AIU Equivalence for UK USA Canada and Australia Degrees : Many Indian students pursue higher education abroad in countries like the United Kingdom (UK), United States (USA), Canada, and Australia. However, when they return to India, they often face challenges in getting their foreign degrees recognized for higher studies, government jobs, and professional licensing.
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is the official body responsible for evaluating and granting AIU Equivalence Certificates to foreign degrees. This guide explains the AIU degree equivalence process for students with degrees from UK, USA, Canada, and Australia and provides a step-by-step approach to obtaining the certification.
Why is AIU Equivalence Certificate Required?
The AIU Equivalence Certificate is necessary for
- :Admission to Indian Universities – Required for students applying to postgraduate or doctoral programs. Government Job Applications – Essential for foreign degree holders applying for jobs in public sector organizations.
- Professional Licensing & Certification – Required for fields such as medicine (MBBS), law (LLB), and engineering (BTech).
- Employer Verification in India – Some private companies and MNCs demand AIU recognition before hiring.
AIU Equivalence for UK USA Canada and Australia Degrees
Degrees from recognized universities in these four countries are generally eligible for AIU equivalence, but specific conditions apply.
1. AIU Equivalence for UK Degrees (United Kingdom)
- 3-year Bachelor’s (Hons) degree is generally considered equivalent to an Indian bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s degrees (1 year) may require additional evaluation, especially if the undergraduate degree is less than 4 years.
- Degrees must be from universities accredited by Ofqual, QAA, and UK NARIC.
- Foundation Degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HND), and vocational courses are NOT equivalent to Indian degrees.
2. AIU Equivalence for USA Degrees (United States of America)
- 4-year Bachelor’s degrees (BS, BA, BBA, BSc) are equivalent to an Indian bachelor’s degree.
- 2-year Master’s degrees (MS, MBA, MA) from regionally accredited US universities are eligible for AIU recognition.
- AIU equivalence is granted only for degrees from institutions recognized by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) or regional accreditation bodies.
- Associate degrees (2 years) are NOT equivalent to Indian bachelor’s degrees.
3. AIU Equivalence for Canada Degrees
- AIU recognizes 4-year bachelor’s degrees from public universities accredited by Universities Canada.
- 1 to 2-year Master’s degrees are evaluated individually for equivalency.
- Diplomas and certificates from colleges may not qualify unless they are part of an articulated degree program.
- Advanced Diplomas, Vocational Diplomas, and 2-year Associate Degrees are NOT equivalent to an Indian degree.
4. AIU Equivalence for Australia Degrees
- AIU recognizes 3-year Bachelor’s degrees from universities accredited by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency).
- Master’s degrees (1 to 2 years) are considered for equivalency based on the applicant’s undergraduate qualifications.
- Degrees must be from institutions listed on the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
- TAFE Diplomas, Graduate Diplomas, and Vocational Education Courses are NOT eligible for AIU equivalence.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for AIU Equivalence Certificate
Step 1: Check Degree Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that your degree is from a recognized university and meets AIU’s academic standards.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents:
✅ Degree Certificate (Final Awarded Degree)
✅ All Semester-wise Academic Transcripts/Mark Sheets
✅ Accreditation Proof (University Recognition Letter)
✅ Copy of Passport & Visa (To verify foreign study experience)
✅ 10th & 12th Mark Sheets (For prior education verification)
✅ Completed AIU Equivalence Application Form
✅ Fee Payment Receipt
Step 3: Submit the AIU Application
You can apply in two ways:
Online Application: Upload scanned copies of documents and complete payment through the AIU official website.
Offline Application: Send hard copies of documents along with a Demand Draft (DD) to:
Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi
AIU House, 16, Comrade Indrajit Gupta Marg,
New Delhi – 110002, India
Step 4: Pay the AIU Equivalence Fee
AIU charges a processing fee, which varies based on the level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD). Payment options include:
- Online Transfer (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking)
- Demand Draft (DD) payable to “Association of Indian Universities”
Step 5: Application Processing & Verification
AIU evaluates the degree, university accreditation, and course structure before granting equivalence.
The process takes 15-30 working days for verification.
If approved, the AIU Equivalence Certificate is issued and sent via email or post.
Common Issues Faced in AIU Equivalence Process
- Rejection of UK Master’s Degrees – AIU may not approve 1-year master’s degrees unless combined with a 4-year undergraduate degree.
- Online & Distance Learning Degrees May Be Rejected – AIU does not recognize degrees obtained through online or distance education modes.
- Diplomas & Associate Degrees Are Not Equivalent – Only full-fledged bachelor’s or master’s degrees are considered.
Conclusion
If you have completed your education in UK, USA, Canada, or Australia, obtaining an AIU Equivalence Certificate is essential for career opportunities in India. By ensuring your university is accredited, submitting proper documentation, and following AIU guidelines, you can successfully get your foreign degree recognized in India.
For more details and official guidelines, visit the AIU website.