Distance Learning Part 2 – Do Overseas Employers Accept Online Degrees?

What’s the issue with distance learning?

We have had many customers request legalisation of documents for Qatar where their Degree has not met the Embassy guidelines. This could be because:

• The degree was studied partly or entirely online
• The degree was studied via distance learning such as an OU qualification
• The student studied at a physical university but at a university campus overseas, for example a Degree awarded by Manchester University but studied at a partnered University in the UAE.
• The student studied at a physical college or university but the qualification was awarded by a different institution. For example, the course was held at a local college but awarded by Huddersfield University.

All of these points will cause issues if you wish to have this award legalised for use in Qatar. If you wish to submit a qualification of a degree level or higher, it must be supported by both a transcript of results and a letter from the university. The letter must specifically state that the course was studied in person, on campus in it’s entirety and where the exams were taken too. You can read more about the specifics of the requirements for the letter in our guide here.

Is there a way to work around this?

It’s often a concern for those studying courses with the Open University and other distance learning bodies that their qualification won’t be seen as equal to those from attained at a ‘brick’ university. These attitudes are changing in the UK, but when these graduates wish to look for opportunities overseas, they continue to come up against barriers. Is there no hope for those wishing to take up a position in Qatar?

Some of these issues are more easily remedied than others. For example, if the student studied at a physical college or university but the qualification was awarded by a different institution, it could still be accepted by Qatar. The letter issued by the college or university where you studied should be sufficient for the legalisation procedure if they can provide evidence that the course was studied in person.

Some issues aren’t as easily resolved however. If the degree was awarded by a UK-based university, but the course was held overseas, it can create a deadlock in the procedure. The UK university can’t verify the student’s attendance, but any documentation produced overseas can’t be processed in the UK. Even having the degree notarised is not acceptable to the Embassy, as we have pursued this line of enquiry previously with the Consulate.

At Vital Consular we look at each client’s situation on a case by case basis. In some instances, it is even possible to legalise a degree awarded by the Open University, as not all of their courses are delivered through a distance learning mode of study. Other learning institutions can host OU courses, so if your certificate states where you studied the course and can provide a supporting letter to declare this, it could be accepted by the Qatar Embassy. If it’s not a straight-forward case, we will take it directly to the Consulate in person to clarify everything before we start work on your document.

Do the UAE accept distance learning qualifications?

The UAE do accept distance learning degrees, but not all the time. Let me explain.

On the whole the UAE are happy to accept distance learning qualifications, and you’ll never have any issues getting any distance learning qualifications legalised for use in the UAE. If, however, you’re planning on teaching abroad or working in the education sector, you’re going to run into problems.

Because although the UAE Embassy will legalise any qualifications, the Ministry of Education won’t accept anything studied through distance learning. It’s important to know that – otherwise you could find yourself applying for teaching jobs in the UAE with an online certificate and thinking everything’s OK until the Ministry of Education get involved.

I did a distance learning qualification, what should I do next?

In all cases, we advise the customer to contact their employer directly. They are usually happy to accept a legalised qualification below degree level, or if you have another degree in an unrelated subject to your role, but studied this in person, this can be used as an alternative. If you are applying for a teaching position, your QTS does not require supporting documents for legalisation, so this can be a great help in these situations.

It’s always worth double checking with your employer – that way, you can be sure of what you need.

You don’t want to get stung – like you could be if you’re going to the UAE, for example. On the whole, the UAE are happy to accept distance-learning certificates. But, if you’re working in the education sector, you’ll need to send your documents to the Ministry of Education, who won’t accept distance-learning qualifications.

If you’re unsure if your document will be accepted or not, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got knowledge of the attestation process for most countries, so our experience colleagues across the globe can answer all of your queries. If you have an enquiry, you can give our team of specialists a call on +44 (0) 330 088 1142, request a personalised quotation, send us a message via WhatsApp on mobile, use our live chat system, or e-mail us at sales@vitalconsular.com.