This internet browser is outdated and does not support all features of this site. Please switch or upgrade to a different browser to display this site properly.
Apply
HomeUAE Qualification Equivalency and Recognition 

UAE Qualification Equivalency and Recognition 

UAE Qualification Equivalency and Recognition 

All applicants of Curtin University Dubai may be required to obtain the UAE government equivalency/recognition for their previous qualifications.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) handles school (K-12 / Grade 12) equivalency and related school certificate services.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) handles higher education qualification recognition (university qualifications).
This recognition process must be completed to support your admission and continued enrolment.

What needs recognition (quick guide)

  • High school (secondary) certificates: required for entry to undergraduate programs (where applicable). 
  • Bachelor’s degrees: required for entry to postgraduate taught programs (where applicable). 
  • Master’s degrees: may be required for entry to postgraduate research programs (where applicable). 

Requirements and processes can differ depending on whether your previous studies were completed inside or outside the UAE. 

When should I complete this?

Students are typically granted time (e.g., up to one semester) to provide the required equivalency/recognition documentation, but we strongly recommend completing it before enrolment to avoid disruption to your studies.

You are responsible for ensuring compliance. Curtin University Dubai may take action if the required documents are not provided within the required timeframe.

Applicants who completed secondary schooling or a previous degree within the UAE

A) High school completed in the UAE

Depending on your curriculum and schooling type, you may need to use MoE services for school certificate attestation and/or equivalency. MoE provides service cards and online submission options. 

Useful MoE services (UAE schooling):
  • School certificate attestation (general education / within UAE, including non-ministerial curricula, as applicable).
  • Grade 12 equivalency (within UAE) service (where applicable). 
B) University qualification completed in the UAE

If your previous degree was completed at a UAE-based licensed institution, you may need to request MoHESR recognition (attestation) of qualifications issued inside the UAE.

MoHESR service (UAE university qualification): Recognition/attestation of academic and professional university qualifications issued in the UAE. 

Uploading your certificate(s)

If you already have your equivalency/recognition certificate at the time of application or offer acceptance, please upload it to your applicant/student portal under the requested documents.

If you are still awaiting your certificate, you may be granted provisional status and allowed to begin your studies, provided you upload the required equivalency/recognition documentation by the deadline communicated by Admissions.

Note: Some applicants may be exempt depending on the awarding institution, programme type, or pathway. If you are unsure, contact Admissions for guidance.

Applicants who completed secondary schooling or a degree outside of the UAE

Step 1: Attest your documents (outside the UAE)

Before applying for equivalency/recognition in the UAE, you will typically need to have your certificates and supporting documents attested through the relevant authorities (this varies by country and document type). The UAE government’s official guidance explains the general approach to school certificate equivalency and requirements. 

In general, this may include verification/attestation by:

  • the issuing authority/board in the country of study,
  • the relevant ministry/authority in that country, and
  • UAE attestation steps as required for use in the UAE (process varies by jurisdiction and document type). 

If you are unable to complete attestations before enrolment, you may receive provisional status and be asked to provide a written commitment to submit the final equivalency/recognition within the required timeframe.

Step 2A: If you studied high school outside the UAE (Grade 12)

You may need to apply for MoE Grade 12 equivalency from abroad (using your attested documents). 

Step 2B: If you completed a university degree outside the UAE (for postgraduate entry)

MoHESR provides qualification recognition for university certificates issued from outside the UAE. 

In some cases, your degree may need to be verified by an authorised partner before you submit the qualification recognition application. One such MoHESR-linked verification route is available via the MoHESR/VFS portal. 

FAQ