Ministry Of Education Launches Improved Phase For Foreign Degree Recognition

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has introduced the second phase of the 'University Certificates Recognition' system for degrees from foreign higher education institutions (HEIs). This phase aims to enhance the recognition process, ensuring validity and reliability while benefiting more graduates. The initiative is part of the MoE's efforts to create a comprehensive educational system aligned with the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme.

The first phase of this project, launched last year, saw a significant reduction in customer complaints by 85 percent and an increase in customer satisfaction to 90 percent, according to the Customer Pulse rating in May. The updates also decreased the number of required documents for recognising foreign HEI certificates by up to 85 percent and cut transaction execution time by half.

Dr. Hassan AlSayegh, Adviser to the Minister of Education and Head of the Customer Experience Transformation Committee at MoE, highlighted that proactive steps were taken based on user feedback and ongoing monitoring. He stated, "The amendments in the second phase aim to facilitate the recognition criteria for university certificates issued by foreign HEIs, allowing for more academic specialisations."

The second phase introduces greater flexibility in standards, aligning with international university rankings and Ministry standards. Typically, as an HEI's global ranking improves, the requirements for degree recognition decrease. This effort aims to improve higher education quality and encourage students to pursue education at top-tier universities.

More than 60,000 students studying abroad are expected to benefit from these updates in 2024. They will experience faster, more efficient digital services that will help them complete their studies or enter the labour market more easily.

Specific Specialisations Affected

The new updates reduce recognition requirements for certain specialisations such as Architecture and Built Environment, Computer Science and Information Systems, Data Sciences, Natural Sciences, Education and Training, as well as Law and Legal Studies. These changes reflect the Ministry's commitment to improving educational outcomes.

Dr. Hassan AlSayegh noted that since its launch last year, the system has shown positive results aligning with Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme objectives. He added that these outcomes have motivated further developments impacting a larger group of students positively.

This transformation project also halved the steps required for certificate recognition. The MoE continues adopting an agile approach to apply further improvements that significantly benefit students.

The enhancements enable more graduates from foreign HEIs to benefit from streamlined recognition procedures while maintaining process integrity. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to build an integrated educational system providing top-notch services to students.

The second phase follows the success of the first phase of this transformation project. It aims to provide faster and more flexible digital services for students completing their academic studies or entering the labour market easily.

This initiative reflects MoE's dedication to enhancing educational quality and encouraging high-quality education at top-tier universities worldwide.

With inputs from WAM