Leadership and Innovation
Degrees
In the competitive job market of the United Arab Emirates, holding a UK Master’s degree or a professional qualification is a significant milestone. However, for that degree to be legally recognized for corporate promotions, Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) contracts, or Golden Visa applications, it must undergo a specific process called Attestation. For many students at International College (UK), the technicalities of "legalizing" a document can seem overwhelming. Does an online degree follow the same path? Can a certificate issued in the UK be verified in Dubai? The answer is yes—if you know the correct steps. This guide provides a clear, strategic roadmap for UAE-based professionals to navigate the attestation journey with confidence and peace of mind.
Attestation is the process of verifying a document's authenticity by government authorities. It is not about the "grades" you received, but about confirming that the certificate was issued by a legitimate, accredited institution.
When you transition from an "Executive" to a "Managerial" role in a UAE-based multinational company, the HR department usually requires an attested degree to update your professional title in the labor system.
For long-term residency or specialized visas like the UAE Golden Visa, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) requires educational certificates to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to prove their validity.
At International College, we ensure that our degrees are issued by bodies recognized by the UK government, making them eligible for the following standard attestation process:
Before your degree even arrives in the UAE, it must be validated in its country of origin.
Solicitor/Notary Public: A registered UK solicitor verifies the signatures on your certificate.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): This UK government body attaches an "Apostille" to your document. This is the internationally recognized seal that confirms the document is authentic for use outside the UK.
Once the UK government has "Apostilled" the document, it must be presented to the UAE Embassy in London. They will add their own stamp, which signifies that the document is now cleared for entry into the UAE legal system.
The final step happens here in the Emirates. You can visit any MOFA service center (in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah) or use their user-friendly digital portal.
The Digital Path: You can upload your documents via the MOFA website or mobile app.
The Physical Path: Courier services (like Emirates Post) can pick up your original documents and return them to you with the official MOFA sticker attached.
A common fear among professionals in the UAE is: "Will the Ministry attest my degree if it was earned via distance learning?"
The truth is that the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attests certificates based on the stamps of the country of origin. If the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) and the UAE Embassy in London have verified the degree, MOFA in the UAE will complete the process. Since International College (UK) programs are accredited and the certificates are indistinguishable in value from traditional ones, the attestation process is standard.
We understand that you are a busy manager, not a legal clerk. That is why we don't just "leave you with the degree."
As part of our commitment to trust, we provide the documentation needed for this process. We ensure that our awarding bodies are fully compliant with UK educational standards, which is the prerequisite for any attestation.
To make life easier for our UAE students, we can recommend professional attestation agencies that handle the entire "London-to-Dubai" cycle on your behalf. This means you don't have to fly to the UK or mail documents yourself; a specialized agent manages the FCDO and Embassy steps for you.
Start Early: Don't wait for a job offer to start attesting. The process involves international shipping and government timelines, so it’s best to start as soon as you receive your final certificate.
Keep Digital Copies: Always have a high-resolution scan of your attested degree. Many UAE government portals now accept digital versions of attested documents.
Check Your Name: Ensure your name on the degree matches your passport exactly. Any discrepancy can cause delays during the attestation phase.
Obtaining your Master’s degree from International College (UK) is a major step toward your career peak. However, the attestation process is what transforms that academic achievement into a versatile legal tool within the UAE. By following this practical guide, you ensure that your credentials are ready for any opportunity—be it a high-level promotion, a new corporate venture, or a long-term residency. Remember, you are not just earning a piece of paper; you are securing a verified asset that carries the weight of British excellence and UAE legal approval.
It is considered one of the largest universities, as it has more than 65 accredited training programs. The student in the program obtains internationally accredited certificates and is certified by the study embassy What distinguishes our university from other universities in Britain is the large number of accreditations it enjoys, which makes it at the forefront of international universities that organize professional programs. It is a member of the UK Register of Centers for Education Providers (UKRLP) Search with registration number 10065749. It is also a member of the list of accredited non-governmental organizations of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and also a registered member of the European Union's Transparency Register under the number TR-Q-2017-22003.
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