Diploma Equivalence Procedures for Canada

Introduction

Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, thanks to its high-quality education system and the multicultural environment. Students from all over the world come to Canada to pursue their studies, but before they can enroll in any Canadian university, they need to get their educational qualifications assessed for diploma equivalence.

Diploma Equivalence Procedures for Canada

The process of diploma equivalence in Canada is primarily handled by several organizations. These organizations can be separated into three categories: the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC), credential evaluation services, and regulatory organizations.

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) is a federal body that provides information and support services to help students and professionals understand the Canadian education system. CICIC is responsible for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications and the assessment of educational credentials obtained outside of Canada. They ensure that the educational qualifications obtained by international students meet the standards of accreditation and recognition in Canada.

Credential Evaluation Services

Credential evaluation services are private organizations that offer services to assess foreign educational credentials for Canadian equivalence. Credential evaluation agencies review educational credentials and determine their equivalency to Canadian educational qualifications. It’s important to note that each provincial and territorial regulatory authority has its own list of recognized credential evaluation agencies. In most cases, it’s recommended to get an evaluation completed by a credential evaluation agency that is recognized by the regulatory organization responsible for the profession or trade for which you are applying.

Regulatory Organizations

For some professions, regulatory organizations are responsible for issuing permits or licenses, and these organizations control the process for diploma equivalency assessment. These regulatory organizations have a list of recognized credential evaluation agencies that students can use to get their educational qualifications assessed. Before enrolling in a university program or applying for a job in Canada, it’s important to check whether the regulatory organization is responsible for diploma equivalence assessment.

FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to get your educational qualifications assessed for diploma equivalence in Canada?

A: The cost of diploma equivalence assessment varies between credential evaluation agencies. The cost typically ranges from $150 CAD to $300 CAD.

Q: How long does it take to get your educational qualifications assessed for diploma equivalence in Canada?

A: The time it takes to get your educational qualifications assessed for diploma equivalence in Canada varies between credential evaluation agencies. Some agencies take up to 4-6 weeks to process assessments while others may take only a few days.

Q: Do I need to get my educational qualifications assessed for diploma equivalence if I’m applying to a university in Canada?

A: The answer is generally yes. Most Canadian universities require an evaluation of international educational qualifications to determine their equivalence to Canadian educational qualifications. However, some universities have their own evaluation process and may not require an assessment from a credential evaluation agency.

Conclusion

Getting your educational qualifications assessed for diploma equivalence in Canada is an essential step for international students who want to study or work in Canada. The process is handled by several organizations, including CICIC, credential evaluation services, and regulatory organizations. The cost and time it takes to get an assessment varies between organizations, but it’s generally recommended to use a credential evaluation agency that’s recognized by the regulatory organization responsible for the profession or trade for which you are applying.