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The UAE continues to establish itself as a global educational hub by introducing new regulations to streamline the recognition of qualifications issued by foreign higher education institutions (HEIs). The updated Ministerial Resolution No. (34) of 2025 by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) aims to simplify the process while ensuring the integrity and quality of recognized certificates. Here’s a comprehensive look at the new rules and what they mean for students and professionals in the UAE.
A Step Toward Efficiency and Growth in Higher Education
Recognizing that bureaucracy can hinder the learning and professional journeys of individuals, MoHESR’s new rules are designed to reduce time and effort while maintaining rigorous checks. This decision aligns with the UAE’s broader initiatives like the Zero Government Bureaucracy program and builds on international best practices in education systems.
Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector and Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department, emphasized that these changes aim to offer a seamless and flexible framework for certificate recognition, benefiting thousands of students and graduates.
Key Highlights of the New Rules
Simplified Qualification Recognition
Certificates from foreign HEIs will now be verified with greater efficiency. The essential criteria include verifying the qualification’s authenticity and confirming that the institution issuing it is legally established, licensed, and accredited by the relevant body in its home country.
Fewer Documentation Requirements
Previously, students were required to submit up to 14 documents for certificate recognition. Under the new system, this number has been significantly reduced to just four.
Improved Recognition Rates
During a successful pilot phase, the ministry reported a 70% reduction in requirements while doubling the number of recognized qualifications. These improvements led to an increase in recognized students, from 5,780 to 12,180, within a single year.
Unified Standards Across Institutions
The system now integrates two unified standards to evaluate qualifications across all fields of study and institutions, simplifying the process for graduates and employers alike.
Seamless Access to Employment and Postgraduate Studies
This update ensures that students can more easily transition into the UAE’s job market or continue their education. By enhancing certificate recognition, the initiative empowers graduates to focus on advancing their careers or academic pursuits without unnecessary delays.
The Strategic Redesign of the Student Journey
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has identified creating an integrated student experience as a strategic priority. From enrollment to graduation, students in the UAE now have access to improved digital services that make the process more streamlined and effective.
By adopting these measures, MoHESR is simplifying the bureaucratic aspects of qualification recognition, enabling students to focus on what truly matters. The changes also reflect the UAE’s growing emphasis on fostering an ecosystem designed to leverage the potential of its diverse and highly skilled population.
Supporting the UAE’s Economic Goals
These updates don’t just benefit students and graduates but also align with the UAE’s economic goals. By encouraging a seamless recognition process, the UAE is ensuring that its labor market remains competitive and capable of addressing the needs of modern industries.
The ministry’s focus on reducing declined qualification requests (from 8.3% to 3.5%) during the pilot phase further underscores its commitment to ensuring equitable and efficient access to opportunities in education and employment.
What This Means for Students, Employers, and the UAE
For students, this development means a smoother, less stressful process when seeking validation for their qualifications. For employers, the standardized recognition of foreign degrees builds confidence in the credentials of prospective hires. Collectively, these changes reinforce the UAE’s position as a preferred destination for education and professional development.
With numerous reforms underway, the UAE is not only simplifying procedures but also ensuring that its educational frameworks remain at par with global standards.
Looking Ahead
The UAE’s ambitious educational reforms are a testament to its forward-thinking approach. By integrating efficiency with quality and aiming for excellence, the country sets an example for nations seeking to modernize their systems.
Whether you are a student, an industry leader, or part of an educational institution, staying informed about these changes is essential. Together, these advancements reflect the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global leader in education and talent development.
