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UAE tightens rules on foreign university degrees: What it means for expats

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In a major policy shift, the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has introduced stricter guidelines for degrees obtained via online learning, distance education, and correspondence courses. While such degrees will now be considered for recognition, they must meet strict criteria set by a dedicated ministerial committee.

However, vocational certificates and training programme diplomas won’t make the cut, along with degrees from courses catering to niche student groups.

Degree Verification Gets a Makeover

To streamline the process, the ministry has roped in two external agencies — Dataflow and QuadraBay — to handle degree verification and equivalency certification.

Applicants must first verify their qualifications with these authorised partners, ensuring their documents are legitimate. Only after this step can they apply for official recognition from the ministry.

The entire process is online and takes around 30 working days. Those who wish to challenge a decision have three months to lodge an appeal.

Strict Criteria for Recognition

Each case will be reviewed individually, but the bottom line is clear:

  • The awarding university must be accredited in its home country.
  • Study methods must comply with the university’s official guidelines.
  • No shortcuts—vocational certificates, short-term training programs, and degrees from specialist courses will not be recognised.

What Will It Cost You?

The ministry has set fees for degree recognition:

  • Dh100 for a bachelor’s degree
  • Dh150 for a postgraduate degree
  • Dh200 for a doctoral degree

The cost of initial verification varies based on the country of study, and payments can be made online via e-Dirham or postpaid cards.

Five Key Rules for Recognition

To qualify, applicants must:

  1. Follow the study programme as outlined by their university.
  2. Meet all ministry recognition requirements.
  3. Ensure their university is accredited in the home country.
  4. Stick to the UAE’s online study limits—no more than 18 credit hours per semester for distance learning.
  5. For medical and engineering degrees, postgraduate applicants must hold a related bachelor’s degree.

This move is set to impact thousands of students and professionals seeking UAE recognition for their qualifications. For those with degrees from unconventional routes, the message is clear: Meet the criteria or risk rejection.

(Source: GT)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Expat students appearing for India’s JEE allowed to request change of exam city 

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India’s National Testing Agency has announced an important update for Indian expat students who have registered to attend the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 in Dubai, Kuwait and Bahrain centres.

Due to the current situation, candidates have been advised to regularly check official updates and note that they can request a change of exam city for the exams by contacting the helpline or email support.

According to an official advisory shared by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, exam city intimation slips have now been issued for candidates in Dubai and Kuwait ahead of Session 2, scheduled from April 2 to April 8 in Computer-Based Test mode.

However, students registered in Bahrain are still awaiting confirmation. The NTA said it is currently coordinating with the Indian Embassy to finalise arrangements, with no timeline announced yet.

The update comes as a relief for many expat families who had been waiting for clarity on the exams.

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Dubai schools to continue distance learning until April 3, KHDA confirms

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Schools across Dubai will remain on distance learning for at least two more weeks, with authorities extending remote education measures to ensure student safety.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that all public and private schools, as well as university students, will continue online classes until Friday, April 3. The arrangement came into effect on Monday, March 23, following the spring break.

The decision also applies to teachers and administrative staff, who will continue working remotely during this period.

Situation under weekly review

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will monitor developments on a weekly basis to determine when normal classroom learning can safely resume.

Authorities said the temporary shift to distance learning is aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of students and the wider community.

Private educational institutions, including nurseries, may submit requests to resume in-person learning, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Students begin Term 3 online

Hundreds of thousands of students across the UAE have resumed Term 3 remotely after the spring break, which was brought forward by one week.

The move follows directives from UAE education authorities to ensure continuity of learning while prioritising public safety.

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CBSE Class 10 exam changes in UAE: What students and parents need to know

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a special assessment scheme for Class 10 students in the region after several exams were cancelled due to the ongoing regional conflict.

If you’re a student or parent wondering how results will now be calculated, here’s a simple breakdown.

Why were exams cancelled?

CBSE cancelled the remaining Class 10 board exams on March 5, 2026, after reviewing the situation across several countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Iran.

However, exams held between February 17 and 28 were completed successfully.

How will marks be calculated?

Your result depends on how many exams you were able to take:

If you appeared for all exams

  • Your result will be based on your actual marks

If you appeared for 4 exams

  • Missing subjects = average of your best 3 subjects

If you appeared for 3 exams

  • Missing subjects = average of your best 2 subjects

If you appeared for only 2 exams

  • All remaining subjects = average of those 2 subjects

What about internal assessment?

  • Internal assessment marks (already submitted by schools) will remain unchanged
  • These will be included in your final result as usual

If you changed your exam centre

  • If you moved to another country and took exams there
    Your result will be based on your actual performance

Can students improve their marks?

  • Yes. You will get a chance to improve your scores by appearing in the second board exams
  • This will follow CBSE’s regular improvement policy

When will results be announced?

  • Results for Middle East students will be declared along with all CBSE students

Points to remember

  • This assessment scheme is final
  • No special exams will be held outside CBSE’s policy
  • CBSE’s decision will be final and binding

What about Class 12 students?

  • CBSE has said that the Class 12 assessment plan will be announced separately

CBSE is using a fair average-based system to ensure students are not disadvantaged due to missed exams. If you wrote more papers, your result reflects more of your actual performance. If you wrote fewer, averages are used to fill the gaps, while still giving you a chance to improve later.

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