalency certification. These agencies, recognized by the UAE’s educational authorities, are essential for authenticating qualifications prior to their official recognition.

The recognition process consists of two primary stages. First, applicants must verify the authenticity of their degrees through one of the ministry’s authorized verification partners, either Dataflow or QuadraBay. These agencies will validate the documents and confirm their legitimacy. Following verification, applicants can request an official recognition report from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The ministry has made it clear that the recognition service is entirely online, with no set application deadlines. Typically, the process takes about 30 working days. Additionally, applicants who wish to appeal a recognition decision have a three-month period to request a review.

In response to questions regarding the recognition of foreign degrees from non-traditional study formats, the ministry confirmed that each case will be evaluated individually. A crucial requirement is that the awarding institution must be accredited by the relevant academic authorities in its home country. Moreover, students must adhere to the study methods officially endorsed by their universities.

The ministry reiterated that it will not consider applications for vocational certificates not involving formal academic study, certificates from short-term training programs, or degrees granted through programs designed solely for specific student groups, among other exclusions.

Regarding fees for degree recognition, the ministry has outlined a structured fee schedule: Dh100 for a bachelor’s degree, Dh150 for a postgraduate degree, and Dh200 for a doctoral degree. The costs for initial degree verification may vary based on the country of study and the fees set by the awarding institution. Payments for recognition services can be processed electronically via e-Dirham or postpaid cards.

Furthermore, five primary conditions have been established for recognizing specialized professional qualifications, including diplomas and degrees from foreign universities. To qualify, applicants must follow their university’s study program, comply with the ministry’s recognition requirements, ensure that any university they transfer credits to is licensed and accredited, and if studying online, confirm that the university is recognized by the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education. Additionally, for medical and engineering degrees, master’s and doctoral applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in the same field.