Equivalency Certificate UAE Rejected? Here Is What to Do (2026)

Common Reasons for Equivalency Certificate Rejection

Understanding why your application was rejected is the first step to fixing it. The rejection notification in your MOHE or MOE portal account will include a reason code. The most common reasons are: the issuing institution is not recognized by UAE authorities or by the regulatory body in your home country; the attestation chain is incomplete with missing stamps from home country, embassy, or MOFA stages; required documents are missing such as complete transcripts, course syllabi, or accreditation letters; the qualification type does not match the equivalency category applied for; and name discrepancies between your passport and educational certificates. Less common but possible reasons include: the institution was accredited at the time of study but has since lost accreditation, or the program duration does not meet the minimum requirements for the claimed qualification level.

Unrecognized Institutions and Distance Learning

The most difficult rejection to overcome is when the issuing institution is not recognized. MOHE maintains a database of recognized international institutions. If your university or college is not in this database, your application will be automatically rejected. Before appealing, check whether your institution is recognized by the relevant accreditation body in your home country — if it is recognized domestically but not by UAE MOHE, you may be able to provide accreditation documentation to support your appeal. Distance learning and online degree programs face additional scrutiny. MOHE evaluates these on a case-by-case basis. Programs from established institutions with specific government approval for distance learning (such as India's IGNOU or UK Open University) have better acceptance rates. However, programs from universities that are primarily campus-based but offer online options may face rejection if the online program was not specifically approved by the relevant regulatory body. If your distance learning degree was rejected, check whether your program was approved by your country's distance education authority (e.g., UGC Distance Education Bureau in India) and include this approval documentation in your appeal.

Missing or Incorrect Documents

Document-related rejections are the easiest to fix. If your attestation chain is incomplete, the solution is straightforward — complete the missing attestation steps and resubmit. Common issues include: submitting mark sheets for only the final year instead of all semesters; not including a certified translation for documents in languages other than English or Arabic; uploading scans that are too blurry, cropped, or do not show the full document including stamps; and providing a provisional certificate when the final degree has since been issued. Check your rejection notice carefully — it will specify exactly which documents are missing or insufficient. Gather the correct documents, ensure they are properly attested, and resubmit through the portal.

How to Appeal a Rejection Decision

You have 30 days from the rejection date to file an appeal through the MOHE or MOE portal. The appeal process allows you to address the specific rejection reason and provide additional supporting documents.

1. 1Log into your MOHE or MOE account and navigate to your rejected application
2. 2Click on the "Appeal" or "Grievance" option — this will show the specific rejection reason
3. 3Prepare additional documents that address the rejection reason — accreditation letters, missing transcripts, name change documentation, etc.
4. 4Write a clear explanation addressing each point raised in the rejection
5. 5Upload the additional documents and submit the appeal
6. 6Monitor your appeal status through the portal — appeals typically take 15 to 30 additional working days to process

Steps to Fix and Resubmit Your Application

If your appeal is also rejected, or if you prefer to start fresh, you can submit a new application. For a new application, you will need to pay the AED 140 fee again. Before resubmitting, address every issue identified in the rejection. If the institution was not recognized, gather all possible accreditation documentation — university ranking reports, government recognition letters, regulatory body certificates, and international accreditation affiliations. If attestation was incomplete, complete the full chain before resubmitting. If documents were missing, compile everything on a checklist before uploading. Consider reaching out to your university registrar for additional supporting letters — a letter confirming the program's accreditation status, the mode of study, and the qualification level can strengthen your application significantly.

How AttestExpress Can Help with Rejected Applications

Dealing with an equivalency rejection can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if it affects your visa status or employment. AttestExpress can help at several stages. If your rejection was due to incomplete attestation, we handle the complete attestation chain — from doorstep pickup of your documents to MOFA attestation — ensuring nothing is missed. If you need certified translations for documents in other languages, we coordinate with MOJ-approved translation bureaus. If your documents need additional authentication from your home country, we can guide you through the specific process for your nationality and institution. WhatsApp us with your rejection notice and we will advise on the best path forward for your specific situation.