UAE Announces Automatic Degree Recognition (2026): The Official List of 34 Universities & MoHESR Rules
Strategic Overview: The “Zero Bureaucracy” Reform
As part of the UAE’s “Zero Government Bureaucracy” program, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has officially launched Automatic Degree Recognition for 34 UAE-based Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This initiative eliminates manual equivalency certificate applications for over 25,000 graduates, allowing for instant digital verification via UAE Pass.
1. What is Automatic Recognition?
The new equivalency certificate UAE rules mark a shift from physical paperwork to integrated digital confirmatiom. Under the old system, every graduate had to manually upload transcripts and wait for a case officer review.
In 2026, if you graduate from one of the “Elite 34” universities, your degree is “Born Recognized.” The MoHESR backend is now digitally linked to these universities, generating a verification record the moment your degree is conferred.
2. The Official List: 34 Universities in Phase 1
If you are planning your admission in UAE, these are the recognized institutes where graduates now bypass traditional manual verification:
Federal & Public Universities
- United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
- Zayed University
- Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
- Khalifa University
- Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities
- MBR University of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Abu Dhabi Polytechnic
- Fatima College of Health Sciences
- Al Qasimia University
- Rabdan Academy
Private & International HEIs
- American University of Sharjah (AUS)
- University of Sharjah
- Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
- American University in Dubai (AUD)
- University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai
- Canadian University Dubai
- Ajman University
- American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)
- University of Dubai
- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
- Gulf Medical University
- RAK Medical and Health Sciences University
- The British University in Dubai
- Al Ain University
- Amity University Dubai
- City University Ajman
- Jumeira University
- Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)
- Al Wasl University
- Imam Malik College for Sharia and Law
- American University in the Emirates
- Liwa College
- + Future Phase Expansions
3. Critical Scenarios: When You STILL Need Manual Work
The “Automatic” rule has specific boundaries. EduPrime helps students navigate these three major exceptions:
Scenario A: Degrees Earned Outside the UAE
Holders of degrees from India, UK, USA, or Pakistan cannot use the automatic system. You must still apply for foreign degree recognition UAE, which requires DataFlow PSV and MOFA attestation.
For More: Returning from the UK? See our specific UK-to-UAE guide.
Scenario B: Migration (WES & Foreign Governments)
If you are using your UAE degree to migrate to Canada or Australia, those governments do not have access to MoHESR’s internal digital system. You will still need WES evaluation and embassy legalization.
Scenario C: Non-Listed HEIs & High School
If your university is not yet linked or you are applying for high school equivalency certificate UAE, manual verification is mandatory.
4. Impact on the UAE Golden Visa
The digital recognition report is a game-changer for the UAE Golden Visa university list. Graduates from the 34 connected HEIs can now have their “Outstanding Academic Performance” verified instantly by immigration authorities, reducing Golden Visa processing times from weeks to days.
5. How to Check Your Recognition Status
Follow these steps to access your digital certificate instantly:
- Visit the MoHESR Digital Services Portal and login via UAE Pass.
- Select the “Recognition of University Certificates” tab.
- Input your Emirates ID or Student ID.
- If your institution is linked, download your Digital Recognition Report with its unique QR code.
Future-Proof Your Education with EduPrime
Choosing a university on the MoHESR Automatic Recognition list ensures your career starts the day you graduate. As the leading study abroad consultants in Dubai, we provide end-to-end support for the “Elite 34” institutions.
Strategic Partner for Ajman, AURAK, and Heriot-Watt.
