How to Get Your Foreign Degree Recognized in Saudi Arabia and Apply Online with MOE

If you studied outside the Kingdom and plan to work or continue your education locally, you may need to get your degree officially recognized in Saudi Arabia. This process confirms that your foreign qualification matches Saudi academic standards. The Ministry of Education handles the process through an online system. Once approved, you can use your degree for employment, licensing, or further study inside Saudi Arabia.

This guide explains when degree equivalency is required and how to apply through the official MOE platform in a clear and practical way.

What degree equivalency means in Saudi Arabia

Degree equivalency is an official evaluation issued by the Saudi Ministry of Education. It confirms that a qualification earned outside Saudi Arabia matches a Saudi academic degree at the same level.

The ministry reviews the institution, the study duration, and the learning format. In addition, it checks whether the degree was earned through regular study. Online and distance learning degrees follow specific assessment rules.

After approval, you can use the equivalency certificate across government entities and many private organizations.

When you need degree equivalency Saudi Arabia

You usually need degree equivalency in several common situations.

• First, government and semi government employers often require it during hiring.
• Second, professional licensing bodies ask for MOE recognition before issuing licenses.
• Third, Saudi universities request equivalency for postgraduate admissions.
• Finally, some official job classification systems require MOE approval.

Although some private employers do not request equivalency, many still ask for it during verification.

Degrees that qualify for evaluation

The Ministry of Education accepts applications for specific academic levels.

• Diploma
• Bachelor degree
• Master degree
• Doctorate

The issuing institution must be officially recognized in the country of study. In addition, the study period must meet Saudi academic standards.

Documents to prepare before you apply

Before you start the application, prepare clear digital copies of the required documents.

• Degree certificate
• Academic transcript
• Passport
• National ID or iqama for residents

If your documents were issued outside Saudi Arabia, you must complete official attestation. The ministry checks attestation during the review stage.

How to apply online through the Ministry of Education

You can complete the entire application online through the MOE Certificates Equalization System.

• First, create an account using your Absher linked details.
• Next, log in and choose the certificate equivalency service.
• Then, enter your personal and academic information carefully.
• After that, upload the required documents in clear format.
• Finally, submit the application and save the reference number.

The ministry reviews applications electronically. If reviewers need more information, they will request additional documents through the portal.

You can access the official service through the Ministry of Education platform.

What happens after submission

After submission, you can track your application status through the same portal.

Processing time depends on the degree level, country of study, and document accuracy. In general, complete and clear applications move faster.

Once the ministry approves the request, you can download the equivalency certificate directly.

Common reasons for delays

Some issues can slow down the process.

• Missing or unclear documents
• Incomplete attestation
• Degrees from unrecognized institutions
• Study formats that do not meet Saudi requirements

Therefore, careful preparation before submission helps avoid delays.

Helpful resources for expats and residents

If you are planning work or study in the Kingdom, practical guidance can make the process easier. You can find step by step resources about life and careers in Saudi Arabia on KSABuddy.