How to Get Foreign Qualifications Recognised in Your New Country

Moving to a new country is full of opportunity—but if you want to continue your career or studies, getting your foreign qualifications recognised is a vital first step. While the process can seem daunting at first, breaking it down into practical steps can make the journey smoother and help you unlock the full value of your education and experience abroad.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content of this article is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as personal career counselling. While our team comprises certified career counsellors, the insights presented are generalised and may not apply to every individual’s unique circumstances. We encourage you to seek personalised career counselling for advice tailored to your own situation.

Why Recognition Matters

Each country has unique policies around recognizing academic and professional credentials earned abroad. Without proper recognition, your degree or certificate may not qualify you for jobs, licensing, or further study in your new home. That’s why credential evaluation is so important: it helps local employers, universities, and regulators understand what your qualifications mean by their standards.

Step 1: Research the Requirements

Start by finding out which authority is responsible for assessing credentials in your field.

• For academic degrees, this might be a government agency or ministry of education.
  
• For regulated professions (like healthcare, engineering, accounting, or teaching), you’ll need to contact the relevant professional body or licensing board.
  
• For vocational and technical qualifications, check with industry-specific bodies or apprenticeship authorities.

Visit official government websites, embassy sites, or reputable expat resources to get accurate, up-to-date information.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

You’ll typically need:

• Diplomas, degree certificates, or trade qualifications
  
• Transcripts or detailed records of courses and grades
  
• Course descriptions or syllabi
  
• Proof of the length and content of your studies
  
• Passport or identity documents
  
• Certified translations of your documents (if not in the local language)
  
• Sometimes, an apostille or legalisation for official approval

Organise both originals and certified copies, as both might be requested during the evaluation.

Step 3: Submit for Evaluation

Most countries require you to submit your application online or by mail, along with supporting documents and a fee. Some credential evaluation agencies include WES (World Education Services) in North America, NARIC in Europe, or government-appointed authorities in many other countries.

Be thorough and double-check all instructions. Missing or incomplete documents are a common reason for delays.

Step 4: Understand the Outcome

After review, you will typically receive an official report that states:

• Your qualification is fully recognised (equivalent to the local degree/certificate)
  
• Partial recognition (you must complete additional courses, exams, or training)
  
• Not recognised (your credential does not meet local standards)

If additional steps are needed, look for “bridging programs,” professional exams, or locally required training to fill the gap. Some countries also require language proficiency or supervised work experience, especially in regulated sectors.

Step 5: Special Considerations for Regulated Professions

Jobs in healthcare, law, engineering, and education often have additional layers—like registration, supervised practice, or country-specific licensing exams. There might also be compulsory local language assessments to ensure you can serve the public safely and effectively.

Reach out to sector-specific professional associations or expat groups for tips and peer support.

Step 6: Network and Seek Guidance

Join alumni associations, professional networks, and international communities. Fellow expats and locals who have been through the same process can offer invaluable advice, recommend trustworthy evaluators, and sometimes even help you with job leads while your credentials are being reviewed.

Step 7: Be Patient and Proactive

The recognition process can be time-consuming—sometimes taking weeks or even months. Use this period to improve your language skills, familiarize yourself with local workplace culture, or complete any bridging requirements.

Conclusion

Getting your foreign qualifications recognised is an investment in your future and a crucial foundation for a fulfilling career in your new country. By researching requirements, preparing documents, connecting with the right authorities, and building your network, you’ll be ready to take on new challenges and fully make the most of your relocation. The journey may require patience and persistence, but your hard work will pay off in opportunities for growth and success.