Applying to U.S. universities isn’t just about excellent grades and a strong SOP. It begins with ensuring your academic records are recognised and understood in the American context. That’s where WES evaluations play a key role. Trusted by top institutions and credentialing bodies, a WES report converts your qualifications into their U.S. equivalent, ensuring no confusion, no misinterpretation. In this blog, we’ll walk you through why WES evaluations matter, when to get them done, and how to make the process smooth.
Understanding WES Evaluations
WES stands for World Education Services, a trusted non-profit organisation that specialises in credential evaluation for international students and professionals. A WES evaluation assesses your academic records, such as degrees, diplomas, and transcripts, and translates them into their U.S. or Canadian educational equivalents.
This process, also known as an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), is crucial for admission to universities, immigration purposes, licensing applications, or securing job opportunities. Comparing your qualifications to the academic standards in North America, WES helps institutions, employers, and authorities fairly assess your educational background.
A WES Evaluation report usually consists of:
- Verification of the educational credentials:
WES confirms the authenticity of your academic documents by verifying them directly with the issuing institutions to ensure they are genuine and complete before evaluation.
- A clear description:
The report clearly lists each credential, including degree title, awarding institution, country, and study period, providing transparent academic background information. - Conversion of grades or marks:
WES translates your original grades into U.S. or Canadian GPA scales, making your academic performance comparable and understandable for admissions or employers. - The academic comparability of degrees:
The evaluation shows how your foreign qualifications align with North American degree levels and educational standards for use in education, work, or immigration decisions.
Features Of WES Evaluation To Study In The US
- Trusted Credential Verification
WES evaluations are highly respected by over 2,500 universities, employers, and licensing boards in the USA, ensuring your foreign academic credentials are accurately recognised and accepted. This trust streamlines admissions and job applications.
- Standardised Equivalency Assessment
WES converts your international degrees, diplomas, and transcripts into their U.S. educational equivalents, providing clarity on how your qualifications compare within the U.S. system, which helps universities and employers understand your academic level precisely.
- Grade Conversion to U.S. GPA Scale
WES translates your grades and marks into the familiar U.S. Grade Point Average (GPA) system, making it easier for admissions committees and recruiters to assess your academic performance fairly against local applicants.
- Verification of Document Authenticity
WES rigorously verifies your academic documents with the issuing institutions to ensure authenticity and accuracy, reducing the risk of fraud and enhancing your credibility with educational and professional bodies.
- Wide Acceptance Across Institutions and Agencies
The WES evaluation report is accepted by a broad range of academic institutions, immigration departments (such as USCIS for the USA), licensing authorities, and employers, facilitating smoother processes for studying, working, or immigrating to the USA.
- Choice Between Evaluation Types
You can opt for a Document-by-Document or a Course-by-Course evaluation based on your needs, whether for employment, immigration, or university credit transfer, ensuring the report matches your specific application requirements.
- Digital Access and Secure Delivery
WES provides secure, digital delivery of evaluation reports, allowing you and your chosen institutions to access documents swiftly and safely, accelerating application timelines without compromising confidentiality.
- Support for Immigration and Licensing Applications
Many U.S. immigration pathways and professional licensing boards require credential evaluations, and WES reports meet these criteria, helping you fulfil regulatory demands efficiently while advancing your academic or career goals.
- Simplified Process with Online Application and Tracking
The entire WES evaluation process is conducted online, from document submission to application tracking, providing transparency, convenience, and timely updates, which reduce stress and uncertainty for international students.
- Global Reach with Local Understanding
WES has partnerships with thousands of institutions globally and a deep knowledge of regional education systems, ensuring evaluations reflect accurate academic standards tailored to U.S. expectations. This supports your study plans in the USA with cultural and educational insights.
Common Applications of WES Evaluation Reports
WES evaluation reports are widely accepted across various settings in North America. Here are the common areas of use:
| Area | Description |
| Universities & Colleges | Admissions for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies require credential validation. |
| Employers | Verify educational qualifications for job applications and credential recognition. |
| Immigration Authorities | Used for visa, residency, and immigration applications to prove education comparability. |
| Professional Associations | Used for licensure and certification in regulated professions (e.g., engineering, healthcare). |
| Credit Transfer | Facilitates transfer of academic credits between institutions within the U.S. and Canada. |
WES Evaluation Process
Course and paper evaluation reports are released within seven business days after document review is complete. The Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report is typically sent to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in approximately 35 days.
The WES Evaluation Process follows these four crucial steps:
- Document Imaging and Initial Review
Upon receipt, WES carefully reviews and scans your documents into its system. Electronic submissions can speed up this step. Your WES account will update you on the status as “processing a new package or document.”
- Verification and Authentication of Documents
WES analysts verify the authenticity and completeness of submitted documents, often contacting your educational institutions directly for confirmation. If any documents are missing or require additional verification, you will be informed. Processing pauses until all issues are resolved.
- Evaluation and Equivalency Assessment
Once documents are authenticated, specialists with country-specific expertise analyse credentials to determine their U.S. or Canadian educational equivalency, including GPA conversion if applicable. This phase results in a draft evaluation report.
- Report Delivery
The final evaluation report is delivered electronically or by mail to you and/or the institutions you designate. Digital delivery offers quick and secure access to your credential evaluation.
WES Evaluation Options for Students and Professionals
| Type of Evaluation | Description | Best Suited For |
| Document-by-Document | Provides a summary of your academic credentials, showing their equivalency in the U.S. or Canada. It doesn’t include course-level details or grades. | – Employment screening where detailed transcripts aren’t needed – Immigration applications needing credential verification – Basic recognition |
| Course-by-Course | Offers a detailed breakdown of each course completed, grades received, U.S./Canadian credit hours, and GPA equivalents. | – University admissions with credit transfer – Scholarship or licensing applications – Advanced standing and GPA-based programme entries |
Costs Involved in the WES Evaluation
The cost of a WES evaluation depends on the type of evaluation and any additional services such as expedited processing, courier delivery, or extra report copies.
| Evaluation Type | Typical Cost (USD) | Description |
| Document-by-Document | $115 – $166 | Summary report listing credentials and their equivalence; suitable for employment or immigration without detailed course analysis. |
| Course-by-Course (Programme-to-Programme) | $182 – $233 | Detailed evaluation with course-level analysis, grades conversion, U.S. semester credits; essential for admissions and credit transfer. |
Additional Fees (Approximate):
| Service | Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Rush/Expedited Processing | $85 – $100 | Optional faster turnaround for evaluation reports. |
| Courier/Shipping Charges | $11 – $78 | Based on delivery choice and location. |
| Duplicate Reports | $20 – $34 per copy | For sending evaluations to additional institutions or employers. |
Validity Period:
| Country/Context | Validity Period | Additional Notes |
| General (most countries) | 5 years from date of issue | Standard validity for education, employment, and immigration uses. |
| Canada Immigration (ECA) | 5 years from date of issue | Required for Express Entry and other immigration programs. |
| India | 7 years | Validity extended compared to the general standard. |
| China | 3 years | Shorter validity due to local requirements. |
| Renewals | Possible by payment of additional fees | Can extend validity; process done via WES account online. |
Top Universities Accepting WES Evaluations
The top universities accepting WES Evaluations are amongst the most reputed in the world.
Top Universities in the USA Accepting WES Evaluations
These universities may require a WES evaluation, especially if you hold three-year bachelor’s degrees or foreign qualifications, to assess your equivalency properly.
Top Universities in Canada Accepting WES Evaluations
WES is a trusted credential evaluation service for Canadian universities and is often required for admission and immigration processes
The evaluation process typically takes approximately 7 business days after receipt and verification of documents, although this timeframe may vary depending on the volume and complexity of the verification.
Documents Required For a WES Evaluation
Typically, the documents required for WES evaluations include:
- Official transcripts or mark sheets from educational institutions
- Degree or diploma certificates
- Proof of identity (passport or government-issued ID)
- Syllabi or course descriptions (for detailed course evaluations in some cases)
- If original documents are not in English, certified translations must be provided
Always follow WES’s specific document submission guidelines, as document formats and authentication vary by country and institution.
Steps to Apply for a WES Evaluation Report
The application process for a WES evaluation is straightforward and designed to guide you step-by-step. Follow these clear steps to complete your credential evaluation smoothly:
Step 1: Create an Account on the WES Website
Begin by registering on the official WES website. Provide your personal details and educational background to start your application and receive a unique WES reference number.
Step 2: Select the Country and Evaluation Type
Choose the country where your education was completed and select the evaluation type – most commonly either Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course – based on the requirements of the institution or organisation you are applying to.
Step 3: Pay the Required Fees
Complete the payment for your chosen evaluation type using one of the multiple payment options available on the WES platform. Once payment is confirmed, your application will be assigned a tracking number.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Send your academic transcripts, certificates, and any required translations directly from your educational institutions to WES. Make sure to follow WES’s document submission guidelines carefully, including clearly mentioning your WES reference number on all documents. Digital submissions may be accepted if your institution has an agreement with WES.
Step 5: Receive Your Evaluation Report
Once WES verifies your documents and completes the evaluation, your report will be available digitally in your WES account. If requested, you will also receive a physical copy. You can have the report sent directly to your chosen institutions or licensing bodies for convenience. Throughout the process, you can monitor your application status through your WES account dashboard, keeping you informed at every stage.
In summary, WES world education services evaluations play a vital role in enabling international students and professionals to have their foreign educational credentials recognised accurately and fairly in the U.S. and Canada. Whether for university admissions, employment, immigration, or professional licensing, securing a WES evaluation report provides clarity about the equivalence of credentials to North American standards.
UniScholars is your trusted partner offering comprehensive guidance on WES evaluations, document preparation, university applications, scholarships, and visa processing.
FAQs
- What is a WES evaluation?
Ans: It is an official assessment of foreign academic credentials by World Education Services to establish their equivalency in the U.S. or Canada.
- How long does a WES evaluation take?
Ans: Generally, 7 business days after WES receives all required documents and fees, though document verification can add time.
- Is a WES evaluation mandatory for all U.S. or Canadian colleges?
Ans: Not all institutions require it, but many do. Check specific institutional requirements before applying.
- What documents are needed for WES evaluation?
Ans: Official transcripts, degree certificates, proof of identity, and if applicable, certified English translations are required.
- How much does a WES evaluation cost?
Ans: The basic evaluation costs between $100 and $145, with optional fees for rush processing and extra copies.
