The Academic Qualification Equivalency Statement is an EAHEA validation document for graduates of EAHEA-accredited institutions, or of institutions with an accreditation that EAHEA approves as equivalent. It confirms that the diploma, the earned credits and the awarding institution are genuine and meet EAHEA quality standards, and it converts the local credit total into USC, CATS and ECTS equivalents. Its purpose is to help a reader compare a qualification with international standards. It states a comparison, and the acceptance decision belongs to the receiving institution or employer.
The statement is often confused with a recognition decision or with a transfer of credits. It is neither. This article explains its purpose, who can apply, what it shows, how it differs from the Degree Validation Certificate and the Academic Credits Certificate, and where its limits lie. It reflects the published information of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA).
Purpose
People who study in one education system and then apply in another face a translation problem: how does this qualification compare with ours? An equivalency statement from a third party gives the receiving institution, employer or evaluator a structured comparison: the verified qualification, its size in credits and hours and its comparison figures in widely used systems. It saves time and reduces doubt, but it does not replace the receiving party’s own assessment.
Who May Apply
- Graduates of EAHEA-accredited institutions, if the accreditation was valid while they studied. Schools not on the accredited list are not covered.
- Graduates of institutions with an equivalent accreditation, where EAHEA determines equivalency after receiving an application.
See how to verify an accredited institution in a public directory to check the institution first.
What It Shows
- The graduate’s full name.
- The verified diploma and specialization.
- The total credits for the diploma and specialization.
- The credit composition in hours of study.
- USC, CATS and ECTS equivalents.
- Confirmation that the institution meets EAHEA quality standards.
How It Differs from Related Documents
| Document | Question It Answers |
|---|---|
| Degree Validation Certificate | Is this specific degree valid, and does the institution meet standards? |
| Academic Credits Certificate | How many credits does this qualification carry, in USC, CATS and ECTS? |
| Academic Equivalency Statement | How does this qualification compare with international standards? |
EAHEA describes the equivalency statement as comparing a qualification to international standards, while the validation certificate confirms that the specific degree is valid. The three documents are often issued together. See equivalency statement vs. credit transfer: who decides.
Process and Payment
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload proof files. The page does not list the specific documents, so follow the form.
- Pay online by card or bank transfer.
- EAHEA reviews the application.
- Receive the certificate and files.
Fees follow the World Bank income classification of the applicant’s country of residence, in euro, with possible further discounts. Card payments add 3 percent, and VAT of 24 percent applies to applicants in Estonia and EU applicants without a valid VAT number. The total is shown when applying. See the Service Fees page.
Using It Well
- Ask the receiving party what it needs before you apply.
- Submit the statement with the diploma, transcript and syllabi if available.
- Describe it as a comparison and a validation, not as a decision on recognition.
- Give the receiving party a way to confirm it with EAHEA.
- Keep the original documents available.
Limits
- Accreditation is voluntary and non-governmental. Acceptance is always the decision of the receiving institution or employer.
- EAHEA does not guarantee any acceptance outcome.
- The statement is not a state recognition of a degree, which belongs to national authorities.
- It is not a visa, permit or work authorization, and EAHEA does not guarantee any visa, permit or job.
- It does not replace a formal credential evaluation where an authority requires one.
Wording to Use and Avoid
| Avoid | Use |
|---|---|
| “My degree is officially recognized.” | “My qualification has an EAHEA Academic Equivalency Statement, which the receiving institution may take into account.” |
| “This statement obliges the university to accept my credits.” | “The receiving institution decides on the acceptance of credits.” |
| “Equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.” | “The statement compares the qualification with international standards and gives USC, CATS and ECTS figures.” |
See academic equivalency vs. recognition: what is the difference?. Apply online or contact the Secretariat.
Services This Guide Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
An EAHEA document for graduates of accredited or equivalent institutions that confirms the qualification and compares it with international standards, with USC, CATS and ECTS equivalents.
No. Acceptance is always the decision of the receiving institution or employer, and recognition of degrees belongs to national authorities.
The validation certificate confirms that the specific degree is valid. The equivalency statement compares the qualification with international standards.
Graduates of EAHEA-accredited institutions, if the accreditation was valid while they studied, and graduates of institutions with an equivalent accreditation approved by EAHEA.
No. EAHEA does not guarantee any acceptance outcome.
Not where an authority requires one. It supports a decision but does not make it.