Automatic Degree Recognition Expands To 34 UAE Universities

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is expanding its automatic recognition initiative, which links degree approval to accredited higher education institutions in the UAE. The first phase covers 34 institutions and has already supported more than 25,000 graduates, giving them instant degree recognition and smoother access to essential government services.

The initiative removes the need for separate qualification recognition for many graduates. It speeds movement into postgraduate study or employment and supports compliance with government, residency and visa rules. This approach reduces bureaucracy, supports national efficiency goals and helps graduates prepare for their next academic or professional step.

Within the first phase of the automatic recognition initiative, 34 UAE-based higher education institutions are now connected to the Ministry’s systems. This strengthens the national recognition framework and supports an integrated digital approach that can grow over time and include more institutions.

Ahmad Yousuf Al Nasser, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for Higher Education Operations Sector at MoHESR, said, "Linking 34 HEIs in the first phase of the automatic recognition initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the national recognition system through efficient, flexible services that support students and HEIs and align with societal and labour market needs. We continue to expand our HEI network, increasing inclusion under automatic recognition and advancing an integrated, digitally driven system for future service development."

The automatic recognition initiative forms part of the wider qualification recognition service for UAE-based higher education institutions. Through this system, customers verify degrees from Ministry-accredited institutions using an approved QR code, which confirms official recognition in line with established regulations and procedures used across the national framework.

MoHESR also provides electronic tools that support qualification recognition for degrees earned inside and outside the UAE. These include online verification of Ministry-issued recognition and digital reports for foreign qualifications, which improve data reliability for authorities and will also assist Emirati scholarship students abroad in accessing government services from any location.

With inputs from WAM