A student transcript is one of those documents you rarely think about until a university, employer, or immigration office asks for it — and then you need it quickly. This guide explains how to request a student transcript in the UAE, whether you are still at school, already in university, or asking for a child’s records. The steps differ slightly between schools and universities, but almost every route is now online.
In most cases, you apply through your school’s student affairs office, your university’s registrar, or the UAE Ministry of Education’s e-services portal using UAE Pass. Below you will find the exact documents to prepare, the typical fees and timelines, and what to do when the transcript has to be attested for use outside the country.
Quick Answer
To request a student transcript in the UAE, contact your school’s registrar or student affairs office (for school students) or your university’s registrar (for higher education students), or submit the request through the Ministry of Education’s online services with a UAE Pass login. You will usually need your Emirates ID, student ID number, and a small fee. Processing typically takes between one day and two weeks, depending on the institution and whether attestation is required.
What a Student Transcript Contains
A transcript is the official record of your academic journey at an institution. It normally lists your full name, date of birth, student ID, the program or grade level, every subject or course taken, the grades awarded, the academic year or semester, and the final result — pass, fail, or graduation status. For university students it also includes credit hours and the cumulative GPA.
There are two common formats. An unofficial transcript is a simple printout or PDF from the student portal — fine for personal reference or for checking your record before applying anywhere. An official transcript is issued, stamped, and signed by the institution, often in a sealed envelope or as a digitally verified document. Universities, employers, and government authorities almost always ask for the official version, so it is worth requesting that one from the start.
Where to Request a Transcript in the UAE
The right channel depends on where you studied:
- Public schools (MOE curriculum): the Ministry of Education issues school certificates and academic statements through its e-services portal, which you access with a UAE Pass login.
- Private schools in Dubai: school-issued documents such as transcripts and completion letters are normally requested from the school itself; the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) oversees Dubai’s private schools.
- Schools in Abu Dhabi: private and charter schools issue transcripts directly, under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
- Universities and colleges: the registrar or student records office of the institution handles transcript requests, usually through the student portal.
If you are unsure which office handles your request, it helps to check your academic record details first so you know exactly what the institution holds before you apply.
School Students
Parents of school students normally apply on the child’s behalf. For public schools, the parent logs into the MOE’s digital services using UAE Pass, selects the student, and submits a request for the academic statement or transcript. The Ministry’s Parents Platform also lets families view the student’s file and send document requests to the school directly.
In private schools, the process is simpler: contact the school’s admissions or student affairs office, fill in their transcript request form, and pay any fee they quote. Some schools let you do this through their parent portal or app; others ask you to visit the reception in person. Turnaround at most UAE schools is a few working days.
University and College Students
Most UAE universities have a dedicated “Transcript Request” service inside the student portal — the same system where you check grades and register for courses. Log in, choose official or unofficial, pick the number of copies, pay the fee, and select delivery: collect in person, receive by email, or have it posted. Larger universities also send digital transcripts directly to other institutions on request.
If you graduated years ago and no longer have portal access, contact the registrar’s office by email or phone. You will usually be asked to prove your identity with your Emirates ID or passport, and in some cases to fill in a form and provide proof of graduation such as your degree number.
Documents You Usually Need
Before you start, gather these:
- A valid Emirates ID (or a passport copy for students outside the country)
- Your student ID number or university registration number
- Full name exactly as it appears on your academic record
- The academic years or semesters you want covered
- Payment method for the fee (online payment or at the office)
- An authorization letter if someone is collecting on your behalf, plus their Emirates ID
Make sure the name and spelling on your application match the institution’s records exactly. A mismatch is the most common reason transcript requests are delayed, especially for students whose names were transliterated from Arabic.
Step-by-Step: Requesting a Transcript Through the MOE Portal
If your request falls under the Ministry of Education — for example, a certificate or academic statement from a public school — the typical flow is:
- Open the Ministry of Education’s website and go to the e-services or certificates section.
- Log in with UAE Pass. If you are a parent requesting for a child, the child’s record must be linked to your account.
- Choose the service for academic statements or certificates and select the relevant student.
- Fill in the application details: academic year, type of document, and number of copies.
- Pay the fee online. Fees for school-level certificates are modest — typically tens of dirhams — but the exact amount is shown in the portal before you confirm, so check the current figure there.
- Submit the request and note the reference number. The document is usually available for download or printing from the portal once processed.
The whole application takes a few minutes if your UAE Pass is active and your details are correct. Processing times vary with demand, but school certificates are generally issued within a few working days.
How to Request a Student Transcript Directly From Your Institution
When the MOE portal does not cover your case — most private schools and almost all universities — follow this approach:
- Find the transcript request option on the institution’s website or student portal, or locate the registrar’s contact details.
- Submit the request with your identification details. Alumni often need to email the registrar with a scanned Emirates ID or passport.
- Pay the fee. Universities in the UAE commonly charge between AED 25 and AED 100 per official copy, though some charge more for attested or couriered documents. The figure should be listed on the registrar’s page — confirm it before paying.
- Choose how you receive it: electronic delivery is the fastest, while hard copies are collected in person or posted.
- Track the request using the reference number or ticket number the institution gives you.
If the university or school has closed or merged, records are usually transferred to the supervising authority — the MOE for public institutions, or KHDA/ADEK for private schools in their respective emirates. Contact the authority with your ID and graduation details to locate your file.
Fees and Processing Times
The table below gives a general idea of what to expect. Treat these as typical ranges, not fixed official fees — always confirm the current amount with the institution or portal before you pay.
| Institution type | Typical fee per copy | Typical processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Public school (MOE) | Modest fee, shown in the portal | 1–5 working days |
| Private school (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | Usually AED 50–200 | 2–7 working days |
| University — unofficial copy | Often free from the portal | Immediate |
| University — official copy | Typically AED 25–100 | 1–10 working days |
| Attested transcript (for use abroad) | Additional attestation fees apply | Add 1–2 weeks |
Rush or express services exist at some universities but cost extra. If you need the transcript for a visa or university deadline, request it well before the cutoff date rather than paying for a rush you might not need.
Attesting a Transcript for Use Abroad
A transcript issued in the UAE often needs attestation before a foreign university, employer, or embassy will accept it. The chain usually goes: institution stamp → education authority (MOE, KHDA, or ADEK depending on the institution) → UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs → the embassy of the destination country. Read our academic certificate attestation explained guide for the full step-by-step process.
If the transcript is in Arabic only, many authorities also require a legal translation by a certified translator before attestation. And if the transcript will support a foreign qualification claim inside the UAE, you may need to follow the UAE document attestation process as well. Factor attestation into your timeline — it can add one to two weeks to the whole process.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Name mismatch: if the transcript shows a different spelling from your passport or Emirates ID, ask the registrar to correct it before the document is issued. Corrections are easier before printing than after.
Unpaid fees or holds: universities often block transcript issuance when tuition or library fines are outstanding. Clear the balance first, then re-submit the request.
Old records: records from many years ago may be archived. Ask the institution whether you need to visit in person or submit a written request — archived files sometimes take longer to retrieve.
Request rejected on the portal: this usually means the UAE Pass details do not match the student record. Make sure you are logged in as the correct account (parent vs. student) and that the child’s data is linked properly.
For a broader look at keeping your paperwork in order, see our complete academic records guide, and if a copy has gone missing altogether, our guide on requesting a duplicate academic certificate walks through that route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a parent request a transcript for their child?
Yes. Parents are normally the ones who request transcripts for school students, either through the MOE portal with UAE Pass or directly from the school. You will need to prove the relationship — your Emirates ID and the child’s birth certificate are usually enough.
Can I request a transcript if I am outside the UAE?
Usually yes. Most universities accept email requests from alumni abroad if you attach a passport copy and pay online. For MOE public school records, a UAE Pass account and linked student record are needed, so it helps to sort this out before leaving the country.
What is the difference between a transcript and a certificate?
A certificate states that you completed a program or graduated. A transcript lists every subject and grade along the way. Employers and universities often ask for both — the certificate proves the qualification, the transcript shows the detail behind it.
How many copies of my transcript should I order?
Order more than you think you need. Applications for universities, jobs, and visas each tend to want their own copy, and re-ordering later takes just as long as the first request. Two or three official copies is a sensible default.
Can I get a digital or electronic transcript?
Many UAE universities now issue digitally signed transcripts that can be shared electronically, and MOE school certificates are typically available for download and printing from the portal. These are accepted by a growing number of institutions, though some still insist on a hard copy or a sealed envelope — check what the receiving party wants before you choose.
Do I need to attest my transcript before using it inside the UAE?
Generally no. Transcripts issued by UAE institutions are accepted as-is for most purposes inside the country. Attestation is mainly needed when the document will be presented abroad.
The Bottom Line
Requesting a student transcript in the UAE is straightforward once you know where to apply: the MOE e-services portal for public school records, the school’s office for private schools, and the registrar for universities. Keep your IDs ready, match your name exactly to the record, order enough copies, and add extra time if attestation is needed. Do it online where possible, keep the reference number, and the document is usually in your hands within a week or two.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.