UAE simplifies recognition of foreign degrees to support international students

The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has introduced a new law that significantly reduces paperwork for students and graduates. Under the updated process, the number of documents required has dropped from 14 to just four, marking a 70% reduction. The initiative is part of the UAE’s broader Zero Government Bureaucracy programme aimed at simplifying public services, as reported by Gulf News.

Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector at MoHESR, said the update is a key part of efforts to support students more efficiently. According to the report by Gulf News, “This reduction in documentation is a 70% decrease compared to the previous system and has already shown promising results following its successful pilot launch,” Alsaadi stated.

The streamlined system was tested in a pilot phase that showed a clear positive impact. Recognised qualifications nearly doubled—from 5,780 to 12,180. At the same time, the rejection rate for applications fell sharply from 8.3% to 3.5%.

The new process is designed to integrate with local scholarship providers and will apply to all academic fields and institutions. Alsaadi explained, “This system streamlines the recognition process, helping students and graduates navigate the path to employment or postgraduate studies with ease. It embodies our commitment to creating a seamless, proactive, and excellence-driven educational experience, ultimately supporting students’ academic and career goals.”

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The Ministry is also expanding its digital services as part of this reform. New tools will help students from admission through graduation and into the workforce. These changes aim to bring the UAE’s educational services closer to global best practices, while enhancing accessibility and reducing delays.

The MoHESR has invited students and graduates to visit its official website to access the revised recognition service and detailed instructions.

The new law marks a practical shift in the UAE’s approach to recognising foreign qualifications, aligning policy with technological advancements and the government’s commitment to reducing red tape. The simplified process supports students’ academic journeys and helps them transition more smoothly into careers or further studies.