The closure of a university can be a distressing experience for students, especially those who are on the verge of completing their degrees or need attestation for further studies or employment. Whether the closure is due to financial instability, accreditation issues, or unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters, it leaves students in a difficult position. One of the biggest challenges they face is getting their degrees attested, which is often a mandatory requirement for higher education abroad, professional licensing, or job applications.
This article explores practical workarounds for degree attestation in the UAE when your university is no longer operational. We’ll discuss alternative methods to verify your academic credentials, legal avenues to pursue, and steps you can take to ensure your hard-earned degree remains valid and recognized.
Understanding Degree Attestation and Its Importance
Degree attestation is the process of certifying the authenticity of an academic document by authorized entities such as government departments, embassies, or notary publics. This process is crucial for:
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Applying to foreign universities for further studies.
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Securing employment in another country.
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Obtaining professional licenses or certifications.
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Meeting immigration requirements.
When a university closes, the usual channels for attestation—such as obtaining verification letters or stamped documents directly from the institution—become unavailable. This creates a significant hurdle, but not an insurmountable one.
Challenges Faced When Your University Closes
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Lack of Official Verification – Most attestation processes require documents to be verified by the issuing university. If the institution no longer exists, students may struggle to prove the legitimacy of their degrees.
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Difficulty in Obtaining Transcripts – Universities typically maintain academic records, but if they shut down abruptly, accessing transcripts becomes problematic.
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Recognition Issues – Some countries may refuse to recognize degrees from defunct institutions, especially if the university was not properly accredited.
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Legal Complications – If the closure was due to legal or accreditation issues, employers or foreign institutions may question the validity of the degree.
Workarounds for Degree Attestation
1. Contact the Higher Education Authority in Your Country
If your university has closed, the next best option is to reach out to the Ministry of Education or the higher education regulatory body in your country. Many governments maintain records of accredited institutions and can provide alternative verification.
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Request a Letter of Authentication – Some ministries issue letters confirming that the university was recognized at the time of your enrollment.
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Check for Successor Institutions – In some cases, another university may take over the academic records of the closed institution.
2. Obtain Notarized Affidavits
If official verification is not possible, a notarized affidavit can serve as a substitute in some cases. This document, signed under oath, declares the authenticity of your degree.
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Draft a Self-Attestation Letter – Clearly state your academic history, the closure of the university, and the unavailability of official records.
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Get It Notarized – A public notary can legalize the document, adding credibility.
3. Use Third-Party Verification Services
Several organizations specialize in verifying academic credentials, especially for defunct institutions.
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World Education Services (WES) – WES evaluates international degrees and may accept alternative documentation if the university is closed.
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Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) – Another reputable agency that can assess and validate degrees from non-operational universities.
4. Seek Assistance from Alumni Networks
Former students and alumni associations can sometimes help by providing collective verification.
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Alumni Verification Letters – If a significant number of alumni vouch for the institution’s legitimacy, it may strengthen your case.
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Social Media Groups – Platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook may have groups where former students share solutions.
5. Legal Recourse and Court Affidavits
In extreme cases, you may need to take legal steps to validate your degree.
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File a Petition – Some countries allow students to petition the court to declare their degrees valid if the university no longer exists.
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Obtain a Court Order – A judicial decision can sometimes be used in place of traditional attestation.
6. Alternative Accreditation Bodies
If your university was part of a larger accreditation network, the accrediting agency might still have records.
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Contact the Accreditation Council – They may provide documentation confirming the university’s status during your enrollment period.
Preventive Measures for Current Students
If your university is at risk of closure, take proactive steps to safeguard your academic records:
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Request Multiple Copies of Transcripts – Keep physical and digital copies in a secure location.
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Get Documents Attested Early – If you anticipate future needs, complete attestation while the university is still operational.
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Verify Accreditation Status – Ensure your institution is recognized by relevant educational bodies to avoid future complications.
Conclusion
A university closure doesn’t have to mean the end of your academic or professional aspirations. While the situation is undoubtedly challenging, several workarounds exist to help you get your degree attested. By leveraging government authorities, notarized affidavits, third-party verification services, and alumni networks, you can still validate your credentials. If necessary, legal avenues can also provide solutions.
For current students, taking preventive measures can save future headaches. Always stay informed about your institution’s accreditation status and keep backup copies of essential documents. With persistence and the right approach, you can navigate the complexities of degree attestation—even when your university is no longer around.
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