For international students, professionals, and institutions navigating global education systems, one question often comes up:
What counts as the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma?
Whether you’re applying to college, university, seeking employment, or submitting immigration paperwork, understanding how foreign secondary credentials compare to a U.S. diploma can help prevent delays and open doors to opportunities.
At ACEI, we evaluate credentials from around the world. Here’s how we determine equivalency—and what secondary school completion looks like in different regions.
What Is a High School Diploma in the U.S.?
In the U.S., a high school diploma is typically awarded after completing 12 years of formal education (grades 1–12). Students graduate around age 17 or 18, having completed core coursework in English, math, science, and social studies, along with elective subjects.
This diploma is the foundational credential for college/university admission, skilled employment, military service, and more.
How Do Foreign Credentials Compare?
Credential evaluation professionals look at several key factors to determine if a foreign secondary school certificate is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma:
- Total years of study (usually 11 to 13)
- Curriculum content and rigor
- Final exams or graduation requirements
- Recognition and university eligibility in the issuing country
In most cases, if the secondary education ended at the 11 or 12-year cycle culminating in a graduation diploma or validated by external matriculation examinations and said credential allows students to enter a degree-granting university in their home country, it’s considered equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.
Let’s explore how this plays out across different world regions.
U.K. and Europe
European systems vary, but most culminate in academically rigorous secondary credentials earned after 12 or 13 years of study. These qualifications not only meet the U.S. standard, but they often exceed it in terms of academic depth or specialization.
Common credentials include:
| Credential | Country | Years of Schooling | Graduation Age | U.S. Equivalency |
| A-Level | United Kingdom | 13 | 18 | Equivalent – Advanced exams qualifying for university* |
| Baccalauréat | France | 12 | 18 | Equivalent – National lycée diploma |
| Abitur | Germany | 12–13 | 18–19 | Equivalent – Highly rigorous, grants university access* |
| Esame di Stato (Maturità) | Italy | 13 | 18–19 | Equivalent – Required for post-secondary study* |
| Leaving Certificate | Ireland | 12 | 17–18 | Equivalent – Standard secondary school leaving certificate |
In 2023, over 260,000 German students earned the Abitur, while France saw over 620,000 recipients of the Baccalauréat. These credentials consistently support successful U.S. college applications.
*a limited number of advanced standing credit is allowed for subjects completed in the 13th year validated by the external examinations
Gulf Region
In Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, students typically complete 12 years of schooling. They are awarded the General Secondary Education Certificate, commonly known as Thanawiya Amma or Tawjihiyah.
These credentials are well-established and widely accepted by U.S. universities.
| Credential | Country | Years of Schooling | Graduation Age | U.S. Equivalency |
| Thanawiya Amma / Tawjihiyah | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, etc. | 12 | 17–18 | Equivalent – Grants local university eligibility |
| Secondary School Certificate | Gulf Countries | 12 | 17–18 | Equivalent – National secondary diploma |
Saudi Arabia alone sends tens of thousands of students to the U.S. each year, with credential recognition supported by scholarship programs like the King Abdullah Scholarship.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has made significant strides in aligning with the global 12-year education standard. As a result, students across the region now earn high school credentials that meet U.S. equivalency requirements.
Common credentials include:
| Credential | Country | Years of Schooling | Graduation Age | U.S. Equivalency |
| Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels | Singapore | 12–13 | 18–19 | Equivalent – Advanced qualification* |
| STPM (Form 6) | Malaysia | 12 | 18–19 | Equivalent – Recognized university prep |
| SMA (Ijazah SMA) | Indonesia | 12 | 17–18 | Equivalent – National diploma after Grade 12 |
| Matayom 6 Certificate | Thailand | 12 | 18 | Equivalent – High school leaving credential |
| Bằng Tốt Nghiệp THPT | Vietnam | 12 | 18 | Equivalent – Grants access to the university |
| Senior High School Diploma | Philippines | 12 | 18 | Equivalent – As of 2018 (K–12 reform) |
Vietnam sends over 21,000 students to the U.S. annually, making it a top source of international undergraduates. The Philippines’ 2012–2018 K–12 reform ensures high school equivalency for new grads.
*a limited number of advanced standing credit is allowed for subjects completed in the 13th year validated by the external examinations
Cross-Regional & International Credentials
Some credentials aren’t tied to a single national system but are designed for international use and are widely recognized by U.S. institutions.
| Credential | Region Used | Years of Schooling | Graduation Age | U.S. Equivalency |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | Global | ~12 | 17–19 | Equivalent – Considered advanced |
| Cambridge International A-Levels | Global | 12–13 | 17–19 | Equivalent – University-prep level |
| GED (U.S. High School Equivalency) | Global | N/A (exam-based) | Varies | Equivalent – For non-traditional students |
The IB Diploma is offered in 159+ countries and earned by more than 170,000 students annually. U.S. colleges frequently award advanced credit for strong IB or A-Level scores.
Final Thoughts: How Equivalency Is Determined
Despite differences in curriculum, testing, and language, most countries issue a secondary credential that serves the same purpose as the U.S. high school diploma:
- It certifies completion of formal schooling.
- It grants access to university-level education in the country of origin.
- It meets the 12-year education standard.
At ACEI, we evaluate foreign academic records in context, verifying whether a credential meets these criteria and how it compares within U.S. academic standards.
Need Help Evaluating a Credential?
Let us do the legwork. Our experts assess educational documents from over 180 countries to determine equivalency with confidence and precision.
