WES Evaluation: A Detailed Guide for Indian Students
If you’re an Indian student planning to pursue your bachelor’s or master’s degree in the USA or Canada, you’ve probably encountered the term WES evaluation during your research. But what exactly is it? Why is it so important? And how do you make sure your WES process goes smoothly?
World Education Services (WES) is one of the most widely recognised credential evaluation agencies that helps academic institutions in the USA and Canada understand your Indian education qualifications in their own systems. Without a proper WES evaluation report, many universities and even immigration bodies may not accept your transcripts or may fail to recognise the true value of your degree.
This detailed blog guide breaks down everything Indian students need to know about WES, from required documents and step-by-step procedures to cost, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.
- What is WES (World Education Services)?
- What does WES do?
- Why Do Indian Students Need a WES Evaluation?
- When Should You Apply for WES Evaluation?
- Types of WES Evaluation for the USA and Canada
- How to Apply for WES Evaluation in the USA & Canada?
- What are the WES Evaluation Fees?
- What Documents are Required to be Submitted for WES Evaluation?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid for Indian Students in WES Evaluation
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
What is WES (World Education Services)?
World Education Services (WES) is a trusted non-profit organisation that evaluates academic credentials earned outside of the USA and Canada. It translates your Indian qualifications, such as your Class XII certificates, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees, into their equivalent in the North American education systems.
Founded in 1974, WES helps universities, colleges, licensing boards, and immigration authorities understand and assess the value of international education. For Indian students, especially those applying to the USA or Canada for higher studies, WES plays a critical role in the admission and immigration process.
What does WES do?
WES is one of the most accepted credential evaluation agencies in both countries and is often the first choice recommended by universities and visa consultants for the following purposes.
- Credential Evaluation: WES compares your Indian qualifications with the USA. or Canadian standards.
- GPA Conversion: It converts your marks or CGPA into the USA/Canadian GPA format.
- Degree Equivalency: It determines whether your degree is equivalent to a USA/Canadian degree (like a 3-year Indian bachelor’s to a 4-year USA bachelor’s).
- Verified Reports: It sends official evaluation reports directly to institutions or immigration bodies (like IRCC or universities).
Why Do Indian Students Need a WES Evaluation?
For Indian students planning to study in the USA or Canada, a WES evaluation is often a crucial requirement. It helps academic institutions and immigration authorities understand the value and equivalency of your Indian qualifications in terms of North American education standards.
For the USA
Most universities in the USA require international applicants to submit credential evaluations to assess the academic credentials earned in their home country. This includes converting Indian percentages or CGPAs into the USA GPA system and verifying the authenticity of documents.
Some specific reasons include:
- Standardisation of Indian academic records into a format that American universities can interpret.
- Mandatory requirement for WES course-by-course evaluations for master’s programs, MBA programs, and some undergraduate courses.
Easier GPA calculation and eligibility verification during the admission process.
For Canada
In Canada, WES is not only used for university admissions but also plays a significant role in the immigration process.
Some specific reasons include:
- Recognition of Indian degrees by Canadian institutions in some undergraduate and postgraduate applications.
- Calculation of educational points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for immigration purposes.
When Should You Apply for WES Evaluation?
Timing is important when it comes to your WES evaluation. Applying too early or too late can delay your admission or immigration process. Here’s how to plan it effectively:
For Students Applying to Universities in the USA
Before University Deadlines
Start your WES evaluation process at least 2-3 months before your application deadlines. This ensures that your evaluated report reaches the university in time.
After Receiving Transcripts
Only apply once you have official transcripts from your university or board, as WES requires sealed documents directly from the issuing institution.
When You Know the Type of Evaluation Required
Some universities need a WES course-by-course evaluation, while others may accept a document-by-document report. Check your university’s requirements first.
For Students Applying to Universities in Canada
When Your Target University Asks for It
Most Canadian universities do not need a WES evaluation for admission. However, if required, apply after confirming the exact type needed.
Only if WES is Mentioned in the Admission Checklist
Do not apply for a WES evaluation unless your program specifically asks for it.
Types of WES Evaluation for the USA and Canada
WES offers different types of evaluation reports depending on the purpose of your application, academic admission, or immigration. It’s important to understand which type is required for your specific goal.
For the USA
Course-by-Course Evaluation
- This is the most detailed report and is commonly required by USA universities.
- It includes each subject studied, the grades obtained, and the USA equivalent of your degree and GPA.
- It is especially useful for those applying for undergraduate or graduate admissions, as universities use this report to assess academic eligibility and credit transfer.
Document-by-Document Evaluation
- This report provides an overview of your academic credentials.
- It lists each qualification, states its equivalent in the U.S. education system, and confirms the authenticity of the documents.
- However, it does not include details like course names or grades.
- It is less commonly used for university admission but may be accepted for employment or immigration-related purposes.
For Canada
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- This type of evaluation is specifically used for immigration purposes.
- WES Canada provides the ECA report to assess whether your foreign education is equal to a completed Canadian secondary school diploma or post-secondary credential.
- This report is essential if you want to claim Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for your education while applying for Permanent Residency.
Academic Evaluation for University Admissions (if required)
- Unlike in the U.S., most Canadian universities do not require a WES evaluation for admissions.
- However, in rare cases where a university does ask for it, a WES course-by-course evaluation may be requested to assess your academic background.
How to Apply for WES Evaluation in the USA & Canada?
The WES Evaluation application process is straightforward and easy to follow. By following the steps outlined below, you can start your application with confidence.
Step 1: Create a WES Account
- Begin by registering for an account on the official WES website.
- Fill in your personal information and educational background to initiate the application process.
Step 2: Choose the Country and Evaluation Type
Select the country you are applying to and choose the appropriate evaluation type, whether it is document-by-document or course-by-course, based on the requirements of your intended institution or purpose.
Step 3: Pay the Evaluation Fees
- Proceed with the payment for your selected evaluation type and any additional services that may be required.
- WES offers various payment methods for your convenience.
- After the payment is processed, you will receive a unique WES application number.
Step 4: Submit the Required Documents
- Ensure that your marksheets, certificates, and translations meet WES’s guidelines.
- All documents must be sent directly from the issuing institutions to maintain their authenticity.
- Don’t forget to include your WES application number with your documents.
Step 5: Receive Your Evaluation Report
- After completing the previous steps, your WES evaluation report will be available online.
- If requested, a physical copy will also be sent.
- You can forward this report directly to universities or institutions for your convenience.
You can track the status of your application through your WES account, so you’ll always be up-to-date on the progress and stay informed about key deadlines.
What are the WES Evaluation Fees?
Here is the WES evaluation fee breakdown in a tabulated format for the USA and Canada.
For the USA
- The WES evaluation fees in the USA are around USD 233 or INR 19,948 per application for ICAP and USD 182 or INR 15,581 per application for basic.
- The basic package covers only the evaluation of official documents, whereas in the ICAP package, WES forwards your evaluated documents to the concerned universities directly.
| Package | ICAP | Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Course-by-course Evaluation | USD 233 or INR 19,948 | USD 182 or INR 15,581 |
| Document-by-document evaluation | USD 166 or INR 14,212 | USD 115 or INR 9,845 |
For Canada
- The WES evaluation fees in Canada are around CAD 278 or INR 17,118 per application for ICAP and CAD 237 or INR 14,593 per application for basic.
- The basic package covers only the evaluation of official documents, whereas in the ICAP package, WES forwards your evaluated documents to the concerned universities directly.
| Package | ICAP | Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Course-by-course Evaluation | CAD 278 or INR 17,118 | CAD 237 or INR 14,593 |
| Document-by-document evaluation | CAD 171 or INR 10,529 | CAD 130 or INR 8,004 |
What Documents are Required to be Submitted for WES Evaluation?
Here is a comprehensive list of documents required for WES evaluation, for Indian students applying to institutions in the USA and Canada
Degree Certificate (Final or Provisional)
A clear and legible copy of your final or provisional degree certificate is required. This serves as proof of degree completion.
Academic Transcripts
- Official transcripts issued by your university, detailing all courses taken and grades received.
- These should be sent directly by the university to WES in a sealed envelope or through authorized digital platforms.
Mark Sheets
Individual semester or year-wise mark sheets provide a detailed record of your academic performance. These should be attested by the issuing institution.
Medium of Instruction Letter
If your program wasn’t taught in English, a letter from your institution confirming the medium of instruction is required.
Name Change Proof (if applicable)
If your current name differs from the name on your academic documents, provide legal proof of the name change, such as an affidavit or marriage certificate.
English Translations (if applicable)
For documents not originally in English, provide certified translations along with the original documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Indian Students in WES Evaluation
- Always confirm the type of WES evaluation (document-by-document or course-by-course) required by your chosen university before applying.
- Send only official academic transcripts and documents directly from your university or through approved channels; never send photocopies or personal copies.
- Carefully follow the WES-specific document guidelines for Indian institutions to avoid rejection or delays.
- Clearly mention your WES Reference Number on all documents and envelopes before sending them.
- Request transcripts from your Indian university well in advance, as the process can take time.
- Log in to your WES account regularly to track the status of your application and respond promptly to any action items.
- Plan extra time for international courier delivery if you’ve requested a physical copy of the evaluation report.
- Start your WES application 2–3 months before your university deadlines to avoid last-minute delays.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
WES evaluation is an essential step for Indian students planning to study in the USA or Canada, as it helps validate and equate their academic credentials with local standards. The process involves creating an account, selecting the right evaluation type, paying fees, and submitting documents directly through official channels. Being aware of the requirements and avoiding common mistakes can help ensure a smooth experience.
Timely planning is crucial, as the evaluation can take several weeks. With a valid WES report, students increase their chances of acceptance and have a smoother admission process. Always stay updated through your WES account and seek expert guidance if needed.
FAQs
Is WES evaluation mandatory for all universities in the USA and Canada?
Not all universities require a WES evaluation. Some accept direct transcripts, while many others, especially in the USA and Canada, prefer or mandate credential evaluations. It’s important to check the admission requirements of your chosen university.
What is the difference between document-by-document and course-by-course evaluation?
Document-by-document evaluation gives an overview of your academic credentials and is usually used for immigration or employment purposes. Course-by-course evaluation provides detailed insights into each subject, grades, and GPA equivalence, which is often required by universities for admissions.
Can I send my documents to WES myself?
WES requires that academic documents be sent directly from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope. Documents sent by students themselves or not in the correct format may lead to delays or rejections.
How long is a WES evaluation report valid
A WES report does not expire, but some institutions may request a recently issued one, typically not older than five years. Always confirm this with the institution you’re applying to.
What should I do if my university is not recognized by WES?
If your university is not recognized by WES, they may not evaluate your credentials. In such cases, it’s best to contact WES for clarification or explore alternative credential evaluation agencies accepted by your university.
Check other important documents
