* The country of origin of the degree: Some countries have stronger reputations and more readily accepted educational systems than others.
* The country where you want recognition: Each country has its own standards, procedures, and agencies responsible for credential evaluation.
* The specific degree: Professional degrees like medicine or law often have stricter recognition requirements than general arts degrees.
* The intended purpose: Are you seeking employment, further education, or immigration? The requirements will differ.
There's no single global body that handles this. The process generally involves these steps:
1. Identify the relevant authority: This is the crucial first step. You need to determine which government agency or professional body in the target country is responsible for evaluating foreign credentials. For example, in the US, it might be a state licensing board for professional degrees or an educational credential evaluation service for general degrees. In other countries, it might be the Ministry of Education or a similar body.
2. Gather your documents: You'll need certified copies of your degree certificate, transcripts (showing all courses taken and grades received), and potentially other documents like proof of identity, curriculum vitae, and sometimes even a certified translation of your documents (if they're not in the language of the target country).
3. Credential evaluation: This is the core of the process. You'll likely need to submit your documents to a designated agency for evaluation. This can involve:
* Formal evaluation service: Many private companies specialize in evaluating foreign credentials. They compare your foreign education to equivalent standards in the target country and issue a report explaining the equivalence.
* Direct application to the licensing/recognition body: Some countries allow you to apply directly to the relevant authority for recognition of your degree. This often involves a more rigorous process, including potential examinations or additional coursework.
4. Meet specific requirements: Depending on the country and degree, you may need to meet additional requirements beyond simply having your degree evaluated. This might include:
* Further education or training: You may need to complete additional courses or exams to demonstrate competency.
* Licensing exams: Professional degrees often require passing a licensing exam specific to the target country.
* Work experience: In some cases, work experience may be required alongside the degree for recognition.
5. Obtain recognition/licensing: Once you've fulfilled all the necessary requirements, you'll receive confirmation of the recognition or licensing of your foreign degree in the target country.
In summary: There's no shortcut. You must research the specific requirements of the target country and follow their procedures diligently. Starting with step one (identifying the relevant authority) is absolutely critical. Websites of embassies, ministries of education, and professional licensing bodies are invaluable resources for this information. Don't hesitate to contact these agencies directly to inquire about the process.