Degrees issued by 34 UAE-based universities get automatic recognition in pilot phase

In a transformative move for higher education, the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has initiated an automatic degree recognition system encompassing 34 accredited universities across the nation. This pioneering program, currently in its pilot phase, eliminates traditional bureaucratic hurdles by providing immediate authentication of qualifications for graduates from participating institutions.

The groundbreaking initiative represents a significant stride toward achieving zero government bureaucracy objectives while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency within the national education framework. Since its implementation, the system has already facilitated seamless qualification recognition for over 25,000 graduates, demonstrating its substantial impact on the educational landscape.

Ahmad Yousuf Al Nasser, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for Higher Education Operations Sector at MoHESR, emphasized the strategic importance of this development: ‘Integrating 34 higher education institutions into this initial phase underscores our commitment to building a robust national recognition system through efficient, adaptable services that simultaneously support students, academic institutions, and align with evolving labor market requirements.’

The technologically advanced system incorporates QR code verification technology, allowing instant authentication of qualifications from MoHESR-accredited institutions. This digital approach ensures compliance with established regulations while providing reliable, easily accessible confirmation of academic credentials.

Future expansion plans include extending automatic recognition benefits to Emirati students pursuing education abroad through Ministry-supervised scholarship programs, thereby guaranteeing uninterrupted access to government services regardless of geographical location. This comprehensive approach accelerates graduates’ transitions into postgraduate studies or employment markets while facilitating compliance with government, residency, and visa requirements.

The initiative forms part of MoHESR’s broader digital transformation strategy, which includes electronic tools for verifying qualifications obtained both within and outside the UAE, ensuring data integrity and usability for all relevant authorities.