If you’ve earned your degree outside the United States and are planning to study, work, or become licensed in the U.S., you might be wondering: Will my foreign degree be recognized? The answer depends on several factors, including the recognition’s purpose, degree type, and how you present your academic credentials.
In this article, we explain how foreign degrees are recognized in the U.S., the role of credential evaluation, and how to ensure that U.S. employers, academic institutions, and licensing boards accept your international qualifications.
What Does It Mean to “Recognize” a Foreign Degree?
In the U.S., there is no central government body that automatically validates international degrees. Instead, recognition happens through credential evaluation services and is ultimately determined by the institution, employer, or licensing agency reviewing your qualifications.
Whether you’re applying to a university, seeking a job, or pursuing licensure, each organization may have different standards and expectations. That’s why understanding the evaluation process is so important.
The Role of Credential Evaluation
A credential evaluation compares your academic accomplishments abroad to U.S. educational standards. It determines:
- The name and level of your degree (e.g., equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s or master’s)
- The country and institution where it was earned
- The dates of attendance
- The academic rigor or accreditation status of the institution
- (In course-by-course evaluations) A breakdown of subjects, grades, and U.S. GPA equivalencies
These evaluations help universities, licensing boards, and employers interpret your foreign education in a U.S. context.
Who Needs a Credential Evaluation?
You may need a credential evaluation if you are:
- Applying to a U.S. college or university
- Seeking employment that requires a degree
- Applying for professional licensure (e.g., in healthcare, education, engineering)
- Submitting evidence of education for immigration purposes
Each organization may have preferences for the type of evaluation required—document-by-document or course-by-course—so it’s important to check their guidelines before requesting a report.
Choosing a Recognized Evaluation Agency
Not all credential evaluation services are created equal. To ensure your evaluation is accepted, look for services that are members of reputable professional associations such as:
- AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators)
- NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services)
ACEI is a charter member of AICE and adheres to rigorous standards for evaluation accuracy, institutional research, and integrity.
Steps to Get Your Foreign Degree Recognized
Here’s how to navigate the process:
- Identify the Purpose
Is the evaluation for school, work, licensure, or immigration? This affects the type of report needed. - Check Requirements
Contact the receiving institution or agency to confirm what kind of evaluation they accept. - Select a Trusted Evaluation Service
Choose a provider like ACEI that has a strong reputation and membership in AICE. - Gather Your Documents
This typically includes diplomas, transcripts, and translations (if not in English). - Submit and Pay
Complete the agency’s application, upload your materials, and pay the service fee. - Receive Your Evaluation
Review your report and send it to the appropriate institution or authority.
Are Foreign Diplomas Recognized Internationally?
While many U.S. institutions accept foreign qualifications when properly evaluated, recognition abroad varies by country. Most nations have their credential evaluation bodies and guidelines. If you plan to use your degree in a different country, you may need another evaluation specific to that region’s educational framework.
Final Thoughts
Recognition of a foreign degree in the U.S. is not automatic but achievable. With a professional credential evaluation and a clear understanding of institutional requirements, you can confidently present your academic background for study, work, or licensure in the U.S.
To learn more about ACEI’s evaluation services or to get started, visit our Evaluation Services page.
