Transfer Certificate Attestation
School transfer certificate attestation in the UAE is the official process of verifying a student’s previous school records so they are accepted for enrollment at a new school in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other UAE emirate. KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) in Dubai requires an attested school certificate or transfer letter for students joining in Grade 2 or higher as a mandatory enrollment document. ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) similarly requires that the sending school must issue a student performance report and a Transfer Certificate (attested if applicable to the country of transfer) for students seeking admission to Grade 2/Year 3 or above. The standard MOFA attestation fee for educational documents is AED 150 per document.
GloboPrime manages the complete school transfer certificate attestation process from our offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. We handle CBSE, ICSE, IB, British, American, and all international curriculum transfer certificates from 120+ countries. Free pickup and delivery across all UAE areas.
School Transfer Certificate
Why Is School Transfer Certificate Attestation Required in the UAE?
An attested school transfer certificate is required for school enrollment in the UAE. Without proper attestation, education authorities will not process the student’s registration, and the school cannot admit the child. The attestation requirements apply across all UAE emirates and education regulators.
KHDA (Dubai Private Schools)
For students joining Grade 2 or higher in Dubai private schools, KHDA requires an attested school certificate or transfer letter as part of the registration process. The attestation requirements depend on the country that issued the certificate. The school administration uploads the transfer certificate into the KHDA Smart Services system during registration, and KHDA reviews the application before the student becomes eligible for enrollment and all student services.
ADEK (Abu Dhabi Private & Charter Schools)
When a student is transferring to a school in Abu Dhabi and is seeking admission to Grade 2/Year 3 or above (including transferring mid-year Grade 1), the sending school must issue a student performance report and a Transfer Certificate. The transfer certificate must be attested if applicable to the country of transfer. ADEK manages all student registrations through the eSIS (Electronic Student Information System) platform.
MOE (UAE Public Schools)
The Ministry of Education manages student registration for three categories: students joining a public school for the first time, students transferring from a private school within the UAE, and students transferring from a school outside the country. For transfers from outside the UAE, attested school certificates are required for enrollment.
SPEA (Sharjah Private Education Authority)
Private schools in Sharjah regulated by SPEA require attested transfer certificates following the same standards as KHDA and ADEK.
Grade Placement & Language Requirements
For admission to Dubai private schools at a level higher than Grade 1, proof of previous schooling is required. All certificates, including those from abroad, must be presented in either Arabic or English. If originals are in other languages, they must be translated and authenticated by a certified legal translator. The transfer certificate determines the student’s grade placement, and a student cannot be admitted into a class higher than what their transfer certificate confirms.
Curriculum Transitions: When moving between different curriculum systems (for example, a 12-year system to a 13-year system), grade placement will depend on the age of the child at the time of transfer and their previous schooling. The attested transfer certificate helps the new school verify the student’s academic level for correct placement.
School Transfer Certificate Format for UAE Schools
A school transfer certificate (TC) is an official document issued by the student’s previous school confirming their enrollment details, academic status, and promotion to the next grade. KHDA (Dubai), ADEK (Abu Dhabi), SPEA (Sharjah), and the UAE Ministry of Education all require a properly formatted and attested transfer certificate before a student can be registered in any UAE school. Without it, the school cannot process the admission and the student’s start date will be delayed.
What Must a Transfer Certificate Include?
The transfer certificate must be printed on the school’s official letterhead and contain the following information:
| # | Field | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name of Student | Full name exactly as it appears on the student’s passport |
| 2 | Date of Birth | In DD/MM/YYYY format |
| 3 | Nationality | As stated on the student’s passport |
| 4 | Date of Admission | The date the student was first enrolled at the school |
| 5 | Class to Which Admitted | The grade/year the student joined when first enrolled |
| 6 | Last Grade Attended | The most recent grade/year completed or currently enrolled in |
| 7 | Last Date of Attendance | The student’s final day at the school |
| 8 | Promotion Status | Whether the student passed and is promoted to the next grade (specifying which grade) or is retained |
| 9 | Curriculum Followed | CBSE, ICSE, British, American, IB, or other curriculum |
| 10 | General Conduct / Observations | Optional remarks about the student’s behavior and performance |
| 11 | School Stamp & Principal Signature | Official school stamp and signature of the Principal or Vice Principal (mandatory) |
Key Requirements
- Language: Must be in English or Arabic. If the original is in another language, it must be translated by a certified legal translator and the translation must be authenticated.
- Letterhead: Must be printed on the school’s official letterhead.
- Validity: The transfer certificate is valid for one month from the date of issue. The child should be enrolled within this period.
- Grade Placement: A student cannot be admitted into a grade higher than what the transfer certificate confirms. The TC determines the student’s grade placement in the new school.
Who Needs a Transfer Certificate for UAE Schools?
- Students joining Grade 2/Year 3 or above: A transfer certificate is mandatory for all students entering Grade 2 and above, whether transferring within the UAE or from abroad.
- Students in KG1, KG2, or Grade 1: A transfer certificate is NOT required. Students are placed based on their age at the time of admission.
- High school students (Grades 9 to 12): Must seek UAE Ministry of Education approval when transferring to schools following a different curriculum.
Transfer Certificate Attestation Requirements by Country
The attestation requirement depends on which country issued the transfer certificate. KHDA and ADEK have different attestation rules based on the country of origin:
| Country of Origin | Attestation Required? | Attestation Chain |
|---|---|---|
| USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand | No full attestation required | School letterhead + Principal signature + school stamp only. No embassy or MOFA attestation needed. |
| India (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards) | Yes (Mandatory) | School stamp + Ministry of Education (India) + UAE Embassy in India + MOFA UAE |
| Pakistan | Yes (Mandatory) | School stamp + IBCC/Board of Education + MOFA Pakistan + UAE Embassy + MOFA UAE |
| Philippines | Yes (Mandatory) | School stamp + DepEd/CHED + DFA Apostille + UAE Embassy + MOFA UAE |
| Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal | Yes (Mandatory) | School stamp + Ministry of Education + MOFA (home country) + UAE Embassy + MOFA UAE |
| Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia | Yes (Mandatory) | School stamp + Ministry of Education (country of origin) + UAE Embassy or Consulate + MOFA UAE |
| Within Dubai (same emirate) | KHDA Smart Attestation | School requests TC through KHDA Smart Services. KHDA issues QR-coded digital attestation. Fee: AED 120. |
| Between UAE Emirates | Education Authority Attestation | TC attested by the education authority of the issuing emirate (KHDA, ADEK, SPEA, or MOE). |
Sample Transfer Certificate Format for UAE Schools
The following is the standard transfer certificate format accepted by KHDA, ADEK, SPEA, and MOE registered schools in the UAE. This format must be printed on the school’s official letterhead:
(To Be Printed on School Official Letterhead)
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE
1. Name of Student: ___________________________
2. Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY): ___________________________
3. Nationality: ___________________________
4. Date of Admission in School: ___________________________
5. Class to Which Admitted: ___________________________
6. Last Grade/Year Attended: ___________________________
7. Last Date of Attendance: ___________________________
8. Passed and Promoted to Grade/Year: ___________________________
9. Curriculum Followed: ___________________________
10. General Conduct/Observations: ___________________________
Date: ______________
Principal’s Signature: ______________ Official School Stamp: ______________
Curriculum Transfer Rules and Grade Placement
When moving between different curriculum systems (for example, from a 12-year system like CBSE to a 13-year system like British), grade placement depends on the student’s age at the time of transfer and their previous schooling. The new school uses the attested transfer certificate to determine the correct grade. Students cannot be admitted into a grade higher than what their transfer certificate confirms.
| Transfer Scenario | Rule |
|---|---|
| KG1 to Grade 1 | No transfer certificate required. Placement is based on age only. |
| Grade 2 and above | Transfer certificate mandatory. Attestation required if from outside USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. |
| Grades 9 to 12 (curriculum change) | UAE Ministry of Education approval required. Transfers after Year 9/Grade 8 may be restricted due to exam preparation. |
| Year 11 or Year 13 (UK/IB curriculum) | Almost impossible to transfer mid-programme (IGCSE, A Levels, IB Diploma). Students would need to restart the two-year cycle. |
| Maximum age allowance | Pre-KG to Grade 9: up to 2 years older than minimum age. Grade 10 to 12: up to 3 years older than minimum age. |
Indian Curriculum (CBSE/ICSE) Transfer Deadlines
- From other curricula to Indian schools in Dubai: Last date for admission is June 15
- From Indian Board within UAE: Last date is October 31
- From Indian Board outside UAE: Last date is end of January
- From other Emirates to Dubai: TC must be attested by the education authority (ADEK, SPEA, or MOE) of the issuing emirate
Need help with transfer certificate attestation? GloboPrime handles the complete transfer certificate attestation process from 120+ countries, including certified legal translation for documents not in English or Arabic. We also assist with birth certificate attestation required alongside the TC for school enrollment, and KHDA attestation services for schools in Dubai. Free pickup across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Call +971 56 462 5222 or WhatsApp.
MOE Transfer Certificate Request for Schools Outside the Country
The UAE Ministry of Education provides the “Transfer certificate request — outside country” service through moe.gov.ae for students transferring from schools outside the UAE to UAE public schools (moe.gov.ae). The service is accessible via UAE Pass login. For public school enrollment, MOE requires the transfer certificate along with proof of residence (ownership contract, lease agreement, or electricity bill) and may ask for bus transportation arrangements.
MOE also provides “Request for Attestation of Certificates / Replacement of Lost Certificates” and “Attestation of an Academic Certificate General Education within the UAE (Non-Ministerial Curriculum)” services through its portal.
Certificate Attestation Services in UAE
Transfer Certificate Attestation Process for UAE Schools: Step by Step
Transfer certificate (TC) attestation is required for any student entering Grade 2 or above in a UAE school. Every child attending school in the UAE must be registered with the relevant education authority: KHDA in Dubai, ADEK in Abu Dhabi, SPEA in Sharjah, or MOE in other emirates. These authorities will not process a student’s registration without a properly attested transfer certificate from the previous school.
Transfer Certificate Attestation: Quick Facts
- Required for: All students joining Grade 2/Year 3 and above
- Not required for: Students joining KG1, KG2, or Grade 1 (placement based on age only)
- MOFA attestation fee: AED 150 per document
- KHDA electronic attestation fee: AED 120 (for within-Dubai transfers)
- KHDA processing time: 3 working days
- TC validity: One month from date of issue
- Language: Must be in English or Arabic
- Exemption from full attestation: USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
How to Attest a Transfer Certificate for UAE Schools
The attestation process depends on where the transfer certificate was issued. For certificates issued outside the UAE (except from USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand), the following steps are required:
Step 1: School Verification
The issuing school prints the transfer certificate on official school letterhead, signed by the Principal and stamped with the official school seal. The TC must be completed on the student’s last day of attendance. The grade must be stated clearly in figures and words (not Roman numerals).
Step 2: Ministry of Education (Home Country)
The TC must be attested by the education authority in the country where the certificate was issued. For Indian students, this is the District Education Officer of the Zone/District/Area where the TC was obtained. For Pakistan, this is IBCC or the relevant Board of Education.
Step 3: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country)
The home country’s foreign affairs ministry verifies the education authority attestation and certifies the document for international use. In India this is the MEA (available through the e-SANAD portal). In Pakistan this is MOFA Pakistan. In the Philippines this is DFA.
Step 4: UAE Embassy or Consulate Attestation
The UAE Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country legalizes the document. Many UAE embassies now issue digital attestation certificates with QR codes instead of physical stickers. For Indian documents, this is processed through the UAE Embassy in New Delhi or UAE Consulates in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Trivandrum.
Step 5: UAE MOFA Attestation
The final step. MOFA validates all previous attestations and issues the final seal. The official fee is AED 150 per document. Processing takes 1 to 3 working days. The TC is now valid for submission to any KHDA, ADEK, SPEA, or MOE registered school in the UAE.
Attestation Requirements by Country of Origin
| Transferring From | Attestation Chain |
|---|---|
| USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand | No full attestation needed. School letterhead + Principal signature + school stamp is sufficient. |
| India (CBSE / ICSE / State Board) | School stamp → District Education Officer → MEA India → UAE Embassy/Consulate → MOFA UAE |
| Pakistan | School stamp → IBCC/Board of Education → MOFA Pakistan → UAE Embassy → MOFA UAE |
| Philippines | School stamp → DepEd/CHED → DFA → UAE Embassy Manila → MOFA UAE |
| GCC Countries (Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar) | School stamp → Ministry of Education in the GCC country only |
| Oman | School stamp → Indian Embassy/Foreign Affairs Ministry Oman → UAE Embassy |
| Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Egypt, Jordan | School stamp → Ministry of Education → MFA (home country) → UAE Embassy → MOFA UAE |
| Within Dubai (school to school) | School requests through KHDA Smart Services portal. KHDA issues QR-coded digital attestation. Fee: AED 120. Processing: 3 working days. |
| Abu Dhabi to another emirate | Parents apply through TAMM portal (tamm.abudhabi) using UAE Pass for ADEK attested withdrawal certificate. |
| Between other UAE Emirates | TC attested by the education authority (KHDA, ADEK, SPEA, or MOE) of the issuing emirate. |
KHDA Transfer Certificate Process (Dubai)
KHDA manages all private school registrations in Dubai through the KHDA Smart Services portal. The process for transfer certificate attestation through KHDA is:
- The student or parent logs in using UAE Pass on the KHDA portal and submits the attestation request, including uploading the student’s academic certificate.
- The school does an initial review of the submitted data to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
- KHDA completes the final review and approves the request.
- Upon paying the AED 120 attestation fee, an electronically attested certificate with QR code is issued.
- The parent receives an email notification with the KHDA smart attested certificate.
The student must be registered in the KHDA system for this service. Processing takes 3 working days. The QR code on the certificate can be scanned to verify its validity at any school.
ADEK Transfer Certificate Process (Abu Dhabi)
ADEK manages student registrations through the eSIS (Electronic Student Information System) platform. Key ADEK rules for school transfers include:
- Students transferring to an Abu Dhabi school from overseas and seeking admission to Grade 2/Year 3 or above must provide an attested Transfer Certificate.
- ADEK will not process registration without the TC. The student’s start date will be delayed until the attested document is submitted.
- For transfers within Abu Dhabi, the process is done online through the eSIS system. The school transfers the student file digitally using the student’s ESIS number.
- For ADEK attested withdrawal certificates (transfers to other emirates), parents apply through the TAMM portal (tamm.abudhabi) using UAE Pass.
- Mid-year transfers within Abu Dhabi are not permitted after October 1 for September-start schools, and after May 31 for Asian curriculum schools, except when a family relocates between Abu Dhabi regions.
- Curriculum transfers are permitted up to Year 10 (UK) or Grade 9 (other curricula) at the start of the academic year. Transfers after this point are restricted due to exam preparation.
Transfer Certificate Attestation for Indian Students
Indian transfer certificates from CBSE, ICSE, and State Board schools require attestation by the District Education Officer of the Zone/District/Area where the TC was obtained. The seal and signature of the Education Officer must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in India, followed by MOFA UAE. CBSE board certificates are issued in English, which simplifies the process. State board certificates in regional languages require certified legal translation into English or Arabic before attestation.
| Indian Curriculum Transfer to Dubai | Admission Deadline |
|---|---|
| From other curricula (American, IGCSE, etc.) | June 15 |
| From Indian Board within UAE | October 31 |
| From Indian Board outside UAE | End of January |
Documents Required for Transfer Certificate Attestation
- Original transfer certificate on school letterhead (signed by Principal, stamped with official school seal)
- Passport copy of the student
- Passport copy of parent or guardian (for minors)
- UAE residence visa or Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Report cards or mark sheets from the last academic year
- Authorization letter (if submitted through a service provider)
- Certified legal translation (if the TC is not in English or Arabic)
Common Reasons for TC Rejection
- TC is laminated (MOFA and embassies cannot stamp laminated documents)
- Name on TC does not match the student’s passport
- Grade not stated in figures and words
- Missing Principal signature or school stamp
- TC issued by an unrecognized institution
- TC older than one month from date of issue
- Gap between leaving date and joining date exceeds one month
- TC not in English or Arabic and no certified translation provided
Need help with transfer certificate attestation? GloboPrime handles the complete TC attestation from 120+ countries for all UAE schools registered with KHDA, ADEK, SPEA, and MOE. We manage every step from home country education authority verification, embassy legalization, and MOFA attestation. We also provide certified legal translation for certificates not in English or Arabic, and handle birth certificate attestation required alongside the TC for school enrollment. Free pickup across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Call +971 56 462 5222 or WhatsApp.
Any Certificate Attestation from the following Countries
Transfer Certificate Attestation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah
GloboPrime provides school transfer certificate attestation services across all UAE emirates for students joining CBSE, ICSE, British, American, IB, and all other curriculum schools. We handle the complete attestation chain from 120+ countries including certified legal translation, KHDA attestation, ADEK registration support, and birth certificate attestation required alongside the TC for school enrollment.
Dubai: Al Qusais headquarters and Marina branch. Serving families near all major school clusters including Our Own English High School, Delhi Private School, Indian High School, The Indian Academy, GEMS schools, and all international schools across Dubai. Free pickup from Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Al Nahda, Bur Dubai, Karama, Business Bay, JLT, Marina, and all Dubai areas.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi branch. Handling ADEK attestation and eSIS registration support locally. Free pickup across all Abu Dhabi areas including Khalifa City, Al Reem Island, Musaffah, Mohamed Bin Zayed City, and Al Ain.
Sharjah & Northern Emirates: Sharjah service area managed from our Al Qusais office. Serving SPEA-regulated schools in Sharjah plus all schools in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah.
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How to Get Started - School Transfer Attestation with GloboPrime
In UAE We are providing our school transfer certificate attestation service in all the emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Al Ain, Fujairah. Internationally with service partners across 120+ countries, GloboPrime is a trusted provider for transfer certificate and school document attestation in Dubai – UAE.
We handle attestation for all types of school and student documents including Transfer Certificate & Student Leaving Certificate, School Leaving Certificate (all grades), Academic Report Cards & Progress Reports, Good Conduct / Character Certificate, Student Continuity Certificate, and Enrollment / Pursuing Studies Certificate.
Transfer Certificate Attestation in UAE with GloboPrime
- Contact GloboPrime: Send us a scan of your transfer certificate or school document for review.
- Personalized Proposal: We provide a detailed attestation plan with steps, timeline, and cost for UAE use.
- Convenient & Secure Collection: Free document pickup is available across Dubai and across the UAE at your preferred location.
- Expert Handling & Processing: Our team manages complete attestation including school verification, Ministry of Education, embassy legalization, and MOFA attestation in UAE.
- Updates & Support: Receive regular updates and full support throughout the attestation process.
- Secure Delivery: Get your attested transfer certificate delivered safely to your location anywhere in the UAE.