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

Last time we turned the spotlight on online and distance learning qualifications, we identified which foreign embassies wouldn't accept these for legalisation. This could deter candidates from even applying for positions overseas in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. But are online degrees accepted by overseas employers? And if so, is there any way for someone with an online qualification to get a job in these countries?

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What We’ll Cover

  • What counts as distance learning

  • Possible work-arounds to get your work permit issued

  • Which course types can’t qualify

  • What to do once you’ve determined if your course qualifies

Last time we turned the spotlight on online and distance learning qualifications, we identified which foreign embassies wouldn’t accept these for legalisation. This could deter candidates from even applying for positions overseas in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. But are online degrees accepted by overseas employers? And if so, is there any way for someone with an online qualification to get a job in these countries?

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.

key takeaways

Key Takeaways

With varying definitions of what counts as distance learning, it can be difficult for those wishing to relocate to certain countries to know where to start if they state they won’t accept this award type. Even if you did study a distance learning degree, all may not be lost. In some cases, we’ve managed to work with individuals to save their dream move from coming to a halt. If you’re unsure what options you have, simply talk to your future employer who are usually more than happy to help.

While you’re here, why not keep up to date with all the latest comings and goings by following us on social media?

Ashraf Vachhiat
Ashraf Vachhiat

Ashraf is the Marketing Technologist at Vital Consular, which means he handles all the technicalities involved in bringing this blog to life! He also enjoys creating in-depth articles around current affairs which impact the travel and relocation industry. In his free time, Ashraf relishes travelling as much as possible, and is always looking for quirky spots to take some great photos.

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8 Comments

  1. Dear Vital Team
    I have been offered interviews with schools in Dubai. However I was turned down for jobs in qatar and Abu Dhabi. I have an Open University BA Hons degree , I also have my QTS and pgce. Do you think I stand a chance of obtaining a visa for dubai???

    • Hi Rene, we have processed many OU degrees for people relocating to Dubai so we can’t honestly see why you would be refused a visa on this basis. I hope this helps! Melanie

  2. Hi Vital Team – First off, excellent content and information.

    So, I live in Toronto, Canada (a Canadian Citizen) and am about to start my fully online MBA (2 years) program at Aston University (Business School) in the UK, which is a triple-accredited AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS school. So, from your content, you’re saying Qatar and Saudi Arabia won’t accept or recognize it even with those credentials of the University?

    What about Bahrain and Kuwait? Do they follow the same rules of not accepting or recognizing fully Online MBAs from the UK?

    • Hi Usman, thanks for your comment. You’re correct in saying that even with accreditations, the Qatar or Saudi Embassy won’t accept it. It’s purely based on the mode of learning, not the credentials of the university itself. Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE are all okay with distance learning qualifications, if you wanted to consider those destinations instead. Hope this helps!

      Melanie

    • I plan to study a bachelors degree in psychology fully online from the king’s college. My first question would be, would I be able to be a counselor in schools and universities in the UAE? My second question would be, if I take my masters face to face from an accredited university, can I work in the KSA ?

      • Hey Jana,

        The UAE accept online degrees now, but not in the fields of Medicine, Engineering or Law. But, to answer your question, I’m not entirely sure and I wouldn’t want to guess at an answer and give you the incorrect information. Your best bet would be to reach out to a couple of schools / universities in the UAE and ask them directly what their criteria for employment is and whether or not you would be able to gain employment with them with a distance-learned / online degree. I would think you might be able to, but as I say I can’t answer with any certainty. You’re best off reaching out to potential employers directly. Sorry I can’t be of more help.

        As for your second question, yes that would be possible – but you would need to find an employer who would be willing to hire you on the strength of your Master’s degree alone. Saudi Arabia still don’t accept online / distance learned qualifications, so they wouldn’t recognise your Bachelor’s. To be fair, it isn’t uncommon for a company to only want to see your highest qualification, so in that case a Master’s Degree studied in-person would likely be sufficient. Again, your best course of action is to check with potential employers before applying what their requirements are so you don’t get caught in any tricky situations. I hope this helps!

  3. I have a degree however I completed a PGCE as well. Would it be okay if a PGCE was completed whereby I had to put in my hours at the school getting the experience and training in practicals needed?

    • Hey Tazkiyah,

      It’s standard for PGCEs to have modules in schools to get you the experience. Whether your degree would be accepted or not would depend on two things; whether they were distance learned and where you’re planning on moving to. If you let us know we’ll be able to give you a clearer answer. Thanks!

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