After years of hard work in your home country to get your PhD degree, you finally get the opportunity to work or study further in the US. You are geared up to go. But wait, have you completed your foreign PhD degree evaluation?
Before moving to the US with dreams in your eyes, you also need to get a set of credentials that verifies that your PhD and coursework are at par with the American standards.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your foreign PhD degree evaluated. We’ll cover why it’s important, how it works, and tips for choosing the right service to help you.
What Is A Foreign PhD Degree Evaluation?
A foreign degree or credential evaluation is a detailed course-by-course analysis of your academics to understand if you are ready to work or study in the US.
When you earn a PhD from a university outside the United States, you will need to get your degree evaluated. PhD degree evaluation involves reviewing your academic credentials to ensure they meet U.S. standards. It’s like translating your degree into a language that American universities and employers understand.
This step is crucial for students who wish to continue their education in the United States and for professionals seeking employment or licensure.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Foreign PhD Degree Evaluation
Getting your foreign PhD degree evaluated in the United States may seem complex, but it’s quite straightforward when you know the steps involved. Here’s a guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Initial Assessment:
The first step is figuring out exactly what documents you need to submit. This usually includes your academic transcripts, degree certificates, and sometimes a detailed syllabus or course descriptions.
The goal is to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork ready for evaluation. You can easily find it from the university you wish to apply for higher studies or the credential evaluation agency you choose for transcription.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Evaluation Service:
Only the right credentialed services can evaluate foreign degrees in the US. However, before submitting your documents and paying the fee for evaluation, ensure that your University or school will accept the evaluation from the chosen service provider.
Coordinate with the University beforehand to get a comprehensive list of foreign PhD degree evaluation service providers they work with to avoid any mishaps later on.
For instance, The US State Department only accepts international credential evaluations from one of the 19 members of NACES.
Step 3: Choose the Service and Submission The Documents:
Once you choose the credential evaluation agency, understand what documents you must submit. This is essential because a mistake in document submission can delay the entire evaluation process significantly,
Most of the evaluation services request for the below-mentioned documents:
- Your original diploma or degree certificate
- Your mark sheet in the native language (if not English) or the original transcript of the same
- The scanned copy of your dissertation or thesis is essential
- If your degree or diploma certificate is in a native language, then official English transcriptions of the same. In addition to that, you will also have to submit the English transcriptions of your mark sheet.
Once you’ve gathered all your documents, the next step is to submit your documents. Make sure to follow the service’s guidelines on how to send your documents, whether online or through mail, and if they need to be translated or notarized.
Step 4: The Evaluation:
After submitting your documents, the evaluation service will review them to determine the U.S. equivalency of your foreign PhD degree. This process involves verifying your credentials and comparing your education against U.S. standards. It’s done behind the scenes, so you only need to wait for the results.
Why Evaluate Your Foreign PhD Degree?
Foreign PhD degree evaluation can open many doors for you in the United States. Here’s how an assessment can benefit you:
Academic Benefits: If you plan to pursue further studies in the U.S., evaluating your foreign Ph.D. degree can help universities understand your previous education. This ensures your degree is recognized, making enrolling in additional courses or programs easier.
Professional Benefits: An evaluated degree can help you land a job, apply for professional licenses, or gain the certifications needed in your field. It proves to employers and professional boards that your foreign education meets U.S. standards.
How Much Does Foreign PhD Degree Evaluation Cost?
A foreign degree evaluation takes time and money to be done correctly. So, a little preparation and organization will take you a long way. The general foreign PhD degree evaluation will cost you roughly around $200, while a course-by-cousin evaluation might cost a little more than $300.
Also, your degree and transcripts need to be submitted in English, which would cost you extra if you want the evaluation agency to do that as well. The evaluation time varies from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your chosen agency. So, if you need rush hour services, you will again have to pay extra for that.
Final Words
Foreign PhD degree evaluation ensures that your qualifications are recognized and respected for further studies, employment, and professional licensure. Whether you’re aiming for academic advancement or seeking to make your mark in the professional world, having your foreign PhD degree evaluated is a step in the right direction.
For expert guidance and support, don’t hesitate to reach out to reputable agencies specializing in foreign degree evaluations. Their expertise will ensure that your academic achievements are fully recognized and enable you to achieve your goals in the United States.