Is IGNOU degree accepted abroad?

Indira Gandhi National Open University or IGNOU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). It is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This means that an IGNOU degree is accepted abroad. You need to get your credentials evaluated by official agencies.

Countries like the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, etc., accept the IGNOU degree. Certain factors are also considered for an IGNOU degree to be accepted abroad. To get a clear idea of how an IGNOU degree is accepted abroad, take a look at the article.

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Factors on Which IGNOU Degree is Accepted Abroad

Those who have graduated from Indira Gandhi National Open University can pursue higher education abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. Certain factors on which the IGNOU degree is accepted abroad are discussed below:

• Accreditation Requirements: Universities abroad will verify whether your degree is from a recognized university.

• Evaluation Services: In countries like the US and Canada, your credentials are assessed by agencies such as WES (World Education Services), ECE, or IQAS. IGNOU degrees are accepted if the documentation is complete and correct.

• Course Relevance: Some institutions abroad may ask for additional details like curriculum, credit hours, or marksheets to compare with local standards.

Which Countries Accept IGNOU Degree?

If you are wondering whether an IGNOU degree is accepted abroad, you need to check out the country-specific acceptance criteria:

• United States & Canada

In North America, IGNOU degrees are often accepted after evaluation by credential assessment services. WES Canada has been known to recognise IGNOU qualifications, although there have been cases where some programs faced delays in verification.

• United Kingdom

UK universities and employers typically recognise IGNOU degrees, especially since the UK NARIC (now UK ENIC) often acknowledges Indian university qualifications.

• Gulf Countries

In countries like the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, IGNOU has a strong presence and even offers examination centres. The degrees are widely accepted for employment, especially in the private and education sectors.

• Australia & New Zealand

Acceptance depends on evaluation by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) or NZQA, and many IGNOU graduates have successfully migrated and pursued higher education or employment.

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Criteria for IGNOU Degree to be Accepted Abroad

There are, as such, no criteria for an IGNOU degree to be accepted abroad; however, the following should be kept in mind:

• Degree Should be Recognized

Your IGNOU degree should be approved by UGC, recognized by DEB (Distance Education Bureau) and must be a part of AIU-approved courses.

• Must Have Official Transcripts and Degree Certificates

Foreign universities require your degree certificate, mark sheets/ grade cards or official transcripts (sent directly from IGNOU if needed) for credential check through WES, ECE, and UK ENIC.

• Program should be Equivalent to a Local Qualification

If you want your IGNOU degree to be accepted abroad, you need to have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, have sufficient credit hours and follow the proper academic structure, like semesters or exams.

• Mode of Study Accepted in your Preferred Country

Some countries or colleges abroad do not accept distance learning degrees for certain purposes, like government jobs. However, many countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, the UAE and New Zealand accept open university degrees.

• Credential Evaluation

Your credentials need to be evaluated in countries like the USA, Canada, Germany, and Australia by official agencies, such as WES (World Education Services), IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service), UK ENIC and ACS (for IT professionals in Australia).

• Medium Should be English

Some universities abroad need proof that your degree was taught in English. IGNOU offers most programs in English or bilingual mode, but you can also get a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from IGNOU if needed.

To sum it up, IGNOU degree is widely accepted in many countries, including UK, USA, Australia, Canada and others. However, you may have to get your IGNOU degree verified and check if pursuing a career there is permissible. An academic degree from prestigious IGNOU does open a world of opportunities for higher education and jobs overseas, so you can rest assured that your qualification is accepted and respected outside India.

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