Suppose you completed your education in a GCC country and now plan to work, study, migrate, or apply for a professional license in the UK. In that case, one thing becomes essential: getting your degree properly attested. The UK has strict verification standards, and British institutions rely on international authentication to verify the authenticity of foreign qualifications. This is why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs degree attestation is a crucial part of the process.
Even though many countries today operate under the Hague Apostille Convention, UK authorities often still require the complete attestation chain from the country where the degree was issued. An apostille may simplify certain cases, but MOFA attestation remains the most widely accepted and trusted form of verification for GCC certificates used in the UK.
This guide explains the process clearly, so you can prepare your documents confidently and avoid unnecessary delays.
Why is a Ministry of Foreign Affairs Degree Attestation required
When your degree is issued in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, etc and then submitted to the UK, the receiving authority cannot directly confirm whether the certificate is genuine. They rely on the issuing country’s official verification system.
This is why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs degree attestation is so essential. It certifies that:
- The degree is original and authentic
- The institution is government-recognised
- All prior verifications have been completed
- The document is valid for use outside the GCC
- No fraudulent or altered certificates are being submitted
Without MOFA attestation, your degree may be rejected or subject to additional checks, especially for visas, employment screenings, and university admissions.
Before a UK institution evaluates your foreign qualification, it often checks whether the certificate has been authenticated by all central authorities in the country of origin. This makes degree attestation, MOFA attestation, and attestation for the degree certificate essential.
Documents Required for Attestation of Degree Certificate
Before beginning the attestation process, prepare the essential documents required for attestation of the degree certificate:
- Original GCC-issued degree certificate
- Passport copy
- Academic transcripts (if needed)
- National ID copy (for GCC countries)
- Authorisation letter (if you appoint an agency)
- Any additional documents requested by your Ministry of Education or MOFA
Having everything ready ensures the process runs smoothly.
How to Get Ministry of Foreign Affairs Degree Attestation
1. University Verification
Your university or college verifies the authenticity of the degree. Some institutions provide this directly; others require a formal request.
2. Ministry of Education (MOE) Attestation
The MOE confirms that the institution is accredited and that the certificate complies with national education standards.
3. Notary or Local Government Authentication
Some countries, especially the UAE and Kuwait, require an additional local verification step before MOFA attestation.
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation
This is the most essential stage.
MOFA attestation must be done in the country where the degree was issued:
- If your degree is from Qatar, you must complete the Qatar MOFA attestation.
- If your degree is from Kuwait, it must be attested by the Kuwait MOFA.
- If it’s from the UAE, the UAE MOFA must attest it.
MOFA provides the final confirmation that your certificate is legitimate and ready for international use, including in the UK.
5. UK-Specific Requirements (If Requested)
Depending on your purpose in the UK, you may also need:
- Certified copies by a UK solicitor
- Translations (if your certificate is not in English)
- Embassy legalisation (rare but sometimes required)
After this, your degree is fully recognised for use in the UK.
Does Hague Apostille Replace MOFA Attestation?
Some applicants believe an apostille is sufficient because certain GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, are signatories to the Hague Convention. The apostille system simplifies international verification, but UK institutions often still require MOFA attestation for GCC degrees, especially when applying for employment, licensing, or immigration processes.
So while an apostille helps, MOFA attestation remains the safer and more widely accepted route.
How Helpline Group Helps With MOFA Attestation for UK Use
With 25+ years of experience and a deep understanding of GCC and UK documentation requirements and attestation for degree certificate Helpline Group makes the attestation process seamless and stress-free. With 10+ International branches and 300+ experts, we support thousands of clients every year with international document legalisation.Our global team coordinates every step to ensure your documents are accepted the first time without delays, confusion, or repeated submissions.
Your future in the UK deserves clarity and confidence.
With Helpline Group, your documents are handled professionally, securely, and with total precision so you can move forward with complete peace of mind.