In a groundbreaking move to promote global education and equality, EDU, an intergovernmental organization established by treaty and endowed with independent juridical personality under international law, has launched the Inter-governmental Certificate of Degree Equivalence (ICDE).

This new initiative aims to address the growing need for a unified, internationally recognized framework to evaluate academic degrees from all around the world.

The primary mission of EDU has always been to advance education and foster international cooperation. The introduction of the ICDE builds on this mission by providing an equitable, transparent, and universally accepted method for verifying the equivalence of academic credentials, regardless of a graduate’s country of origin.

What is the Inter-governmental Certificate of Degree Equivalence?

The ICDE is a credential evaluation designed to establish the equivalence of academic degrees from different nations and educational systems. Leveraging EDU's unique position as a treaty-based international entity, the ICDE aims to set a "Gold Standard" in degree equivalence certification. The certificate is grounded in rigorous academic and legal criteria, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of international recognition.

Each degree submitted for evaluation is individually audited by EDU, with a key focus on verifying that the degree has been legitimately granted and is in compliance with relevant local legislation. More importantly, the degree is assessed against the two primary global reference standards: United States College Credits and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). This dual approach ensures that the degree meets or exceeds the academic weight of these widely recognized standards, offering a reliable measure of equivalence.

Advantages of the Inter-governmental Certificate of Degree Equivalence

1. Equity for Graduates Worldwide

One of the most significant advantages of the ICDE is its commitment to promoting equity for graduates across the globe. By providing a standardized certificate, the ICDE ensures that graduates from countries with differing educational systems are assessed on equal footing.

Whether a degree is earned in a small country or a large global power, by a public university or a private college, through full time residential campus-based programs or innovative distance programs, the certificate offers a fair evaluation that transcends national, political, and linguistic barriers.

2. Universal Accessibility

The simplicity and transparency of the ICDE allow it to be accessed internationally. The certificate is not bound by national borders and is valid for all inter-governmental, governmental, non-governmental, educational and commercial purposes alike. This makes it an invaluable asset for graduates seeking employment or further education abroad, eliminating the complexities of dealing with varying local credential evaluation systems.

3. Streamlined Verification Process

For added transparency and security, the ICDE includes a unique verification system that can be accessed directly on EDU’s official website via QR code or at: https://www.edu.int/verify/.

This ensures that each certificate can be quickly and reliably validated by employers, educational institutions, and other relevant organizations worldwide. Once the ICDE is issued, it is exempt from the need for additional verification, which simplifies the process for both degree holders and organizations seeking to confirm credentials.

4. Fostering Global Collaboration

With the growing trend of international mobility for both students and professionals, a globally recognized credential is more important than ever. The ICDE fosters greater international collaboration by creating a universally acknowledged standard for degree equivalence. This system not only helps students, but also contributes to more seamless academic exchanges, cross-border employment, and intergovernmental agreements that hinge on the recognition of educational qualifications.

5. Secure and Trustworthy Certification

The ICDE is issued under the full authority of EDU, a respected intergovernmental organization with independent juridical personality under international law. This provides an additional layer of confidence in the integrity of the certification. The verification process, requiring degrees to be accompanied by official transcripts and supported by an Apostille, further ensures the credibility and authenticity of each degree evaluated.

6. Promotion and Promulgation

In the first stage of its roll out, EDU will be leveraging its extensive network of accredited, audited and partner institutions to promote and promulgate the Inter-governmental Certificate of Degree Equivalence, extol its virtues as an academic and educational tool and to act as collaborators, agents and referrers feeding applicants into the system. Subsequent to the initial roll out, EDU intends to actively recruit suitably qualified individuals and organizations to act as local independent agents assisting applicants with the preparation and submission of degrees for adjudication for the issue of an Inter-governmental Certificate of Degree Equivalence.

How the Process Works

To receive the ICDE, applicants must submit their degree and accompanying transcripts for adjudication. The degree must be supported by an Apostille, an international certification that verifies the document’s authenticity. EDU then conducts a thorough evaluation, ensuring that the degree is legitimate and comparable to international standards. Once the evaluation is complete and the degree meets the necessary criteria, the Inter-governmental Certificate of Degree Equivalence is issued.

The launch of the Inter-governmental Certificate of Degree Equivalence represents a major step forward in the global recognition of educational qualifications. By creating a standardized and equitable framework for degree equivalence, EDU is removing the barriers that have traditionally hindered graduates’ ability to pursue opportunities beyond their borders. The ICDE empowers individuals to present their qualifications with confidence, knowing they will be evaluated on an internationally accepted basis.

For graduates worldwide, the ICDE is a powerful tool that promotes fairness, enhances educational mobility, and fosters greater global collaboration. With EDU’s rigorous standards and transparent verification process, the ICDE sets a new benchmark for credential evaluation, ensuring that all degrees are recognized and valued equally, no matter where they are earned.

Would you like to test the new ICDE system in real-time?

Just visit: https://www.edu.int/verify/

Use the demo code: 123456789