MoHESR Reforms Could Double International Student Opportunities in the UAE

Faster Recognition, Fewer Documents: UAE Transforms Foreign Qualification Process

The United Arab Emirates is poised to significantly streamline the academic journey for international students by simplifying the process of recognising foreign qualifications. Previously, the recognition system was known for its complexity, requiring applicants to submit up to 14 different documents, alongside an exhaustive verification process.

This process involved confirming the authenticity, legal establishment, licensing, and accreditation of the issuing foreign institution by the relevant authorities in the applicant’s home country. As a result, these stringent procedures often led to prolonged delays and a higher rate of rejections. To eliminate administrative red tape and facilitate academic mobility, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has introduced new guidelines aligned with the Zero Government Bureaucracy initiative. These revised procedures aim to reduce the burden on international students by simplifying the process, making it easier to have foreign qualifications recognised in the UAE.

The new guidelines focus on ensuring that qualifications are authentic and that the issuing higher education institution (HEI) is legally established, licensed, and accredited by the appropriate authority in its home country. Building on these key conditions, the revamped recognition process significantly reduces the time, effort, and documentation required, while still upholding rigorous standards. This update follows a successful pilot phase, which resulted in a 70% reduction in requirements compared to the previous system. As a result, the number of student qualifications recognised increased from 5,780 to 12,180 from the previous year.

According to the pilot data, the number of required documents has been reduced from 14 to just four. This reduction has greatly improved access to recognition data and decreased the number of declined requests from 8.3% to 3.5%. Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector and Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department at MoHESR, noted that the updated system integrates seamlessly with various local scholarship bodies.

He highlighted that the use of two unified standards across all specialisations and universities simplifies the recognition process, improving the graduate experience and facilitating certificate recognition for employment opportunities or further postgraduate studies. Additionally, studying in the UAE offers the added benefit of potential tax-free earnings after graduation. The country is also home to some of the highest-ranking universities in the Gulf region, according to the QS World University Rankings. These reforms underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and international collaboration.

Editor's Note:

The recent reforms introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) in the UAE mark a significant step forward in simplifying the recognition of foreign qualifications. By reducing the bureaucratic hurdles previously associated with the process, these changes are set to increase international students' engagement and participation in the academic and professional landscape of the UAE. With streamlined procedures and reduced documentation, students will now be able to pursue their educational and career aspirations with greater ease, fostering a more inclusive and accessible environment for global talent. This shift is expected to have a ripple effect on the broader growth of the UAE. As international students gain easier access to opportunities in the country, the influx of diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise will contribute to the knowledge economy and help drive innovation. The UAE’s commitment to nurturing a globally competitive workforce will enhance its academic reputation and play a key role in its continued economic and cultural development.

Skoobuzz recognises the efforts of the  UAE to become a hub for international education and talent, ultimately contributing to its growth and long-term success on the global stage.