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reCoGNiTioN of oVerSeAS VoCATioNAL ANd HiGHer eduCATioN QuALifiCATioNS

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Second Edition April 2009

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW

About this guideThe increased focus of Australian immigration policy on skill migration has resulted in a significant increase in the number of permanent and temporary skilled entrants to Australia seeking recognition of overseas skills and qualifications. More recently the Commonwealth of Australian Governments (COAG) announced that a new offshore skills assessment service providing a single assessment for both visa and licensing purposes for skilled migrants would commence from 1 July 2007 for key trades in major source countries.

TAFE NSW has supported this policy focus by implementing a number of initiatives designed to streamline the recognition of overseas skills and qualifications including the development of the guide Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications in TAFE NSW.

This guide supports staff in conducting assessments of overseas skills and qualifications by providing:

• Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) equivalents of overseas vocational and higher education qualifications, including trade qualifications

• Pre-requisites to each qualification

• Information to support the identification of fraudulent documents

• Background information on the education and training system of the countries included in the guide.

The AQF equivalents of overseas qualifications provided in this guide form part of the evidence required by TAFE NSW assessors to make an assessment decision for:

• the provision of advanced standing, or

• determining whether applicants meet course entry requirements for admission to TAFE NSW courses, or

• trade recognition

Enquiries regarding this publication should be directed to:

TAFE NSW

Level 16, 1 Oxford Street

DARLINGHURST NSW 2010

Ph: 02 9244 5308

© 2009 TAFE NSW, NSW Department of Education and Training

In consultation with UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre), a member of the European Union NARIC Network.

ISBN 978-0-646-47366-6

First Published 2007


For all countries

1. identifying genuine and fraudulent documentsEach country includes useful information about the identification of genuine and fraudulent documents. Documents that do not conform to the features specified in each country can be checked by the TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit, telephone 02 92445308.

2. Statutory declarationsTAFE NSW accepts statutory declarations in the absence of documentation when for a valid reason the student/applicant is not able to produce evidence of their qualifications.

TAFE NSW staff need to:

• Determine the reasons for absence of documentation

• Ensure the student/applicant provides in the statutory declaration detailed information to support their claim, including:

– family name, first given name, other given names, date of birth, year of arrival in Australia,

– student number, TAFE course name and number where applicable

– title of the overseas qualification (s), the name of the educational institution, country of issue and the highest level of qualifications achieved

– qualification entry requirements

– year the qualification was awarded

– years of study, mode of study (P/T, F/T, by distance) subjects/modules studied and results

– related work experience

Details provided in statutory declarations should to be confirmed by referring to available resources or by contacting the TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit, telephone: 02 92445308.

3. Challenge testsWhere the student has applied for advanced standing a challenge test may be administered by the course head teacher/nominated assessor or verifier to establish if the student has the necessary knowledge and skills that match the competencies required to complete a module or unit. Assessors administering challenge tests should refer to Student Assessment Policy – TAFE NSW to ensure that assessments conducted are valid, reliable, consistent and fair.

4. TranslationsTranslation of documents in NSW can be requested from:

• Community Relations Commission for a multicultural NSW (CRC)

Telephone 131 651 500, www.crc.nsw.gov.au/interpreting/index, or

• National Accreditation Authority for Translators (NAATI) Directory www.naati.com.au or telephone 1300 557 470, or

• Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) www.immi.gov.au/amep/client/pubs/where_amep/english.pdf

DIAC translations are free of charge for certain Australian residents and include an extract or summary translation of no more than 100 words. The CRC translation service is fee payable and provides complete translations of overseas qualification documents.

5. AssistanceAssistance with recognition of overseas qualifications and skills is available through the Institute Multicultural Education Co-ordinator or other Institute designated officer. In dealing with more complicated matters staff may contact – Social Inclusion and Vocational Access Unit of TAFE NSW, phone: 02 9217 4996.

The guide Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications for Admission to and for Advanced Standing in TAFE NSW Courses (2nd edition) must be read in conjunction with the Recognition of Overseas Secondary School Qualifications for Admission to TAFE NSW Courses (7th edition. This guide provides the AQF equivalent to secondary school qualifications obtained in overseas countries.Both guides are for TAFE NSW use only.


CountriesAFGHANISTAN

BANGLADESH

CANADA

CHILE

CHINA (Mainland)

EGYPT

FIJI

GERMANY

HoNG KoNG (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China)

INDIA

INDoNESIA

IRAN

IRAQ

IRELAND

JAPAN

KoREA (Replublic of)

LEBANoN

MALAYSIA

NETHERLANDS

NEW ZEALAND

PAKISTAN

PHILIPPINES

RUSSIAN FEDERAToN

SINGAPoRE

SoUTH AFRICA

SRI LANKA

THAILAND

UNITED KINGDoM

UNITED STATES oF AMERICA

VIETNAM

ZIMBABWE

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit AFGHANISTAN

Language of instruction

Pre-Requisites Education Level Completed Years of Study Qualification awarded AQF Equivalent (in broad terms) for TAFE NSW study

PashtoDariEnglish Middle School ........

(Grade 7-9) (Maktabeh Motevaseteh)

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary level

Vocational Secondary High School (Doreyeh Aali) ........... 3 years........................ Vocational/Technical ...........Baccalauria

AQF Certificate II

Completion of ........Grade 7

TradesTrade Training courses .............................................(eg Plumbing, Mechanics)

3 years........................ Craft Certificate .................. Below AQF Certificate I

Baccalauria ...........



Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary)Teacher Training Institutions ......................................

Teachers (Secondary Middle School)Higher Teacher Training College .................................

Teachers (High School)Universities .............................................................

2 years........................

2 years........................

4 years........................

Teachers College Certificate

Higher Teachers College .......Certificate

Bachelor of Education...........

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

Australian Bachelor Degree

Baccalauria and ...... an entrance exam (Concours)

Baccalauria and ..... an entrance exam (Concours)

Higher EducationKabul Polytechnic ....................................................

Universities (6) ........................................................

5 years........................

4 years........................

5 years........................

7 years........................

Bachelor of Science .............(Engineering)

Bachelor Degree ..................(or Licence)

Engineering & Veterinary .......Medicine Degrees

Medicine Degree .................





Afghanistan

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit AFGHANISTAN



PashtoDariEnglish

Bachelor and an ..... entrance exam

Master’s Degree .....

Higher EducationUniversities ............................................................

.............................................................................

2 years........................

3 years.......................

Master’s Degree...............

Doctorate (Doctori)...........


Assessed individually

Afghanistan

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit

Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN

Languages Documents are issued in Pashto, Dari and English.

Accreditation Information• At primary and secondary levels education is

overseen by the Ministry of Education

• Tertiary education is now overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education. This was formerly known as the Ministry of Higher and Vocational Education

Notes on degree format and requesting verification• Documents from the post-1995 era are

extremely rare due to the social and political disruption during this period. Many Afghanis who gained qualifications during this period did so in Pakistan or Iran rather than in Afghanistan

• Awards received generally date from 1970s and 1980s. The vast majority of degree level documents received are issued by Kabul University

• Documents always include a photograph of the student which is stamped in the top left hand corner by the Ministry of Education

• The certificate is split into 2 sections – in the top half is the ‘certificate’ with the student’s personal details, dates of study and name of school; in the bottom half is a transcript detailing the student’s marks in 10th, 11th and 12th grades

• Documents include 3 signatures (the President of Secondary Education, the Director General of Secondary Education and the Principal of the school). Each signature is stamped by the Ministry of Education (circular stamp for the first two, triangular stamp for the Principal’s signature)

Tertiary level awards follow a general format, although there are differences between different institutions:

• Tertiary level awards are issued in Pashto and English, with English on the left and Pashto on the right (recent documents may be written in Dari and English, as this is the main language used on the new Afghan government websites)

• A photograph of the student is always included. University of Kabul places this in the bottom right hand corner of the Pashto section. Other universities follow the format of the Secondary Baccalaureate and place the photograph in the top left hand corner of the document

• University of Kabul documents are in landscape format and fold over like a booklet. On the front cover of the booklet is the title (in Pashto) ‘Ministry of Higher Education’. Below this is the

crest of the Ministry of Higher Education, and below this is the title ‘Diploma’ (in Pashto). On the back cover are details of the dates of study and 2 stamped signatures from the University and the Faculty of study

• Both the English and the Pashto on University of Kabul documents are written in a decorative style. Other universities use printed forms of both languages

• Documents from the 1980s and early 1990s variously refer to the country name as ‘The Republic of Afghanistan’ and ‘The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan’

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceThe turbulent recent history of Afghanistan has had a detrimental effect on its education system. The warfare of the 1980s and 1990s destroyed the majority of schools and led many teachers and professors to leave the country. Awards from 1995 to 2001 are therefore rare, and non-existent in the case of female students. Awards presented from this period should be examined with care.

Due to its extreme poverty and instability, Afghanistan has not witnessed the same growth in fraudulent private/online universities as other countries in the region. However, the lawless situation prevalent in Afghanistan over the past 3 decades has presented opportunities for the faking of national qualifications. As documents generally follow a standard format, deviations from this format should therefore be viewed with suspicion.

Secondary level awards follow a standard format:

• Documents are issued in English

• They are headed by the symbol of the Ministry of Education (see below)

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit BANGLADESH


Pre-Requisites Education Level Completed Years of Study Qualification awarded

AQF Equivalent (in broad terms) for TAFE NSW study

BanglaEnglish

Junior secondary .... (Grades VI-VIII)

Secondary School... Certificate (SSC Voc) – same stream of study

Secondary School ... Certificate (SSC)

As above ...............

As above ...............

As above ...............

Technical and Vocational EducationResponsibility of the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB)

Secondary levelSecondary schools, Vocational Training Institutes, ........ Technical Training Centres

Vocational Training Institutes .....................................

Post Secondary levelVocational courses ...................................................Polytechnic Institutes

Health programmes .................................................Paramedical Institutes

Nursing & midwifery ................................................School of Nursing

Homeopathic Medical Colleges ..................................

2 years ........................

2 years ........................

4 years ........................

3 years ........................

4 years (3 years nursing & 1 year midwifery) .......

4 years ........................

Secondary School ...........Certificate -SSC (Voc)

Higher Secondary ...........Certificate - HSC (Voc) or NSS 1

Diploma (eg. ArchitecturalTechnology, Electronics)

Diploma (eg Health .........Technology, Radiography)

Diploma in Nursing .........

Diploma in Homeopathic..Medicine and Surgery

Below NSW Year 10 Certificate

NSW Higher School Certificate

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma

AQF Diploma

AQF Diploma

Junior Secondary ...

As above ...............

Secondary School ...Certificate (SSC Voc)

TradesVocational education integrates general education and vocational skill content as in Secondary level above.

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

2 years. Complete 18 .....credit practicals at the required level which are based on competency. 1 credit is 50 minutes duration. (8 weeks on the job training in one year)

As above .....................

As above ...................

National Skills Standards..(NSS) 3 – Basic Skill level

National Skills Standards..(NSS) 2 National Skills Standards..(NSS) 1 – equivalent to completion of Grade XI & XII

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate II

Bangladesh





BanglaEnglish

Secondary School ...Certificate (SSC)

Higher Secondary ... Certificate (HSC)

Bachelor 2 years ....

Honours or Bachelor 3 - 4 years

Bachelor of ...........Education

Higher Secondary ...Certificate (HSC)


Higher Secondary ..Certificate (HSC)


Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary)Primary Training Institutions (PTIs) ..................................

Teachers (Secondary)Teacher Training Colleges (TTC), Institute of Education,....... University, Open University

..................................................................................

..................................................................................

..................................................................................

Teachers (Physical Education)Two Physical Education Colleges in Dhaka and Rajshashi

Teachers (Technical)Technical Teachers Training College in Dhaka ...................

.................................................................................

1 year ..........................

1 year ..........................

4 years ........................

1 year ..........................

1 year ..........................

1 year ..........................

1 year ..........................

1 year ..........................

1 year ..........................

2 years ........................

Certificate in Education ...

Higher Certificate of ...... Education

Bachelor of Education .....

Bachelor of Education .....

....................................

Master of Education.........

Junior Diploma in ...........Physical Education

Bachelor of Physical ...... Education

Diploma ........................in Technical Education

Bachelor Education .........(Technology)

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate IV

Australian Associate Degree


Australian Masters Degree

AQF Certificate II


AQF Certificate III


Bangladesh




BanglaEnglish Higher Secondary

Certificate + in some cases an entrance exam

As above ...............

As above ...............

As above ...............

As above ...............

Higher Secondary.... Certificate + entrance exam – for 4 year course /A first degree (honours) for the 2 year course

Higher EducationPrivate University rated Good .....................................

Public and Private Universities ...................................

............................................................................

............................................................................

............................................................................

Dhaka, Rajshashi and Chittagong Universities .............. and 32 affiliated law colleges

3-4 years .....................

2 years ........................

3 years ........................

3 years ........................

4 years ........................

2 or 4 years ..................

(see entry requirements)

Bachelor Degree ............

Bachelor of Arts, Science and Commerce (Pass) (prior 2002)

Bachelor of Arts, Science and Commerce (Pass) (post 2002)

Bachelor of Arts, Science and Commerce (Honours) (prior 2002)

Bachelor of Arts, Science .and Commerce (Honours) (post 2002)

Bachelor of Law (LLB) .....(Honours)


AQF Diploma





Bangladesh




BanglaEnglish Higher Secondary....

Certificate + entrance exam – for 4 year course / A first degree (honours) for the 2 year course

Bachelor Degree ..... (Pass/Honours)

Master/Master of Philosophy

Master/Master of ..... Philosophy

Higher Secondary ..... Certificate

Fazil ......................

Higher EducationPublic and Private Universities ..................................

............................................................................

............................................................................

............................................................................

Islamic educationUniversities ............................................................

............................................................................

2 or 4 years see entry requirements

2 years/1 year ..............

2 years/1 year ..............

3 years .......................

2 years .......................

2 years ........................

Bachelor of Science ........(in professional subjects)

Bachelor of Science ........in Architecture or Engineering

Bachelor of Science ........in Architecture of Engineering (from BUET)

Master of Arts, Science ...or Commerce

Master of Engineering .....and Master of Science (Engineering)

Master of Law (LLM) .......

PhD .............................

Fazil (equiv. Bachelor ...... Pass Degree) (plan for future, not yet implemented).

Kamil ...........................(equiv. Masters’ Degree) (plan for future, not yet implemented).





Australian Postgraduate Diploma



AQF Diploma


BANGLADESH

Bangladesh


BangladeshLanguages Documents are written in English.

Accreditation InformationSecondary education is overseen by one of nine boards of intermediate and secondary education:

• 7 Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Dhaka, Comilla, Rajshahi, Jessore, Chittagong, Barisal and Sylhet)

• 1 Madrasah Education Board

• 1 Technical Education Board

These boards are responsible for the accreditation of non-government secondary education institutes, quality assurance and public examinations.

Tertiary education is overseen by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The responsibilities of the UGC are as follows:

• To assess the needs in the field of University education and formulate plans for the development of such education

• To determine the financial needs of Universities

• To receive, allocate and disburse funds from the Government to Universities for their maintenance and development

• To evaluate the programme for the development of University’s, teaching departments, institutes and other constituent institutions

• To examine all University development plans

• To collect statistical and other information on university matters

• To advise the Government on the establishment of new Universities or of proposals for the expansion of existing Universities

• To advise the Government on proposals to grant the right to confer special degree awarding status on colleges which may be considered suitable for such status

• To exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be conferred on it by any law or by the Government.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationSecondary and higher secondary level documents generally follow a standard format:

• The documents are in landscape format and are issued in English

• The name of the Board of Education is across the top, with the Board’s symbol printed underneath. In many cases this logo includes Bengali, which is the only Bengali included on the certificate

• In the top-left below the Board of Education is a serial number for the certificate, and in the top right there is a unique student registration number. The date is also included alongside the registration number

• Below this is the name of the qualification (Secondary Certificate or Higher Secondary Certificate). The date is also repeated at this point

• The main part of the document is a table containing the student’s personal details, details of his/her school and details of the overall result obtained. The details in the table are generally filled in by hand and written in a decorative script

• Below the table, the signature of the controller of examinations is included, and the date is repeated.

Tertiary level documents do not follow a standard format. Many still include handwritten sections, though increasingly documentation is being printed. Few universities have adopted modern security features, however.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceBangladesh is one of the poorest and most densely populated countries in the world. As such, competition for places at higher education institutions is fierce, and many students resort to illegal means in order to appear well qualified. In a recent operation, police in western Bangladesh recovered a large number of fake certificate making materials including four photo printers and fake documents.

Unlike India and Pakistan, the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh does not maintain a list of fraudulent or failing institutions, and as such some of these institutions have been able to operate within Bangladesh. The most notable instance of this kind of activity was the establishment of a fake university in Dhaka. Hundreds of degrees were issued before the fraud was detected.


BangladeshExample of Secondary School Certificate


Example of Higher Secondary Certificate

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh


BangladeshExample of Provisional Degree Certificate

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW CANADA



English

Secondary .............. School Diplomas (completion of Grades 9 or 10)


Schools (Vocational/industrial,commercial courses) prepare students for employment or further training.

2–3 years.................. High School Graduation Diploma/Certificate...............

Attestation de Formation Professionelle .....................

Diplome D’Etudes Professionelles (DEP)............

Attestation d’Etudes Collegiates ..........................

Attestation de Specialisation Professionelle .....................

NSW High School Certificate

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate IV

Grade 12 ................qualifications However there is flexibility, more specifically when the applicant is of mature age and can demonstrate relevant skills

Post-Secondary LevelColleges, Community Colleges, CEGEPS (Quebec), Technical Centres, Vocational Colleges, Police Colleges, Military Colleges

1–3 years ....................

3 years .......................

Certificate (1 year)................

Technicians Certificate .........

Diploma .............................

Diploma of Technology .........

Diplome D’Etudes Collegiales... (technical subjects)

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma

AQF Advanced Diploma

AQF Certificate IV

Canada

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW CANADA



EnglishGrade 10 or 11 ........

TradesTechnical Colleges, Community Colleges, Vocational Colleges/Centres, trade schools prepare students for employment in the trades.

Apprenticeships offer a combination of on-the-job training with classroom attendance.

1 year .......................... Journeyman Certificate .........National Red Seal

Journeyman Certificate .......... /Apprenticeship Regional

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate IV

Grade 12 ................ graduation Diplome d’Etudes Collegiales – DEC (Quebec)

Teacher EducationFaculties of Education .................................................. 3 years ........................

Bachelor of Arts or Science +one year professional program in teacher training, or

Bachelor of Education .... – 4 years

Bachelor Degree ....................Baccalaure Bachelier

..............................................



Grade 12 .................. graduationDiplome d’Etudes Collegiales – DEC (Quebec)

2 years completion....... of a Bachelor Degree

Bachelor Degree .........

Masters Degree ..........

Higher EducationUniversities, institutes or schools affiliated to universities, community colleges, Colleges of Applied Science and Technology (CASTs)

.......................................................................................

.......................................................................................

.......................................................................................

.......................................................................................

3–4 years .....................

4–5 years .....................

3 or more years ............

1 year ..........................

2 years ..........................

3 years ..........................

Bachelor (Pass or general) ......

Bachelor (Honours) .................

Professional Degree ...............

Postgraduate Diploma ............

Masters, Maitrise, Maitre ........

Doctor of Philosophy ..............



Australian Bachelor Degree in a professional area (e.g engineering)

Postgraduate Diploma

Masters

Doctorate

Canada


Canada

CANADA

Languages Documents are issued in English, French and Latin. The Territory of Nunavut awards certificates and diplomas in Inuktitut (degrees are not offered in the territory). Diplomas and Certificates are bilingual (English and Inuktitut), however the name of the individual and the title of the programme appearing on the certificate or diploma are in English only. There are also two institutions in the Province of Nova Scotia that issue certificates to Mi’kmaq students in their language (Mi’kmaq).

Accreditation InformationAccreditation of tertiary education is the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments. Each province and territory has laws, policies, and procedures that govern the operation of tertiary institutions. Each province or territory has their own quality assurance system in place.

The use of titles such as university or university college by educational institutions may be restricted in different provinces, although this is not the case in every jurisdiction. The power to establish tertiary institutions is mostly the responsibility of state legislators. Recognised institutions in Canada do, however have the ability to set up agreements with non-recognised providers for the purposes of credit transfer or programme accreditation.

There are several agencies that assist with quality assurance in Canadian tertiary institutions:

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) does not have an accreditation role but funds several quality-assurance-related activities. A university or degree-granting college can only be admitted to AUCC if it is a degree-granting institution through legislative authority; its primary mission must be the provision of university degree programs and must satisfy AUCC, after receiving a report by an AUCC-appointed visiting committee, that it is providing education of a university standard.

The Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) is a national organisation which supports the maintenance of high-quality programming in colleges. The ACCC requires that members deliver post-secondary programs that meet the academic standards for diploma and certificate qualifications set out by the appropriate jurisdictional authorities, operate as an integral part of a provincial or territorial government’s educational activities and that are funded primarily through that government.

The Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC) is a national organisation of professional associations involved in promoting good practice by its members in accreditation of educational programs.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationThere is no standardisation in Canadian degree formats. Formal requests for validation should be made to the universities directly. As with the United States, many institutions will send sealed transcripts in tamper proof envelopes directly to organisations requesting verification.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceThe fake degree market exists in Canada as in the United States. Reports do, however, suggest that it is less of an issue at present. There are a number of degree mills in Canada, although there are fewer opportunities for fake institutions to operate legally than over the border in the US.




Spanish

Educacion Basica .... (Primary School)


Technical Vocational Schools..................................... 4-5 years ................... Licencia de Educacion .......Media and Technico Medio (Certificate of Secondary Education)

AQF Certificate II

Licencia de ............. Educacion Media/ Technico Medio

Post Secondary level Technical Training Centres ........................................ 2-3 years ................... Technico Superior .............

(Higher Technician) and Certificado de Egreso (Certificate of Completion) as a licensed technician (if graduate completes a period of practical training prescribed by INACAP)

AQF Diploma

As above ............... Professional Institutes, Universities ............................ 4-5 years ...................

4-5 years ...................

Ingeniero de Ejecucion ......(Practical Engineer)

Diploma (if course in): Administration, Motor Mechanics, Environmental and ecological engineering,Teacher Training (primary education) & social communication)


As above ............... Universities ............................................................ 3 years (FT) ................ Technico Universitario ........(University - Level Technician)


CHILE

Chile




SpanishMinimum 3 years of primary education

TradesAwarded by the Instituto Nacional de Capitacion Profesional (INCAP)Regional Centres

1 year (PT) ..................1200 hours duration. Students are in employment

No formal examination ......just a record of achievement

To be given a challenge test

Licencia de ............. Educacion Media and university entrance exam (Prueba de Aptitud Academica)

As above ...............

As above ...............

Teacher Education

Teachers (Pre-School, Early Childhood)

Professional Institute ...............................................

Teachers (Primary)Escuelas Normales Superiores ...................................Professional Institutes

Teachers (Pre-School, Primary, Secondary)Universities ............................................................

3-4 years ....................

4 years .......................

5 years .......................

Profesor de Educacion .......Parvularia or Educador de Parvulos.

Bachillerato Pedagogico .....(Bachelor of Education)And the professional title: Profesor de Educación General Básica (Teacher of General Basic Education)

Licenciado en Educacion ....Professor (Teacher of…)




Licencia de ............ Educacion Media and university entrance exam (Prueba de Aptitud Academica-PAA)

As above ..............


.............................................................................

3-4 years ....................

3-5 years ....................(depending on subjects studied)

Bachiller/Bacherillerato ......(lower academic level or equal to degree)

Licenciado/Licenciatura ....(Degree) or professional title (eg Engineer)



CHILE

Chile




SpanishLicenciado or ......... professional title

Licenciado ............

Magister/ .............. Licenciado


............................................................................

............................................................................

1-2 years ...................

2-4 years ...................(dependingon field of study)

3 years/5 years ...........(depending on level of entry)

Postitulo .........................(Postgraduate Diploma)

Magister ..........................(Postgraduate Degree)

Doctorado/ Doctor .............(Doctorate)

Australian Graduate Diploma

Australian Master’s Degree


CHILE

Chile


Chile

CHILE

Information to be supplied




Mandarin

Completion of Junior Secondary School (3-4 years)

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelSenior Middle Specialised Schools

Vocational Training is largely institution based with a small ..........period of work experience. General Education is also included.

Technical Training is largely institution based with some work ..... experience. General Education is also included.

3 -4 years...................(or 2 years after Senior Secondary School)

Up to 4 years................ (depending on level of entry)

Certificate of Graduation.....(Diploma)

......................................

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate II

Completion of ........ Senior Secondary School

Post Secondary level Vocational Technical Colleges .................................

Vocational Universities ...........................................Regular higher education institutions

2 years ......................

3 years.......................

Graduation Diploma ..........

Graduation Diploma ..........

AQF Certificate IV


TradesTrades are taught in the Secondary schools .................(See above). Work experience may take place during or after the training program(Students are restricted to undertaking those trades that are needed within their local area)

3 -4 years...................(or 2 years after Senior Secondary School)

Certificate of Graduation .... (Diploma)

AQF Certificate II

CHINA

China (Mainland)




Mandarin

Completion of Junior Secondary School

Completion of Senior Secondary School

Chinese National ..... University Entrance Exam

Teacher EducationTeacher Training Schools (Primary)Senior Specialised School ..........................................

Teacher (Junior)Teachers College/Institute ..........................................

Normal University .....................................................

3-4 years...................

2-3 years...................

4 years......................

Certificate of Graduation.....

Diploma in Education ........Diploma in Junior Secondary Teaching

Degree in teaching.............

AQF Certificate II



Chinese National ..... University Entrance Exam

Bachelor Degree ..... and Master’s Entrance Exam

Master’s Degree ..... and Doctorate Degree Exam

Higher EducationComprehensive universities .......................................AcademiesNormal Universities (teacher education)Specialised universitiesInstitutes

Master’s .................................................................

Doctorate ...............................................................

4 years .....................

2-3 years ..................

3 years ....................

Bachelor Degree................


Doctorate........................




National Adult Exam based on the Higher School Certificate

Adult Higher EducationRadio and TV University or College ..............................Further Education College (including Night College)

Staff University or College ..........................................

Administrators College, Spare Time Universities

2-3 years F/T ............. or up to 5 years P/T

2-3 years (F/T)............

Graduation Diploma 2 years ............................3 years ............................

Graduation Diploma

2 years ............................

3 years............................

AQF Diploma AQF Advanced Diploma

AQF Diploma


CHINA

China (Mainland)


ChinaLanguagesAll original documents are issued in Chinese. However, in ethnic minority regions, documents may be issued in both Chinese and their own languages (eg. Mongolian in Inner Mongolia, Tibetan in Tibet, Uighur in Xijiang, Korean in some parts of the Northeastern region).

The quality of the English documents issued by Chinese institutions is extremely variable. It is still very common, especially at secondary level, that the translation is done by the individual and then checked and stamped by the institutions.

Accreditation informationAccreditation at secondary level is the responsibility of the provincial and territorial governments.

At tertiary level, Ministry of Education is the sole accreditator. Recognised institutions are classified into two groups: normal ( ) institutions and adult education ( )institutions. Normal institutions are further recognised as degree awarding institutions, non-degree awarding colleges (zhuanke) and non-degree awarding vocational colleges (gaozhi). Adult education institutions do not have degree awarding power. They can only offer adult education programmes. Graduates from these institutions, who meet the Degree Regulation of the People’s Republic of China requirements are awarded an Adult Education degree by an appointed normal degree-awarding institution.

The accreditation of academic programmes is the responsibility of the Academic Degree Committee of the State Council of China (also known as the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Centre, a department of MoE China). Recognised institutions are required to obtained

programme accreditation before recruiting students to a particular course.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationUpon completion, students are normally issued a Certificate of Graduation. Those who have also met the Degree Regulation are also issued a Degree Certificate.

Below is the certificate formats in different periods after the Cultural Revolution.

Certificate of GraduationPoints of recognition and information:

• The only qualification awarded in 1981

• A separate document 1982 –84

• Combined with the Bachelor’s degree 1985 – 91

• A separate document 1992 to the present

• In a red cover

• Always includes a picture of the student

• All self-taught awards after 2003 are in national unified format.

Bachelor’s Degrees• 1982– 84 a separate document

• 1985 –91 combined with the certificate of graduation (in a red cover)

• 1992 a separate document

• It was awarded in 1982 to some students who received a Certificate of Graduation in 1981

and who met the degree requirements and standards

• In a green cover from 1998 and including a picture of the student

Master’s degrees• In a blue cover 1982-98, in a navy cover after

1998

• Starting from 1998 includes a picture of the student

Doctoral Degree• From 1982–98 in a navy blue cover

• From 1998 in a burgundy cover.

• Starting in 1998 includes a picture of the student.

Certificate of Graduation between early 1990s to 2000/2001 states “Printed by Ministry of Education” on the bottom of lefthand side. After 2001, all certificates are “printed under the supervision of Ministry of Education” and the background shows “XLZS” (short for Xue Li Zheng Shu – qualification certificates) under magnification. All degree certificates after 1992 bear a Chinese national emblem on the lefthand side. The new style Bachelor Degree Certificates also shows “ ” (Bachelor Degree) on the background. Until late 1990s, hand-written certificates were still very common.

A central database of Chinese higher education qualification certificates has been developed by the MoE. After 2001, all national awards have a 17 or 18 digital number on the Certificate of Graduation ( ).

CHINA


ChinaFraud Risk Assessment and AdviceFraud is very common in China. Very high quality fake documents, ranging from junior secondary certificate to Ph.D can be purchased. Little stickers advertising fraudulent documents are often seen in nearly every town and city. The Chinese government has put considerable amount of effort to attack these fraudulent documents mills, including establishing the national central database and making improvements to security devices on national certificates, However, fake qualifications are still widely available and very often a full set of documents including transcripts, degree certificates etc are purchased. The most common form of fraud in transcripts is the omission of subjects. All Chinese students are required to study Maozedong Thoughts, Dengxiaoping Theory and other political subjects with “Chinese characteristics”. Physical Education, Military Theories, English (up to secondary year), Advanced Mathematics (upto secondary year for science students) are also compulsory subjects in national curriculum. Therefore, all genuine transcripts for tertiary award should include these subjects. Grades distortion is another popular fraud and it is much more difficult to prove.

CHINA


ChinaUpper Secondary Graduation Certificate (Results) Upper Secondary Graduation Certificate (Confirmation of Graduation)

CHINA


ChinaFake Self Taught Graduation CertificateFake Self Taught Graduation Certificate

CHINA


ChinaGenuine Self-taught Examination CertificateGenuine Graduation Certificate (Bachelor Degree)

CHINA




Arabic

Certificate of Basic Education /Al-Azhar Preparatory Certificate

As above ...............

Certificate of Basic Education /Al-Azhar Preparatory Certificate

As above ...............


Technical(Industrial/ Agricultural/ Commercial Streams) .............

.............................................................................

VocationalVocational Secondary Schools ...................................

.............................................................................

3 years.......................

5 years........................

2 years........................ (or students who fail final third year exam)

3 years........................

Secondary School Technical ..Diploma in (Industry/ Agriculture/ Commerce)

Diploma of Advanced .........Technical Studies in (Industry/ Agriculture/ Commerce)

Vocational Certificate.........

Secondary School Diploma ..in Vocational Preparation (Certificate contain words: “Qualified as a Craftsman”)

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

General Secondary School Certificate (57-64%) or,Secondary School Technical Diploma

General Secondary School Certificate (Av. 70%) or, Secondary School Technical Diploma (75%)

Post Secondary Intermediate Vocational/Technical Institutes ................ (Maahaad Motawasid)Commercial/ Health/ Industrial Streams

Higher Technical Institutes (Maahaad Aalia) .................Agricultural/ Commercial/ Industrial (advanced level)

2 years.......................

2 years.......................

4-5 years....................

Technical Institute Diploma

Diploma...........................

Bachelor Degree...............

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma


EGYPT

Egypt




Arabic

Certificate of Basic ...Education/Al-Azhar Preparatory Certificate

TradesIndustrial schools ..................................................... 3 years.....................

5 years.....................

2-4 years...................

Secondary School Technical Diploma in Industry (Automotive Electricity, General Mechanics, Masonry, Weaving and Spinning)

Diploma of Advanced ........Technical Studies in Industry

Apprenticeship...................

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate III

General Secondary .. School Certificate/Al-Azhar General Secondary School certificate

Bachelor ................

General Secondary ..School Certificate/Al-Azhar General Secondary School certificate

Teacher Education Teacher (Primary/Secondary)Universities ..............................................................

...............................................................................

Al Azhar Teacher Training Institute ..............................

4 years.....................

4 years.....................

4 years.....................

1 year.......................

3 years......................

Bachelor of Education.........

Bachelor of Education ........(from a prestigious institution)

Bachelor of Primary ...........Education

Bachelor of Primary ...........Education (from a prestigious institution)

General Diploma in ............Education

Al Azhar Teacher Training ...Diploma







EGYPT

Egypt

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit EGYPT



Arabic

Secondary School .... Technical Diploma

Teacher Education Teacher (Technical & Vocational Secondary)Vocational Teacher Training Institutes ......................... 5 years...................... Bachelor of Science in .......

Education (Industrial Specialisation)


General Secondary ..School Certificate (70-75%)

Bachelor ................

Bachelor ................(‘Good’ grade)

Master’s ................(‘Good’ grade)

Higher EducationUniversities ..............................................................

...............................................................................

...............................................................................

...............................................................................

4-6 years .................(depending on area of study)

1 year (FT)..................

2 years (FT).................

3-4 years...................

Bachelor Degree ...............

Bachelor Degree ..............(from a Higher Institution)

Diploma in Higher Studies (also known as Diploma of Graduate Studies, or simply Diploma /Diplom Derassat Uliaa)

Master’s (Majister).............

Doctor of Philosophy..........






Egypt

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit EGYPT

EgyptLanguagesDocuments are issued in Arabic. Some institutions/faculties which teach in English issue documents in English while others use English for part of the documentation such as the transcript.

Accreditation Information• Secondary level education is overseen by

the Ministry of Education and the regional Governorate where the student has taken the examination

• Tertiary level education is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education

• Secondary and tertiary religious education is administered by Al-Azhar University and is overseen by the Ministry of Awqaf (religious endowments).

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationSecondary documents follow a general format:

• Documents are written in Arabic, with all the general information printed and the student’s details filled in by hand

• The main document students receive is a combined certificate and transcript. The printed transcript lists all the possible subjects that are available to for study and the student’s marks are filled in by hand against the appropriate subjects

• Dates used on the documents are from the western calendar

• Personal information on the documents includes the student’s name, his/her examination seat

number and the name of the school where the examination was taken

• At the foot of the documents, the signatures of the Director of Student Affairs, the head of the examinations department, the head of the assessment unit, the examiner and the scientific advisor are included

• A stamp from the Ministry of Education is also included (generally over one of the signatures at the bottom). The stamp features the Eagle of Saladin which is the national symbol of Egypt and has ‘Ministry of Education’ written around it in Arabic.

Tertiary documents do not follow a standard format as all universities follow their own patterns. However, there are certain common features to all university degree documents and transcripts:

• Documents are written in Arabic, English, or a combination of the two. Generally speaking those courses which are carried out in English will issue English language documents.

• When written in Arabic the script is usually highly decorative and fully vowelled. In some cases parts of the certificate/transcript may also be handwritten

• A number of different signatures are included at the foot of Egyptian degree documents. Most universities will include the signature of the Dean of the faculty and the Principal/President of the university. Others may include the signature of the registrar, the head of the examinations section and in the case of Al-Azhar University the signature of the student

• General information such as the student’s name,

father’s name, date and place birth are also included

• Dates are generally from the western calendar, though some universities (notably Al-Azhar) use the Islamic Hijra calendar. Reference is always made to the western date as well, however.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceEgyptian education is controlled by the Ministry of Higher Education. Even private universities are under the control of the government (via the Supreme Council of Universities) and opportunities for fraud within the Egyptian system are therefore more limited than in some countries in the region.

A recent trend within higher education in Egypt has been the establishment of private universities in partnership with foreign providers. Currently only four of these institutions are recognised by the Ministry of Education: the German University in Egypt, the French University in Egypt, Al Ahram [Pyramids] Canadian University and the British University in Egypt. Other foreign institutions claiming accreditation in Egypt will not be operating lawfully.

In terms of documentation, the lack of modern security features on Egyptian documents and the propensity to still issue hand written documents means that Egyptian awards may be more subject to forgery than those from systems with more highly developed security features. Documents which do not conform to the features outlined above or otherwise appear suspicious should be checked with the TAFE MEU. Sealed transcripts can also be requested directly from the awarding institution.


Egypt

EGYPT

Example of Master’s degree




Englishlanguage of instruction

Junior Secondary ....(Form 4)


Technical Secondary ................................................Public Vocational School

2 years........................ Fiji Vocational (Training) .....Certificate

AQF Certificate II

Fiji School Leaving...Certificate (FSLC)

Fiji Seventh Form ....Certificate

Post Secondary Fiji Institute of Technology, University of the ................South Pacific

1 year.........................

2 years.......................

Certificate (eg Business, .....Business (Accounting) etc)

Diploma (eg Engineering, ....Maritime Studies, Graphic Design etc)

AQF Certificate III

AQF Diploma

Fiji School Leaving ..Certificate (FSLC)

TradesApprenticeship Programs ..........................................Fiji Institute of Technology

1-3 years ...................(plus 12 to 18 months industrial experience, depending on program)

Trade Certificate .................(eg in marine engineering, carpentry, electronics, plumbing etc)

AQF Certificate II

Fiji Seventh Form ..... Certificate

Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary)Teacher Training College ........................................... 2 years........................ Teachers Certificate............ AQF Certificate IV

Fiji Seventh Form .....Certificate

Bachelor

Fiji Seventh Form .....Certificate

Bachelor ................

Teachers (Junior Secondary)Fiji College of Advanced Education (FCAE) ....................

Teachers (Secondary)Fiji College of Advanced Education (FCAE) ....................

University of the South Pacific ....................................

...............................................................................

2 years........................

2 years (10 weeks).......

3 years........................

1 year.........................

Diploma in Education..........

Secondary Teacher ............Training Certificate


Postgraduate Certificate .....in Education

AQF Diploma




FIJI

Fiji




English

Fiji Seventh Form ....Certificate

Bachelor ................

Master’s ................

Higher EducationUniversity of the South Pacific ...................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

3 years......................

1-2 years....................

2 years.......................

Bachelor..........................

Master’s...........................

Doctorate..........................




FIJI

Fiji


Fiji

FIJI

Information to be supplied

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW GERMANY




German

Grades 9 or 10 ..........

Grade 10 ..................

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary Level (Dual system)(combine classroom and practical training)

Berufsschule .................................................................(vocational schools)

Berufsfachschule ...........................................................Intermediate technical schools

Berufsoberschule ..........................................................

1–2 days in a classroom ...3 days in practical training ( e.g in a bank) over 2, 3 or 3 and a half years.

2–3 years ..................... (full-time vocation-specific programs)

2 years ..........................

Berufsschulaschluss......... Abschlusszeugnis(Students will also be registered in the board of trade (Industrie-und Handelskammer - IHK).

Gesellenbrief/ ...................Kaufmannsgehilfeenbrief/Facharbeiterbrief

Fachhochschulreife .........

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV

Berufsschule ...........BerufsfachschuleBerufsoberschule

Post-Secondary Level Tertiary non-university institutions (e.g specialised technical academies)

Fachschulen .................................................................. 1–3 years full-time Meisterabrief (2 years) .....Fachschulabschluss .......... (3 years)

AQF DiplomaAQF Diploma

Grades 9 or 10 ..........

TradesSee Secondary Level-Dual System above plus professional licence to work and use the occupational title. ..................................................................................... 1–2 days in a classroom ...

and 3 days in practical training 3 years, AND state examination AND professional licence

Urkunde ............................. Licenses the individual to work in a specific occupation – the level is determined by the qualification – see above

Germany





German

Zeugnis der Allgemeine Hochschulereife or Abitur, or Fachgebundene Hochschulreife

Teacher Education

Pre-school teacher Universities, teacher training college, university of applied science

Primary and secondary teacherTechnical and vocational teacherUniversities, technical training colleges and institutes, technical universities, colleges of pedagogy. Teacher training includes two stages.

3 years +1 year ............... practice or 4 year

Includes two stages: ......Stage I 3–4 years + Erste Staatsprunfunf examination

Stage II (practical) (Vorbereitungsdienst)1–2 years + Zweite Staatsprufung examination

New system will reflect the Bologna process to include: 3 Years Bachelor + 1–2 Master

Fachochschuldiplom ........

Zweites Staatexamen ......



Germany





Zeugnis der ............. Allgemeine Hochschulereife or Abitur ,

Fachgebundene Hochschulreife

Fachhochschule

Bachelor ....................

Magister ....................

Higher Education

Universities, Polythecnic universities, Fachhochschule, Berufsakademie, art and music colleges

.............................................................................................

..............................................................................................

3–6 years ........................

1–2 years ........................

3 years ............................

Bachelor, Bakkalaureus, .....Fachochschuldiplom, Diplom, Magister Artium, Staatsexamen/Staasprufung, Diplom, , Fachhochschulen Diplom, Berufsakademien Diplom, Lizentiatsprufung

Magister ...........................

Doctoral degree, ...............Doktor, Habilitation, Promotion



Australian Doctorate

Germany


GermanyLanguagesDocuments are mainly issued in German. Latin sometimes occurs in the grades of university degrees and in official seals of old universities. In some cases, whole documents can be in English, especially those issued in recent years and for study programmes that have been taught in English.

Accreditation informationEach state- Bundesland- holds extensive control over its own affairs, while the Federal government coordinates them through the Kultusministerkonferenz (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder). The Federal government in Germany has only limited legislative responsibility for the education system. The only aspects of education that lie in the responsibility of the Federal government is the in-company part of vocational training (the practical part of the dual vocational education system), the framework of general principles in higher education and the advancement of scientific research.

Since the Bologna reform, some individual study courses have been accredited by the Akkreditierungsrat. At the moment this happens at a voluntary basis, but as of 2010 it will be mandatory for all higher education institutions that offer Bologna degrees to have their study programs accredited.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationThere is no standard degree format in Germany. Degree certificates are usually in portrait style, with the institutions name at the top and an official seal of the institution where the qualification was gained. Signatures of authority (eg Präsident, Rektor and Dekan) are on the bottom of the page. The title of the degree and the name of the candidate are printed in a larger and sometimes bold font in the centre of the certificate.

Transcripts are issued by the institutions and are broken down into semesters. They normally include information such as studied subjects, obtained marks and achieved grades. They may also include information such as the number of credits awarded, the student’s date of birth and the duration of the course.

After completion of occupational training, up to three different documents may be received: The Abschlusszeugniss from the school (stating the courses that have been completed), the Staatsprüfung (state examination) and the professional licence to work and use the occupational title.

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceGermany is not very prone to education fraud. The titles of “Hochschule”, “Universität” and “Fachhochschule” are legally protected in Germany, which makes it more difficult for degree mills to operate. It is also a criminal offense to issue an academic degree without permission of the respective Bundesland.

However, there are education institutions operating under the title corporate university which are not actual universities. Corporate universities are further education institutions that are operated by companies for their staff. Fraudulent documents are also quite rare.


Example of a genuine German Diploma

GERMANY

Germany

Nam

e


GermanyExample of a German Degree

Nam

e

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit HONG KONG



Chinese English

Secondary – .........Form 3Secondary – ..........Form 5

5 HKCEE Passes .....

Secondary – Form 3

Craft Certificate ......

5 HKCEE Passes (E)



Hong Kong ............. Certificate of Education Exam (HKCEE) - 5 passes


Certificate or ..........Diploma

Technical and Vocational Education(Only at post secondary and tertiary level)

Post Secondary

Hong Institute of Vocation Education (IVE)....................Key disciplines:Applied Science, Business Administration, Child Care ...........Computing and Mathematics, Construction, Design, Printing, Textiles and Clothing, Hotel, Service and Tourism Studies, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical, ....Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering.............................................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

1 year.........................

1 year........................

2 years.......................

1-3 years....................

1-2 years....................

2 years.......................

2 years (FT) ................2-5 years (PT)

1 year (FT) .................2 years (PT).

2 years (FT). ...............2-5 years (PT)

2 years (FT)..................

1 year (FT) ..................2-5 years (PT)

Basic Craft Certificate.......

Technician Foundation ......Course

Certificate .......................

Craft Certificate ...............

Advanced Craft Certificate

Higher Certificate.............

Certificate in Vocational ...Studies

Foundation Diploma ..........Foundation Diploma/ Certificate

Diploma..........................

Higher Diploma.................

Higher Diploma ................(Senior Technician)

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

AQF Diploma

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate IV



Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China)





ChineseEnglish

Hong Kong ............Certificate of Education Exam (HKCEE) - 5 passes

Age 14-18 employed in designated trade

TradesAccountant Technician Traineeship SchemeEmployers and Institute of Vocational Education ...........

Apprenticeship Scheme (45 Trades)Employers and Training Institutes ..............................(eg Institute of Vocational Education)

3 years ......................(on the job training and study)

3-4 years (on the ........job training and study)

Certificate of Completion ...of Traineeship

Technician Qualification ....(eg in Automobile, Electrical, Electronics etc)

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate IV

HKCEE/HKALE ........

HKALE ...................

Bachelor ................

Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary/ Junior Secondary)Hong Kong Institute of Education................................

Teachers (Secondary School)Universities ............................................................

2-3 years ...................(depending on level of entry)

4 years......................

1 year........................

Certificate of Primary .......Education

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

Postgraduate Diploma ....... in Education

AQF Diploma



Hong Kong ............. Advanced Level Certificate results (HKALE)

As above ...............

Bachelor ...............(with second class honours)

Master’s ................

Higher EducationUniversities ............................................................PolytechnicsInstitutions of Professional Education

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

3 years ......................

3-6 years ..................(depending on subject areas)

1 year (FT) ..................2 years (PT)

3 years (FT) ................or equivalent PT

Associate Degree/.............Higher Diploma

Bachelor Degree...............


PhD................................

AQF Diploma









Chinese English Secondary school ...

(form 1–form 5) orAdult learners age 21+

Adult Higher EducationTechnical Colleges/Technical Institutes ...................... 1 year (FT) .................

2 years (PT)Certificate comparable ...... to Hong Kong Certificate of Education (HKCEE)

NSW School Certificate/Year 11




Languages Most Graduation Certificates and Degree Certificates are issued in both English and traditional Chinese. Transcripts are usually issued in English.

Accreditation informationAt secondary level, the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB www.emb.gov.uk) is both the policy maker and the accreditor. All schools have to meet the stipulated requirement of the Education Ordinance to obtain accreditation from the EMB. The EMB also overseas the quality of the Career Oriented Curriculum scheme and Yi Jin Scheme courses (lifelong education scheme designed for secondary school leavers and adults ages 21 and over). The Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation advises the EMB on the quality assurance of the respective courses.

At tertiary level, nine HEIs have self-accrediting status:

• The University of Hong Kong

• The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• City University of Hong Kong

• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

• Hong Kong Baptist University

• Hong Kong Polytechnic University

• Lingnan University

• Hong Kong Institute of Education (only applicable to teacher education courses)

• Open University.

The first eight universities are government-funded on the advice of the University Grants Committee. Each of the tertiary institutions is an autonomous body with its own Ordinance and Governing

Council. The first seven institutions have substantial freedom in the control of curricula and academic standards, the selection of staff and students and the internal allocation of resources. However, they are subject to UGC’s periodic Teaching and Learning Quality Process Reviews. The Open University of Hong Kong and the HK Institute of Education are subject to the quality assurance mechanisms of the HKCAA. HK Institute of Education’s self-accrediting status is only for teacher education courses. For courses outside this area, they have to be validated by HKCAA except under the jurisdiction of the Joint Quality Review Committee (JQRC).

The JQRC was established in 2005 by the UGC-funded institutes to carry out the following:

• Review the quality assurance processes for self-financing sub-degree programmes offered by both the Continuing Education Units and other departments/colleges of the UGC-funded, self-accrediting institutions on an institutional basis

• Conduct programme assessment for these institutions with the purpose of classifying their programmes into the Qualifications Framework HKCAA is the accreditor for education providers/courses not under the above remit.

In February 2004, the Executive Council announced the launch of the seven-level, cross-sectoral Qualification Framework of Hong Kong (QF). HKCAA’s new role, is to oversee the quality of awards registered in QF and to act as the Qualifications Register Authority.

HKCAA is the advisor to EMB with respect to all the registered courses under the Ordinance regarding non-locally provided courses.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationGraduation Certificates for degree level programmes from UGC-funded HEIs are generally in A3-size landscape, while sub-degree programmes are generally in A4-sized landscape. Transcripts from UGC-funded HEIs are normally in portrait format. Documents from non-UGC-funded HEIs vary in terms of presentation.

The Graduation Certificates usually bear seal of the institution and signatures of the appropriate authority, eg. Institution's President, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Chairman of the Council, Registrar, and sometimes Chief Executive Officer of HKSAR. A running/serial number is pre-printed on each of the blank certificates. Some institutions also have different security devices, eg. Water-marks.

Academic transcripts in most cases have the stamp of the institution and signature of Registrar.

Fraud Risk Assessment and Advice Fraud is not a serious issue in Hong Kong as verification can be easily obtained from HEIs, EMB or HKCAA

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit INDIA



HindiEnglish or regional language

Secondary School ...Qualifications Standard X

As above ...............

Diploma ................Bachelor Degree

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelTechnical ...............................................................Higher SchoolsTechnical Schools

Vocational training is practically oriented through apprenticeship (on-the-job). Although some general education is completed within an institution.

Post Secondary level (Technical Education)Polytechnics/Colleges of Technology ..........................

Polytechnics ...........................................................Universities

2 years ........................

1 year .........................

2 years ........................

3-4 years ....................

1-11⁄2 years ..................

Certificate of Vocational ....Education – 12 (CVE-12)

Diploma ..........................

Diploma ..........................

Diploma ..........................

Higher National Diploma/....Post Diplomas/Advance Diploma

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma

AQF Post Graduate Diploma

Secondary school ...qualifications (Standard IX to Standard X)

National Trade .......Certificate/ National Apprenticeship Certificate

TradesCraftsman Training SchemePractical Training Institutes .......................................Practical training is carried out on-the-job with the more theoretical aspects being classroom based.

Apprenticeship Training SchemeRequired to pass the All India Trade Test .....................Practical training is carried out on-the-job with the more theoretical aspects being classroom based.

National Vocational Training Institutes (NVTI)/ ..............Regional Vocational Training Institutes (RVTI)Training is institutionally based with a work placement at the end of training.

1-2 year ......................

Average 3 years ............

1-2 years .....................

National Trade Certificate... NTC)

National Apprenticeship .... Training Certificate

Diploma of Advanced ........Vocational Training

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV

India




HindiEnglish or regional language

Standard X ............

Standard XII ..........

Standard XII ..........

Bachelor Degree ....

Master’s Degree ....

Teacher EducationTeacher (Lower Primary)Teacher Training Institutes ......................................

Teacher (Upper Primary)Teacher Training Institutes ......................................

Universities (Primary) ..............................................

Teacher (Secondary)Universities (Lower Secondary) .................................

Universities (Upper Secondary) ..................................

2 years ......................

2 years ......................

4-6 years ..................

1 year Bachelor ..........of Education

1 year Bachelor ..........of Education

Teacher Certificate ...........

Teacher Diploma ..............

Bachelor of Elementary .....Education (BElEd)

Bachelor of Education .......


AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate IV




Indian School ......... Certificate (SXII)

All Indian Senior ....School CertificateStandard XII

3 Year Bachelor ......Degree

4 Year Bachelor ......Degree

Master’s Degree .....

Master of Philosophy

Higher EducationUniversities ............................................................National InstitutesOpen UniversitiesColleges...........................................................................

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

3 years .......................

4-5 year ......................

1 year .........................

2-3 years .....................

18 months- 2 years ......

18 months ...................

2 years ........................

Bachelor Degree ..............

Professional Bachelor .......Degree (e.g Dentistry)

Post Graduate ..................

Master’s Degree ...............

Professional Master’s .......Degree

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Doctorate (PhD) ...............








India


IndiaLanguageEnglish and Hindi are the main lingua-francas of higher education. All documents from all universities can be issued in English. Documents may however be issued in any of the nationally recognised languages these are: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam Manipuri or Meithei, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

Accreditation InformationUniversities must be recognised by the UGC (the University Grants Commission).

Universities without UGC recognition are not able to provide nationally recognised awards. It is sometimes the case that private providers will act as affiliated bodies to recognised HEIs so that their awards may receive national recognition.

Secondary awards come from Boards of Education which may be regional or central.

In some provinces students will receive a pre-university certificate rather than higher secondary certificate.

Technical awards are generally awarded by regional technical boards of education.

The AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) has statutory authority for planning, formulation and maintenance of norms and standards, quality assurance through accreditation, funding in priority areas, monitoring and evaluation, maintaining parity of certification and awards and ensuring coordinated and integrated development and management of technical education in

the country. Their remit of the Council covers programmes of technical education including training and research in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Town Planning, Management, Pharmacy, Applied Arts and Crafts, Hotel Management and Catering Technology at different levels.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationDegree certificates come in a variety of formats depending on the awarding body.

Many degree certificates are proforma documents with holder’s name, date of award and qualification added in. Sometimes the affiliated college where the holder studied is also added in. In order to have as fuller picture of possible of student achievement and also of the quality of the documentation, transcripts and final degree certificates from the university should be requested. Provisional documents from affiliated colleges are not sufficient proof of completion. It should also be noted that the time taken to issue final degree certificates is also variable and depends of the degree of automation in the administration processes of the university in question. Secondary and technical documentation is also equally variable. The quality of the documentation depends on the issuing body and the date of award. The paper quality of older awards is often poor with a relatively porous paper used that tends to fade and break over time. Newer awards are often printed on better quality paper. Some states are introducing security devices onto their certificates in the form of hologramatic images (e.g. Maharashtra State).

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceThe UGC provides up-to-date lists of illegally operating institutions in India. If an institution is not accredited, the UGC website should be checked. There is a relatively high risk of receiving fraudulent documents from India. High profile cases in the last few years have highlighted the degree of the problem.

Anecdotal evidence suggest that the sale of blank degree certificates is common. We make would thus make the following recommendations:

• Always request full transcripts and degree certificates

• Double check any new degree certificates that come with handwriting on them

• Double check that the course studied is available at any given institution

• For degrees in medical and paramedical fields request proof of completion of compulsory internships

• Do not except degree certificates / transcripts, especially newer ones with any corrections

• For tertiary qualifications check that the holder has passed standard XII level examinations.


IndiaSecondary Education certificate from Maharashtra State Board


India

INDIA

Higher Secondary Education certificate from Maharashtra State Board


India

INDIA

Technical Diploma from a Polytechnic / Board of Technical Examinations (Maharashtra State)

photo


IndiaTechnical Diploma from a Polytechnic / Board of Technical Examinations (Gujarat State)

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit INDONESIA

Country andLanguage



Bahasa Indonesia

Junior Secondary ... (Grade 9)

Senior Secondary ...School Certificate of Completion (Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar Sekolah Menengah Umum Tingkat Atas -STTB SMA)

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondaryVocational Senior Secondary School ..........................

Post SecondaryPolytechnics (Sekolah Tinggi), Academies (Akademis)

3-4 years ...................(depending on program of study)

1 year........................

2 years........................

3 years........................

4 years........................

Vocational Secondary .......School Certificate of Completion (Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar Sekolah – Sekolah Menengah Kerajinam STTB – SMK)

Standard Kompetensi .......Nasional – SKN .

Diploma I (or Ahli Pratama)

Diploma II (or Ahli Muda)....

Diploma III (Ahli Madya).....

Diploma IV ......................(Sarjana Sains Terapan)

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma


TradesThere has been little success in setting up formal apprenticeship schemes or similar on the job training courses.

Indonesia




Bahasa Indonesia

Senior Secondary ....School Certificate of Completion &entrance exam (Ujian Masuk Perguruan Tinggi Negeri – UMPTN)

As above ................

Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary/Junior Secondary)Teacher Training Institutes ........................................

Teachers (Senior Secondary)Universities ............................................................

2 years ......................

41⁄2 years ...................

Diploma II in Education ...... (Diploma II in Kependidikan) & Teaching Certificate (Akta II)

Sarjana (S1) in Education....(Pendidikan) & Teaching Certificate (Akta IV)

AQF Certificate IV


Senior Secondary ....School Certificate of Completion & entrance exam to State Universities (Ujian Masuk Perguruan Tinggi Negeri – UMPTN)

S1 Degree .............(with Grade Point Average (GPA) between 2.5 & 2.75)

S2 Degree ..............(with GPA at least 3.25)

Higher EducationUniversities ............................................................Technical InstitutesIslamic Institutes

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

4-7 years ...................(depending on area of study)

2 years.......................

3 -5 years...................

Sarjana S1 (Strata 1) .........Degree

Magister S2 (Strata 2) ........

Doktor S3 (Strata 3) ..........




Indonesia


IndonesiaLanguagesDocuments are issued in Indonesian and sometimes English.

Accreditation InformationThe ministry of national education is responsible for all education in Indonesia. Within the ministry the Directorate General of Basic and Secondary education is responsible for the awarding of secondary diplomas and the Directorate General for Higher Education ahs ultimate responsibility for Higher education.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs is responsible for Madrassah education.

Notes on Degree Format and Requesting VerificationThe format of degree certificates varies from institution to institution. Generally they are landscape in format. And will generally contain a photograph of the student. They should also be stamped by the institution in question, as should supporting transcripts.

Secondary awards for the STTB / SMA appear in national format with a national crest at the top. The documents are portrait in format.

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceThere have been a number of reports of the production of fraudulent documents in the region. This appeared to be particularly prevalent post tsunami with students claiming to have lost their documents at educational institutions in the affected regions. The use of qualifications purchased from degree mills has also been noted to be on the increase.

Example of a degree certificate from Indonesia





Persian (Farsi)

Certificate of General Education

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelSecondary Schools (Upper Secondary)

Technical Branch (Fani Herfei) ...................................

Vocational Branch (Kar Danesh) .................................

3years........................

1 year.........................

3 years........................

Technician Certificate........

Second Degree .................Technician’s Certificate

First Degree Technician’s ...Certificate

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate II

TradesNo evidence of courses specific to trade or in the style of an apprenticeship the Kar Danesh would be the closest.

Pre-University ........Certificate and a National Entrance Exam (Kunkur)

As above................

Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary/Middle School)Teacher Training Centres and Institutions ....................

Teachers (Secondary)Universities ............................................................

2 years ......................

4 years ......................

Associate Degree .............

Bachelor of Education........

AQF Diploma


Pre-University ........Certificate and a National Entrance Exam (Kunkur)

Bachelor ..............

Master’s ...............

Higher EducationUniversities ............................................................Higher Education Centres

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

2 years .......................

4 years ......................

2 years .......................

4-5 years ....................

Associate Degree..............

Bachelor Degree...............(Kar-Shenasi/Licence)

Master’s Degree...............(Karshenasi-Arshad/ Fogh-Licence)

PhD/ Doctorate.................

AQF Diploma




IRAN

Iran

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit IRAN

IranLanguages Documents are issued in Farsi.

Accreditation Information• At primary and secondary levels education is


• Technical and vocational education is overseen by the Technical and Vocational Training Organisation (TVTO)

• Institutions of Higher Education are accredited by a number of different Ministries, depending upon the type of courses offered. For example, a large number of Universities are accredited by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology or the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education, while Universities specialising in Medical Sciences are accredited by the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education

• At all levels the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution determines educational policy. This includes approving the establishment of institutions of higher education, appointing professors and lecturers, determining curriculum content and the content of textbooks and educational materials. The Council consists of 33 members, including the President of Iran and noted religious and non-religious scholars.

Notes on degree format and requesting verification• Degree certificates may be landscape or portrait

depending on the University

• Certificates are generally headed with which translates as ‘In the name of God’

• Some also include the statement which means ‘God raises up in rank those who believe and have knowledge’. This is in Arabic rather than Farsi as it is a quotation from the Qur’an (Sura 58, Ayat 11)

• The emblem of the Islamic Republic (four crescents and a sword, forming the shape of a tulip) may also be at the head of the certificate, with the full name of the ‘Islamic Republic of Iran’ ( ) below

• The name of the University and sometimes the Faculty comes below these. The name of the Ministry that accredits the institution is also included on many certificates

• The certificate often includes a photograph of the student, though this is not always the case. Where present, the photograph is signed on the reverse

• Certificates always include a date of issue and a reference number

• The certificate always states the student’s name, date and place of birth, identity card number and father’s name before naming the degree title, subject, grade and date of issue

• Dates used on documents are from the Persian Calendar. Dates in the Persian Calendar differ from those of the western and Islamic calendars. 2005 corresponds to the year 1384

• Documents from before the revolution feature different national symbols and slogans but are

otherwise much the same. They are headed with the ancient Persian lion and sun motif combined with the Pahlavi crown, with the full name of the ‘Imperial State of Iran’ ( ) below

• The High School Diploma does not follow a standard format. However, it always includes a photograph of the student which is signed on the reverse and the signatures of the Head of Education Centre and the Head of the Local Education Department. These signatures are endorsed with stamps from the Ministry of Education

• The Pre-University Certificate generally follows a standard format. It is issued on white card with a green decorative border. It includes a photograph of the student (signed on the back and affixed to the top left hand corner) and the signatures of the Head of the Education Centre, the Director of the Local Education Department and General Director of the Education Department. These signatures are endorsed with stamps from the Ministry of Education.

• Technical and Vocational awards include a ‘Standard Number’ which relates to a list held by the Technical and Vocational Training Organisation.

• Translation of documents into English is usually carried out by the Iranian Ministry of Justice and is of a high quality

• Queries regarding the authenticity of documents can be addressed to the education section of the Iranian Embassy. Verification of the status of institutions can also be requested from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.


IranFraud Risk Assessment and adviceIranian education is controlled by the Supreme Council for the Cultural Revolution. Even private and fee-paying Universities (such as Payam-e Noor and Islamic Azad Universities) have their curricula determined and reviewed by this government organisation. Opportunities for fraud within the Iranian system are therefore limited.

However, in recent years the rise of online and distance education overseen by unaccredited ‘international’ universities has raised the risk of fraudulent degrees coming out of Iran. Foreign universities operating on Iranian soil have also presented a risk, the Iran branch of a foreign university was fined and closed down in 2004.

Example of High School Diploma


IranExample of High School Diploma translation Example of degree certificates and transcripts


IranExample of degree certificates and transcripts





Arabic

Certificate of ..........Intermediate Education/ Third Form Baccalaureat

Preparatory ............Baccalaureate (or equivalent)

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelUpper Secondary Schools .........................................(eg. in Agricultural Science, Commercial Studies, Home Science, Industrial Science & Veterinary Science)

Post Secondary levelTechnical Institutes, Technical Colleges ......................

3 years.......................

2 years ......................(plus 6 weeks practical training each summer)

Certificate of Vocational .....Preparatory Education/ Vocational Baccalaureat

Diploma of Technician .......in (specialised field) eg Diploma of Technician in Computer Technology

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate IV

TradesVocational training is carried out solely in secondary education, there is no provision of formal training in the trades sector

Certificate of ..........Intermediate Education/ Third Form Baccalaureat

As above ...............

Certificate of ..........Preparatory Education/ Sixth Form Baccalaureat

Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary/Intermediate)Teacher Training Centres Institutes, Fine Arts Institutes

Teachers (Primary/Intermediate)Central Training Institutes .........................................

Teachers (Secondary)University Teaching Colleges .....................................

5 years ......................

2 years ......................

4 years ......................

Primary/Intermediate ........School Teaching Certificate

Diploma in Primary ...........Education

Bachelor of Education........

AQF Diploma

AQF Diploma


IRAQ

Iraq





ArabicCertificate of .........Preparatory Education/ Sixth Form Baccalaureat

Bachelor of ............Technology

As above

Certificate of ..........Preparatory Education/ Sixth Form Baccalaureat

Bachelor (65%) ......

Master’s ...............

Higher EducationTechnical Colleges .................................................

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

Universities ..........................................................

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

4 years ......................

2 years ......................

2-3 years ...................

4 years .......................

2-3 years ...................

3 years .......................

Bachelor of Technology ...

Higher Diploma in ...........Technology

Master of Technology.......

Bachelor Degree .............

Master’s Degree .............

Doctor of Philosophy .......



Australian Post-graduate Diploma




IRAQ

Iraq


LanguagesDocuments are issued in Arabic. Documents from institutions in Kurdistan are issued in Kurdish.

Accreditation Information• At primary and secondary levels, education is


• At tertiary level education is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

• Post Secondary Technical Education is overseen by the Foundation of Technical Education. A separate Foundation for Technical Education exists to oversee those institutions in Kurdistan.

Notes on degree format and requesting verification• Degree certificates are generally portrait format

• Certificates are generally headed with (in the name of God the all merciful the all compassionate) and the full name of the Republic of Iraq

• At the top of the certificate is the name of the University and the accrediting body (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research or Foundation of Technical Education)

• Students are often only issued with certificates when they have requested one for a specific purpose. As a result, ‘certificates’ often take the form of a letter from the University/Departmental registry to one of the government ministries. For example, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the student is emigrating or to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

IRAQ

Iraq

• Certificates include a reference number, a date of issue and a photograph of the student

• English translations are generally very poor quality, with spelling and typing errors, mistakes with names and dates, and poor formatting

Fraud Risk Assessment and advice• Students often have a lot of trouble getting hold

of documents from Universities, and some have been known to create fake documentation for completed courses (as well as for courses that have not been taken). Difficulties such as this are particularly associated with institutions in Kurdistan which have suffered severe disruption over the past several decades

• Since the fall of Iraq’s regime in 2003, the tight government control exercised over the Iraqi education system has loosened. This has resulted in the setting up of a number of private colleges and universities, some of which (eg Ahl al-Bayt University, Tigris University College, Sheikh Muhammad Kasnazan University College, Sheikh Muhammad Kasnazan University College, University College of Humanities, Knowledge City University College) are fully accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, and some of which (eg The Iraqi University) have not yet gained accreditation and are not recognised to award degrees.

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit IRAQ

IraqDegree certificate and transcript




English

Standard 6 ............. Certificate

Junior Certificate...... /Leaving Certificate Applied (Ordinary Level)

National Foundation.. Certificate

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary LevelSchools, Vocational Education Committee colleges, institutes of technology

................................................................................

................................................................................

3 years ........................

1– 4 years ...................

2 years ........................

2 years ........................

Leaving Certificate Applied /Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme ....... (Ordinary level)

FETAC Level 1...................FETAC Level 2 ..................FETAC Level 3 ..................

Leaving Certificate Applied /Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme ...... (Higher level)

NCU Level 1 .....................

AQF Certificate I

Below AQF Certificate IAQF Certificate IAQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate II

Junior Certificate/..... Leaving Certificate Applied (Ordinary Level)/FETAC Level 3/Leaving Certificate

NCV Level 1 ............NCV Level 2 ............NCV Level 3 .............

Post-Secondary Level

Institutes of Technology and Regional Technical Colleges

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

1–4 years ...................

1–4 years....................

FETAC Level 4 ..................FETAC Level 5 ..................FETAC Level 6..................

NCV Level 2 ....................NCV Level 3 ....................NCV Level 4 ....................

AQF Certificate IIIAQF Certificate IVAQF Diploma

AQF Certificate IIIAQF Certificate IVAQF Diploma

Group Certificate ......

TradesRegional Training Colleges and VEC CollegesApprenticeships

2–4 years ................... National Craft Certificates ... AQF Diploma

IRELAND

Ireland




English

Leaving Certificate ....

Teacher EducationPrimary School TeacherTeacher training colleges affiliated with universities

Secondary School TeacherUniversities ..............................................................

3–4 years ..................

4 years + .................... 1 year post-graduate

Bachelor of Education ........

Higher Diploma ................. in Education



Leaving Certificate ....

Bachelor Degree .......

Bachelor Degree or Master’s Degree.. ..

Higher EducationHigher education institutions (universities, Higher Education and Training Awards Council – HETAC, Dublin Institute of Technology

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

3– 6 years ...................

1–2 years ....................

2–5 years ..................

General Bachelor Degree ... Bachelor Honours Degree

Master’s Degree ................

Doctoral Degree ................


Master’s Degree

Doctorate

IRELAND

Ireland


Ireland

IRELAND

LanguagesMost documents are issued in English and Irish, although there are also documents issued in English only and some in Latin.

Accreditation informationThe Department for Education and Science has overall responsibility for the education system in Ireland, at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, including the university sector. The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) is in charge of accreditation of non-university institutions and programmes. HETAC also awards qualifications and delegates awarding powers to recognised institutions. In the vocational sector the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) makes awards and accredits programmes.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is responsible for the development and funding of higher education institutions. Since 1999, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) has been responsible for establishing and maintaining the National Framework of Qualifications.

Listings of accredited institutions can be found on the website of the Department for Education and Science.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationThere is no standard degree format in Ireland. Degree certificates may be in portrait or landscape format, with the name of the institution and normally its logo at the top. The seal and the stamp of the institution, along with signatures of authority (such as the registrar or chancellor) are at the bottom of the certificate.

Transcripts are issued by the institutions and are broken down into semesters. They normally include information such as the title of the qualification awarded, the date of graduation, the marks achieved in individual modules and the overall grade awarded. They may also include information such as the number of credits awarded, the student’s date of birth, the duration of the course and the student’s registration number.

Fraud risk assessment and adviceSeveral known degree mills are associated with Ireland, although they may not necessarily be located there. However, educational fraud is not a major issue in Ireland.


Ireland

IRELAND

Example of genuine certificates from Ireland

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit JAPAN




Japanese

Lower Secondary ....School Leaving Certificate (Chugakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho)

Lower Secondary ....School Leaving Certificate

Upper Secondary ....School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Shomeisho)

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelVocational & Combination Upper Secondary Schools .....(eg. courses in engineering, agricultural & commercial taken alongside general education)

Vocational Colleges ..................................................(eg. courses in health & hygiene, home economics & medical care)

Post Secondary levelVocational Colleges .................................................(eg. courses in agriculture, health & hygiene, home economics, practical commerce etc)

3 years........................

3 years........................

1-2 years ....................

Upper Secondary School ...Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho)

Vocational School upper ...secondary course Diploma (Senshu Gakko koto-ka Sotsugyo Menjo)

Vocational Advanced ........course Certificate of Completion (Senshu Gakko senmon-ka Shuryo Shosho)

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV

Upper Secondary ....Education

TradesVocational EducationTraining takes place at a Junior College ......................

(Tanki Daigaku)It is focussed on acquiring specific skills in one of the following occupational areas:Biology, Culinary Arts, Dental Technology, Design, Home Economics, Information Technology, Office Management

1 year ........................ Junior College Special ......Programme Certificate (Tanki Daigaku Bekka Shuryo Shosho)

AQF Certificate III

Japan





JapaneseJunior College ........Graduates

TradesTraining takes place at a Junior College (Tanki Daigaku).It is focussed on developing specific skills in one of the following occupational areas:Art, Dietician, Industrial Technology, Librarian, Literature, Medical Laboratory Technology, Music, Nursing, Occupational Theory, Orthoptics, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Technology, Teacher Education

1 year ........................ Junior College Special ......Course (Tanki Daigaku Senko-ka Shuryo Shosho)

AQF Diploma

Upper Secondary ....School Leaving Certificate and 2 stage entrance exams

As above ...............


Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary/Secondary) Universities ............................................................

Teachers Primary and Lower SecondaryJunior College .........................................................

Teachers SecondaryUniversities ............................................................

4 years ......................

2 years ......................

2 years ......................

Bachelor of Education .......(and First Class Teachers Certificate – on passing examination upon graduating)

Associate Degree/ ............Diploma in Education (Jun-Gakushi) (and Second Class Teachers Certificate. However upon successful completion of five years experience and 45 educational credits this may be upgraded to a First Class Teachers Certificate)

Masters Degree in ............Education (Shushi)(and Advanced Class Teachers Certificate)


AQF Diploma


Japan





JapaneseLower Secondary ....School Leaving Certificate & an entrance exam

Upper Secondary ....School Leaving Certificate


Bachelor ................

Master’s ................

Higher EducationTechnology Colleges (koto-senmon gakko) ..................(eg. courses in range of engineering & technology field)

Junior Colleges (tanki-daigaku), Special Training ..........School/College (senshu gakko)

Universities (daigaku) ...............................................

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

5 years (FT) .................

2 years (FT) .................

4 years ........................

2 years .......................

3 years ........................

Associate Degree ............(Jun-Gakushi)

Associate Degree...............

Bachelor Degree ...............(Gakushi-shogo)

Master’s Degree ...............(Shushi-go)

Doctorate/ PhD ................. (Hakushi-go)






Adults (anyone) ......Adult EducationVocational Colleges .................................................(eg. courses in home economics & culture)

1week – 1 year ........... General Course .................Certificate of Completion (Shenshu Gakko ippan kosu Shuryo Shosho)

AQF Certificate II (after one year)

Japan


JapanLanguage All original documents are issued in Japanese and can be also issued in English as requested.

Accreditation informationAll levels of education are managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The administration of primary and secondary is shared by MEXT (mainly Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau), the prefectural government and the municipal government. The Higher Education Bureau within the MEXT is responsible for the establishment and approval of both private and public universities and the conferring of degrees.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationDegree certificates ( ) and Graduation Certificate ( or ) are issued directly from the institutions and do not have a national standard format. They can be in both portrait or landscape style on A3 or A4 size paper. Two styles are most often seen:

• Traditional Japanese style, which uses Japanese calligraphy written vertically from right to left in landscape style. This style is more often used in original certificates, which are issued when courses are successfully completed. Occasionally they are in portrait style, written horizontally from left to right.

• Print style is issued both in Japanese and English on A4 size paper in portrait. It is more often seen when the original degree certificates are no longer available or for associate degrees.

All certificates should include the following information: signature of the principle, seal of the institution, course completed, degree granted, certificate number, date of birth, date of issue. Dates shown in Japanese are written in Japanese Emperor Date, which consists of eras based on the reigning emperors. The two latest emperors are Akihito and Hirohito and their eras are Heisei ( from 1989) and Showa ( from 1926).

Transcripts are issued in various styles. But they always have a signature of the authority, seal, credits completed.

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceFraudulent documents are rare.





Korean

Lower Secondary ....

High School Diploma and entrance exam (CSAT)

As above ...............

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelVocational High Schools (eg in areas Agriculture, .........Technical/ Industrial, Commercial etc)

Post Secondary levelJunior Vocational Colleges (or Junior Colleges) ............(Chonmun Taehak)(eg in areas technical, agricultural, nursing, commercial, business etc)

Technical Colleges ...................................................(also known as national polytechnic universities)

3 years ....................

2-3 years ...................

2 years ....................

4 years ....................

Vocational High School ......Diploma

Associate Degree/ ............Junior College Diploma

Diploma .........................(eg in Technology, Commerce) .

Bachelor .........................(predominantly in technical areas)

AQF Certificate II

AQF Diploma

AQF Diploma


Elementary ...........Education

TradesTrade schools were phased out in the early 90s due to lack of demand. But until that time it provided students at middle secondary level skills for the workplace

1-3 years................... Unknown......................... AQF Certificate I (only if 3 years)

High School Diploma and entrance exam (CSAT)

Teacher EducationTeachers (Kindergarten/ Primary)Junior Colleges, Universities of Education .................. 4 years .....................

4 years .....................

2 years .....................

Bachelor of Education .......and classified to teach at elementary level

Bachelor of Education .......from a prestigious institution

Junior College Diploma .....in Education (until 1994)



AQF Diploma

KOREA

Korea (Republic of)





Korean

As above ...............

Bachelor Degree .....

Teacher EducationTeachers (Secondary)Universities ............................................................

.............................................................................

4 years ......................

2 years ......................

2 years ......................

Bachelor of Education .......and classified to teach at secondary level

Master’s Degree ...............in Education

Master’s Degree ..............in Education from a prestigious institution



Australian Taught Masters Degree

High School Diploma and entrance exam (CSAT- score 250)

Bachelor and .........entrance exam

Master’s ..............


.............................................................................

.............................................................................

4-6 years ...................(depending on subject area)

2 years .......................

..................................

2 years........................



Master’s Degree ..............in Education from a prestigious institution

PhD/ Doctorate ................



Australian Taught Master’s Degree


KOREA

Korea (Republic of)


Korea (Republic of)Languages Original documents are issued in Korean and can be issued in English if institutions are notified in advance.

Accreditation informationThe Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MoE & HRD) oversees all levels of education in South Korea. Full listing of recognised universities and junior colleges can be found on government website listed in the appendix.

At tertiary level, both private and public universities are coordinated through the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) which also conducts institutional and program evaluation. All nationally recognised universities, both public and private, are required to become members of the KCUE by law.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationKorea does not have standard degree format. Both degree certificate and transcripts are issued by the individual institutions. Documents, especially recent ones, are generally of very good quality. Degree certificates in Korean are generally in portrait (landscape occasionally) style and bear a logo of the institution (either on top or on the background), signature or stamp of the principal and/or dean of academic affairs and/or dean of the department, seal of the institution. English versions of the degree certificates tend to follow the same format. Name of the institution on top, followed by date and certificate number. Degree and personal details are listed in two columns, followed by a short statement “This is to certify…”. On the bottom, there is always the signature of the Dean of Academic Affairs and

seal of the institution. A number of institutions have watermark on their documents, also when photocopied, “COPY” and institution’s logo or name show on the background.

Transcripts always contain information like student number, faculty, date of admission, date of birth, date of graduation, date of degree conferred, credits obtained, grades and GPA. Some may also give an explanation of the institutions grading system. Transcripts are always signed by the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceFraudulent documents are relatively rare in Korea.

KOREA

Korea (Republic of)The following documents are typical examples of English language versions of Korean degree certificates and transcripts.

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit KOREA


Korea (Republic of)The following documents are typical examples of English language versions of Korean degree certificates and transcripts.

KOREA

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit LEBANON



ArabicFrench English (or a combination)

The Lebanese education system is currently under review. TAFE NSW Institutes will be informed of any changes to this information in due course.

Brevet ...................Brevet Professionnelle

Baccalaureat .........Libanais

Baccalaureat Technique

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary School level

Technical Secondary School ......................................

Post-Secondary level Technical and Vocational Institutes .............................

2 years ......................

3 years ......................

5 years ......................

Baccalaureat Technique ......Certificat de Formation Profissionnelle.

Diplome de Technicien ........Superieur

Diplome de Licence ............Technique

AQF Certificate II

AQF Diploma


Brevet ...................Brevet Professionnelle

TradesTechnical Secondary Schools .................................... 3 years ...................... Certificat d’Aptitude ............

ProfessionelleAQF Certificate I

Baccalaureat ..........Teacher EducationPrimary Teacher Training Institutes .............................

Universities (Faculties of Education) ............................

3 years .......................

5 years .......................

Teaching Diploma ...............

Bachelor of Education/.........Certificat d’Aptitude Pedagogique de l’Enseigment Secondaire

AQF Certificate IV


Lebanon




ArabicFrench English (or a combination)

The Lebanese education system is currently under review. TAFE NSW Institutes will be informed of any changes to this information in due course.

Baccalaureat ........

Licence, ................

Bachelor Degree(Some universities require an exam)

Completion of Stage II Qualifications

Higher EducationUniversities ............................................................First Stage

Second Stage ........................................................

Third Stage .............................................................

3-5 years ...................

1-2 years ...................(specialised studies)

Thesis or ....................3 years

Licence, Licence ................d ‘Enseignment, Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Scientific Maitrise (undergraduate)

Master’s Degree/................The Maitrise/Doctorat de Troisième Cycle

Diplome d’Etudes ..............SuperieuresDiplome d’Etudes Approfondies

Doctorate .........................





Lebanon


LanguagesDocuments are issued in Arabic, French or English (or a combination).

Accreditation InformationAt primary and secondary level, education is overseen by the Ministry of Education.

Public education at tertiary level is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education.

Courses from private institutions of higher education are accredited on an individual basis. When a new private University is set up (or a new faculty at an established private university) the government issues a decree (consisting of a number and adate). This decree demonstrates that awards from this University/faculty are deemed equivalent to awards from public institutions. The process of comparing degrees and diplomas from private institutions to the standards set by the Ministry of Higher Education is the responsibility of the Commission of Equivalences.

Notes on degree format and requesting verification Lebanese certificates do not follow a standard format as documents are issued by individual universities. Institutions that issue documents in one language generally use portrait format, whereas those that issue dual language certificates generally use landscape format. Documents in Arabic tend to use highly decorative, fully vowelled script.

Certificates are headed with the name of the University and Faculty where the student has studied.

For private institutions, the government decrees relating to the setting up of the University/College and Faculty are included.

Verification of documents can be obtained from individual universities. The Ministry of Higher Education also holds a list of all the decrees relating to the establishment of private universities and colleges, which can be used to verify the date and title of a specific award from a specific institution.

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceThe large number of private and foreign-backed institutions in Lebanon raises the risk of fraudulent documents. However, as students with awards from private institutions must obtain individual certification of their documents, in person, from the Commission of Equivalences in Beirut, this offers some degree of protection.

Lebanon


LebanonExample of Lebanese Baccalaureate Certificate (Arabic Version)


LebanonExample of Lebanese Baccalaureate Certificate (French Version)




Malay and English

PMR examination .....


Technical and vocational schools

MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat ) Skills Training Institutes 1–2 years ....................Malaysian Certificate ........ of Vocational Education SPMV – (Sigil Pelajaran Malaysia Vokesynal)

Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Open Certificate

Vocational Unified ............. Examination (VUE)

Malaysian Skill Certificate Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM): SKM Level 1 .....................SKM Level 2 .....................SKM Level 3 .....................

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate II

Below AQF Certificate IAQF Certificate IIAQF Certificate IV

SPMV, or SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia), orSTPM (Sijil Tingi Pelajaran Malaysia – Malaysian Higher School Certificate) ....


Polytechnics, MARA Advanced Skills Training Institutes (British, German and French), Private colleges Institutes, Community Colleges, Industrial Training Institutes, Agricultural Colleges/Institutes, Advanced Technology Training Centre

...............................................................................

2–4 years ..................

..................................

MARA Certificate ...............

Advanced Diploma .............

Diploma in Technology .......Industrial Diploma

Certificate in Agriculture .....

AQF Certificate IV


AQF Diploma

AQF Certificate IV

MALAYSIA

Malaysia

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW MALAYSIA



Malay and EnglishPMR examination.......orSPM

TradesIndustrial Training Institutes (pre-employment technical programmes )

1–2 years .................... Certificate .......................

Diploma ..........................

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV

SPM or STPM ...........

MDT .......................

SPM ......................

Bachelor Degree ......

Teacher EducationPrimaryTeacher Training Institutes (Institut Purguran)

SecondaryUniversity...............................................................................

...............................................................................

...............................................................................

3 Years

2 years full-time3 years part-time

4 years .......................

1 year .........................

Malaysian Diploma in Teaching (MDT) ................



Postgraduate diploma in Education ........................

AQF Certificate IV

Bachelor Degree

Bachelor Degree


SPM or STPM ...........

Bachelor Degree ......

Master’s Degree ......

Higher EducationPublic and private universities University Colleges

...............................................................................

...............................................................................

3 years .......................

3–6 years ...................

1–2 years ...................

1–2 years ...................

Diploma (90 credits) .........

Bachelor (120 credits) .......


Doctoral Degree ...............

Advanced Diploma

Bachelor Degree

Master’s Degree

Doctorate

Malaysia

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW MALAYSIA

MalaysiaLanguagesDocuments are generally issued in Malay. An English version is easily available.

AccreditationThe Ministry of Education (MoE) is responsible for all national education. However, other ministries also offer some vocational training programmes. At tertiary level, there are currently 13 universities excluding the polytechnics and teacher training colleges which have been established in the public sector and the quality of education offered by these institutions is monitored by the MoE. In the private sector, the responsibility lies with the Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA), previously known as National Accreditation Board (LAN) until November 2007, a statutory body under the Ministry of Education, which was officially launched in 1998.

MQA’s main function is to act as an independent body ensuring the standard and quality of certificate, diploma and degree courses run by the Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs).

Accreditation involves three phases:

• Application to the MQA for approval to conduct courses

Private higher education institutions apply to MQA via the Department of Private Education (DPE) of the Ministry of Education for accreditation of their courses.

• Achievement of minimum standards

All approved courses of study have to achieve the minimum standard as specified by MQA before they can award the qualifications for the relevant course.

• Receiving the certificate of accreditation

The accreditation certificate demonstrates that the certificate, diploma and degree courses are in accordance with the standards set by MQA.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationMalaysian national secondary certificates are issued in standard formats and in both English and Malay (e.g. Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia – Malaysia Certificate of Education, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia – Malaysia Higher School Certificate).

The logo of MoE is on the top of the certificates, with ‘Ministry of Education Malaysia’ on the right and ‘Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia’ on the left followed by a short statement of the Examinations Syndicate, the title of the certificate, and the student’s personal details. Subjects, grades and GCE standard are also listed. The bottom of certificates always bears a signature of the Director of Examinations and the certificate number. The key to the grades is on the back of the certificate.

Degrees do not follow a standard format and can be issued in English and Malay. Public institutions tend to have their names in Malay (occasionally Arabic and Chinese are used) and a logo on top of the certificates. Degrees from private institutions vary greatly. For accredited courses, MQA provides labels for the final certificates. However, it is not compulsory to have MQA’s logo on it. Certificates are always signed by the Vice Chancellor, Dean or Registrar. Transcripts list all the subjects passed, grades and units / credits, and are signed by the Registrar.

Fraud risk assessmentFake Malaysian qualifications are not a big issue as verification can be obtained from Malaysian institutions. However, it is known that some Malaysian nationals hold fake American degrees, as Malaysia has been targeted by international degree mills.

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW NETHERLANDS



Dutch

Basisschol ............. (Junior secondary) or LBO (Lager Beroepsonderwijs) Diploma

VMBO or MAVO .......

MBO or HAVO ......... (Hoger Algemeen Voortgezet) – Senior General Education)

Technical and Vocational Education Secondary LevelJunior Schools ...............................................................

MBO (Middlebar Beroepsonderwijs) educationSecondary schoolsMBO Level 1 .............................................................MBO Level 2 ............................................................MBO Level 3 ............................................................MBO Level 4 ............................................................

Post-Secondary LevelHigher Vocational EducationHoger Beroepsonderwijs (HBO) ....................................Institutes

4 years ........................

6 months –1 year .........2–3 years ....................2–4 years ....................3–4 years ...................

4 years ........................

MAVO ............................. (Middlebar Algeemen Voortgezet Onderwjis) Diploma (before 1999)

VMBO ............................. (Voorbereidend Middlebar Beroepsonderwijs) Diploma

MBO Level 1 ....................MBO Level 2 ....................MBO Level 3 ....................MBO Level 4 ....................

MBO Diploma ................... (before 1999)

HBO Degree ....................

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate IAQF Certificate IIAQF Certificate IIAQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate IV

Bachelor Degree

10 years ................ of education

Primair ..................

Voortgezet .............

TradesTraining colleges and employmentApprenticeships are 2 years full time comprising 40% theory and 60% practical trainingPrimary apprenticeship (Primair) ..................................

Advanced (Voortgezet) ...............................................

Tertiary (Tertiair) .......................................................

2 years F/T...................

2 years F/T...................

2 years F/T...................

Diploma ..........................

Diploma ..........................

Diploma ..........................

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma

Netherlands

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW NETHERLANDS



Dutch

Senior General ......... Secondary Education (Havo)

VWO or MBO ...........

Teacher EducationPrimaryHogescholen ............................................................

SecondaryHBO CollegesUniversities

Grade I – Teach all levels of secondary school ...............

Grade II – Teach Junior Secondary ...............................General Education (MAVO), Junior Secondary Vocational Education (LBO), Senior Secondary Vocational Education (MBO) ans Senior Secondary General Education (HAVO)

4 years F/T ..................

4 years .......................

4 years .......................

Higher Professional Education Diploma (HBO) ...

Eerstegraads Bevoegdheid...

Tweedegraads ................. Bedvoegdheid

Bachelor Degree

Bachelor Degree

Bachelor Degree

HAVO/VWO Diploma, HBO propeadeutic or MBO

3 year Bachelor .......

Doctorandus HBO ......

Higher EducationUndergraduateUniversities and Hogescholen ......................................

PostgraduateUniversities

...............................................................................

..............................................................................

3–6 years ...................

1 year .........................

4 year research program

Doctoraal Degree .............

Kandidaatsexamen ...........


Hoger Beroepsonderwijs ... (HBO – Higher Professional Education Diploma)

Propedeuse .....................

Master ...........................

Doctorate Degree .............

Bachelor (Honours) Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor Degree

Bachelor Degree

Diploma

Master’s Degree

Doctorate

Netherlands


Netherlands

NETHERLANDS

LanguagesDutch is the official language in the Netherlands and thus academic and professional documents are mainly issued in Dutch. Latin can occur as the main language in university certificates. In some cases, whole documents can be in English, especially those related to international study programmes.

Accreditation informationThe Netherlands has a hereditary monarchy with a parliamentary system. Education comes under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Since the Bologna reform, responsibility for accreditation has been allocated to the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). Students will be awarded recognized degrees only after completing an accredited degree programme. Official programmes will be listed in the Central Register of Higher Education Programmes (CROHO). International higher education institutions are recognised by the Dutch Ministry of Higher Education rather than the NVAO.

Higher education comprises higher professional education (HBO) and university education. These types of education are provided by HBO institutions (Hogescholen) and universities respectively.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationThere is no standard degree format in the Netherlands. Degree certificates are usually in portrait style, with the institutions name and the official seal of the institution at the top. Signatures of authority (eg voorzitter, directeur/directrice or secretaresse) are on the bottom of the page, along with the date and place where the certificate has been signed. Usually, the title of the degree is in the centre of the certificate. The name of the candidate is often in italics and/or bold and in the upper half of the certificate

Transcripts (cijferlijst) are issued by the institutions and are broken down into courses and modules, but not necessarily into semesters. They normally include information such as studied subjects, obtained marks and achieved grades. They may also include information such as the number of credits awarded, the student’s date of birth and the duration of the course.

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceThe Netherlands is not very prone to education fraud. However, there are a few non-accredited universities that operate within the borders of the Netherlands. They often work with international co-operation.

Fraudulent documents are also quite rare.


Netherlands

NETHERLANDS

Example of a Bachelor Degree from a Hogeschole in English

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW NEW ZEALAND



English

Year 8 ...................

National Certificate ... Level 2

Technical and Vocational Education Secondary LevelSecondary Schools ........................................................


Polytechnics, Industrial Training Organisations, private training establishments, Institutes of Technology

2–5 years ....................

3–5 years ....................

National Certificate Level 1...




National Diploma Level 5....



New Zealand Diploma ........ of Business

New Zealand Technician’s.. Certificate

Certificate I

Certificate II

Certificate III

Certificate IV

Diploma

Advanced Diploma

Bachelor Degree

Diploma

Certificate IV

TradesWork based apprenticeships ..........................................Apprenticeships comprising 50% theory plus 50% practical training

2–4 years ..................... National Certificate III ........

National Certificate IV ........

Certificate III

Certificate IV

New Zealand

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW NEW ZEALAND



EnglishNational Certificate of Educational Achievement 2 ........

National Certificate of Educational Achievement 3 ........

National Certificate of Educational Achievement 3Bachelor .................

Teacher EducationPre-PrimaryPublic colleges of Education, ITPs, wananga private training establishments

PrimaryUniversities

.....................................................................................

SecondaryUniversities...................................................................

....................................................................................

3 years .........................

3–4 years .....................

1–2 years ......................

4 years .........................

1 year ...........................

Advanced Diploma of Teaching ...........................

Bachelor of Teaching Bachelor of Education ........

Graduate Diploma in Teaching ...........................

Bachelor (Honours) ............

Graduate Diploma ..............

Bachelor Degree

Bachelor (Honours) Degree

Bachelor Degree

Bachelor Honours Degree

Bachelor Degree

National Certificate of Educational Achievement 3, or New Zealand Bursary A or B levels, New Zealand University Entrance

Bachelor .................

Bachelor ................

Bachelor (Honours) Degree or Master’s...

Higher EducationInstitutes of Technology, wananga, universities

....................................................................................

....................................................................................

....................................................................................

3–5 years

1–3 years .....................

1–3 years ......................

2 years plus thesis ........

Bachelor Ordinary Degree


Post graduate Certificate....Postgraduate Diploma........



Bachelor Degree


Postgraduate CertificatePostgraduate Diploma

Master’s Degree

Doctorate

New Zealand


New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND

Languages English and Maori are both official languages in New Zealand. Most documents are issued in English.

Accreditation InformationThe Ministry of Education has overall responsibility for the education system in New Zealand and specific responsibilities are designated to several organisations. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is responsible for the accreditation of secondary and tertiary qualifications and education providers. The NZAQ administers the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications, which lists all quality assured qualifications in New Zealand and provides international benchmarks for New Zealand qualifications. It also registers national qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is responsible for monitoring the funding and performance of tertiary education institutions and for implementing educational policies and strategies. The New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee is responsible for quality assurance in the university sector.

Listings of accredited programmes and institutions can be found on the websites of the NZQA and the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationThere is no standard degree format in New Zealand. Degree certificates may be issued in landscape or portrait format, with the name of the institution and normally the logo at the top of the certificate. The seal and signatures of authority (such as the chancellor or registrar) are at the bottom.

Transcripts are issued by the institutions and normally include information such as the title of the qualification awarded and the marks obtained for each module. They may include details such as the student’s date of birth, identification number and the number of credits awarded.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceSeveral known degree mills are associated with New Zealand, however educational fraud is not a major issue. Verification of documents can be obtained directly from the institutions.

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW PAKISTAN



English and Urdu

Secondary School .... Certificate (Grade 10)

Technical and Vocational Education Post-Secondary LevelPolytechnics, Colleges of Technology, Commercial Institutes

1–3 years ...................... Certificate in Commerce .... (1 year)

Diploma in Commerce ...... (2 years)

Diploma (3 years) ..............

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

Middle School .......... (Grade 8)

TradesVocational Institutes, Technical Training Centres and Technical Training Institutes

1–2 years ...................... and 70–80% practical work

Skilled Worker Certificate... Grade 3 (1 year)

Skilled Worker Certificate... Grade 2 (2 years)

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate II

Pakistan




English and Urdu Diploma ...................

Higher Secondary ..... School Certificate

Bachelor .................

Master’s Degree .......

Higher EducationColleges of Technology...................................................

Universities ...................................................................

.....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

2 years .........................

3 years .........................

2 years .........................

3 years .........................

2 years .........................

3 years .........................

4 years .........................

1 year ..........................

3 years .........................

2 years .........................

2 years (research-based)

3 years study ............... and research

Bachelor of Technology ...... (Pass)

Bachelor of Technology ...... (Honours)

Bachelor of Arts (Pass) ......

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)...

Bachelor of Science (Pass)....

Bachelor of Science .......... (Honours)

Bachelor Degree .............. in a professional field

Post Graduate Diploma ......

Bachelor Degree in Law .....


Master of Philosophy .........


AQF Diploma

Australian Bachelor degree


AQF Diploma

AQF Diploma





Australian Graduate Certificate


Master of Philosophy Degree

Pakistan




English and Urdu

Secondary School ..... Certificate (Grade year 10)

Higher Secondary ..... School Certificate

Higher Secondary ..... School Certificate, Polytechnic Diploma ...

Teacher EducationPrimaryNormal schools, Public colleges for elementary teachers

Secondary (grades 6–8)Teacher training colleges ...............................................

Secondary (grades 9–10)Universities

Secondary (grades 11–12)Universities, National Academy of Higher Education, Institutes of Education, Colleges of Advanced Training ....

Technical and VocationalTechnical Teacher Training Centre ..................................

1 year ...........................

1 year ...........................

3 years +1 ....................

4 years .........................

1 year ...........................

1 year ...........................

3 years .........................

Primary Teaching .............. Certificate

Teaching Certificate ..........

Bachelor plus 1 year ........... full-time Bachelor of Education

Bachelor of Education ........

Master’s of Education ........

Polytechnic Diploma ..........

Bachelor of Education ......... in Technical Teacher Training

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

AQF Diploma



AQF Certificate III

AQF Diploma

Pakistan


Pakistan

PAKISTAN

Languages Documents are issued in English and in Urdu.

Accreditation InformationThe accreditation of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan is carried out by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). They provide listings of all accredited institutions in Pakistan and also the date from which they have received accreditation. The HEC also provides listings of affiliated colleges and of foreign institutions allowed to provide collaborative programmes in Pakistan. There are a number of illegally operating campuses in Pakistan which may also be listed by the HEC, so when assessing a degree from a private Pakistani institution the following checklist should be followed:

• Check full name of the institution

• Check the campus address

• Check the date of award

• Check the country of award (is the award from the Pakistan campus of a foreign provider)

If it is a foreign provider, the permission to operate in Pakistan should be taken into consideration.

Secondary awards are provided by the board of secondary and intermediate study in each region of Pakistan.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationThere are a variety of degree formats in Pakistan. The majority of universities issue them in a bilingual format with both Urdu and English on the document. Some universities such as the University of the Punjab, also produce a monolingual version in English. Documents are often pro-forma diplomas with the individual’s details typed in the relevant spaces. It was common for documents to be filled in on a typewriter until relatively recently. Documents come in both landscape and portrait format.

Transcripts vary hugely in quality and until recently it was not uncommon to have handwriting on the documents.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceThere haven been a number of cases of false documentation from Pakistan issued by degree mills. It is suggested that in all cases, individuals present full sets of documentation, including secondary school and post- secondary school documentation, transcripts and final awards.

When in doubt the TAFE NSW central unit responsible for the development of policy guidelines and resources on the recognition of overseas qualifications should be consulted regarding documents issued in Pakistan


Pakistan

PAKISTAN

Example of a genuine Bachelor of Arts from the University of Karachi


Pakistan

PAKISTAN

Below is an example of a fake Bachelor degree certificate from the University of the Punjab, note the incorrect format. Bilingual documents are landscape rather than portrait.


Pakistan

PAKISTAN

An example of another fake Bachelor degree from the University of the Punjab. This one attempts to copy the monolingual certificate issued by the university. The fonts, spacing and wording are all incorrect.

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit PHILIPPINES




EnglishFilipino

Primary School .......

High School Diploma

High School Diploma

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelVocational Secondary Schools ..................................

Post Secondary levelTechnical & Vocational schools, .................................(eg courses in Secretarial Practice, Electrical Technology)

Vocational Institutions or Schools ...............................offering course in the following areas:Agricultural Education, Humanities, Social Science and Communications, Information Technology, Medical and Health-Related Courses, Engineering and Architecture, Science and Mathematics Education, Teacher Education, Business Education Authority

4 years ....................

3-4 years .................

1-2 years ..................

High School Diploma .........

Certificate ........................(often entitled a ‘Certificate of Proficiency’ or Diploma less common)

Certificate or Diploma .......1 year

2 years............................

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

Age 16+ and .......... Entrance Examination

TradesPublic/Private Technical and Vocational Schools/..........Training Centres

Apprenticeship training comprising at least one-hour theoretical instruction for every 20 hours on the job

For Apprenticeships following the dual system it equals 20% theoretical and 80% on the job.

Duration is dependent ...on the individual and how long it takes to complete all competencies

National Certificate I ........(Operator Certificate / 3rd Class Certificate)

National Certificate II ........(Craftsman Certificate/2nd Class Certificate)

Below AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate I

Philippines




EnglishFilipino Age 16 + ...............

and Entrance Examination

TradesIt offers specialisation in the following areas: .....................Agriculture and food, Automotive, Construction, Electronic, Furniture and Fixture Sector (Wood-based/Design and Manufacturing), Garments, Metal Engineering, Tourism

................................. National Certificate III ........(Technician Certificate/1st Class Certificate)

National Licence (NL) .........(Master Craftsman/Advanced Technician Characteristics)

Midwifery Certificate

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

High School Diploma & University Admission Test

Teacher EducationUniversities .............................................................. 4 years........................ Bachelor of Secondary .......

Education or Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.Bachelor in Secondary .......Education/Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from a Centre of Excellence or a prestigious university

AQF Diploma


High School Diploma & University Admission Test

As above ................

Higher EducationCommunity Colleges .................................................

Universities ..............................................................

2 years .......................

4 years .......................

Associate Degree ..............


Bachelor Degree ...............from a Centre of Excellence or prestigious university

AQF Certificate III

AQF Diploma


Philippines




EnglishFilipino Bachelor...............

Master’s ...............

Higher EducationUniversities ...........................................................

...........................................................................

2 years ......................

3 years.......................


Master’s Degree ................from a Centre of Excellence or a prestigious institution

PhD ..................................

PhD / Doctorate .................from a Centre of Excellence or a prestigious institution


Australian Post Graduate Diploma



Philippines

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit PHILLIPINES

PhillipinesNational Teachers College

Centres of Excellence for Agricultural EngineeringCavite State University Mariano Marcos State University University of the Philippines (Los Baños) Visayas State College of Agriculture

Centres of Excellence for ArchitectureSaint Louis College of Tuguegarao Saint Louis University University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines (Diliman) Western Mindanao State University

Centres of Excellence for AgricultureBenguet State University Cagayan State University Cavite State University Central Luzon State University Central Mindanao University Mariano Marcos State University Panay State Polytechnic College University Of Rizal System-Rizal State College University of Southern Mindanao University of the Philippines (Los Baños) Visayas State College of Agriculture

Centres of Excellence for BiologyAteneo de Davao University Ateneo de Manila University Central Luzon State University Central Mindanao University De La Salle University Mindanao State University (Iligan) Silliman University University of San Carlos University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines (Diliman) University of the Philippines (Los Baños) University of the Philippines-Baguio University of the Philippines-Manila University of the Philippines-Visayas

Centres of Excellence for BusinessAteneo de Davao University Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Naga Ateneo de Zamboanga University De La Salle University

List of Centres of Excellence and prestigious universities

Saint Louis University Saint Paul University Silliman University University of San Carlos University of San Jose-Recoletos University of Santo Tomas University of St. La Salle University of the Philippines (Diliman) Xavier University

Centres of Excellence for Ceramics EngineeringMariano Marcos State University Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology

Centres of Excellence for Chemical EngineeringAdamson University Central Philippine University De La Salle University Mapua Institute of Technology University of Mindanao University of San Carlos University of Santo Tomas University of St. La Salle University of the Philippines-Diliman Xavier University

Centres of Excellence for ChemistryAteneo de Davao University Ateneo de Manila University Central Luzon State University De La Salle University Mindanao State University (Iligan) Mindanao State University (Marawi) University of San Carlos University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines (Los Baños) University of the Philippines-Diliman Xavier University

Centres of Excellence for Civil EngineeringAdamson University Cagayan Capitol Colleges Cagayan State University Central Philippine University De La Salle University Leyte Institute of Technology Mindanao State University (Iligan) Saint Louis College of Tuguegarao Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s University

Saint Paul University Samar State Polytechnic College Technological University of the Philippines University of La Sallette University of Mindanao University of San Carlos University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines (Diliman) Xavier University

Centres of Excellence for Communication ArtsUniversity of the Philippines (Diliman) University of the Philippines (Los Baños)

Centres of Excellence for Computer EngineeringAdamson University Aquinas University Cagayan State University University of St. La Salle University of the Philippines (Diliman)

Centres of Excellence for Distance EducationUniversity of the Philippines-Open University

Centres of Excellence for EconomicsUniversity of the Philippines (Diliman)

Centres of Excellence for Electrical EngineeringAdamson University Bulacan State University Cagayan State University Central Philippine University Holy Angel University Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Saint Louis University Tarlac State University Technological University of the Philippines University of Mindanao University of San Carlos University of Santo Tomas University of Southeastern Philippines University of the Philippines (Diliman) Western Institute of Technology Xavier University

Centres of Excellence for Electronics and Communications Engineering

Adamson University De La Salle University Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of


Phillipines List of Centres of Excellence and prestigious universities

Technology Saint Louis University University of Santo Tomas University of Southeastern Philippines University of St. La Salle University of the Philippines-Diliman Wesleyan University Philippines

Centres of Excellence for Engineering and Architecture Education

University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines - Diliman, Quezon City

Centres of Excellence for EnglishAteneo De Manila University De La Salle University University of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for FilipinoDe La Salle University Philippine Normal University University of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for FisheriesBicol University-Tabaco Cagayan State University-Aparri Central Luzon State University Pangasinan State University-Binmaley State Polytechnic College of Palawan University of the Philippines-Visayas Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology

Centres of Excellence for Foreign LanguagesUniversity of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for ForestryCentral Mindanao University Isabela State University-Cabagan University of the Philippines-Los Baños Visayas State College of Agriculture

Centres of Excellence for Geodetic EngineeringPamantasan ng Araullo Saint Louis College of Tuguegarao Saint Paul University University of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for GeologyAdamson University Mapua Institute of Technology University of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for HistoryUniversity of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for Industrial EngineeringAdamson University De La Salle University Holy Angel University Saint Louis University University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for Information Technology Education

Angeles University Foundation Asian Development Foundation College Ateneo de Davao University Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Naga Ateneo de Zamboanga University Baguio Colleges Foundation Cebu Institute of Technology De La Salle Aguinaldo-Dasmariñas De La Salle University East Asia College Lorma College Mindanao State University (Marawi) Mindanao State University-Iligan Instituteof Technology Misamis University Notre Dame of Marbel University Polytechnic University of the Philippines Saint Paul University St.Columban College University of La Sallette University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos University of the Philippines-Diliman University of the Philippines-Los Baños Xavier University

Centres of Excellence for JournalismUniversity of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for LiteratureAteneo De Manila University De La Salle University University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for Marine ScienceCagayan State University Mindanao State University-Naawan

Silliman University University of San Carlos University of the Philippines-Diliman University of the Philippines-Visayas Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology

Centres of Excellence for MathematicsAteneo de Davao University Ateneo de Manila University De La Salle University Mindanao Polytechnic State College Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology University of San Carlos University of the Philippines-Baguio University of the Philippines-Diliman University of the Philippines-Los Baños

Centres of Excellence for MedicineCebu Institute of Medicine University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines-Manila Xavier University

Centres of Excellence for Mechanical EngineeringAdamson University Bulacan State University Central Philippine University De La Salle University Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Pablo Borbon Memorial Inst. Of Technology Saint Louis University Silliman University Technological University of the Philippines University of Mindanao University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines-Diliman Western Institute of Technology Xavier University

Centres of Excellence for Metallurgical Engineering

Mapua Institute of Technology Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology University of the Philippines-Diliman


Phillipines List of Centres of Excellence and prestigious universities

Centres of Excellence for Mining EngineeringMapua Institute of Technology University of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for MusicUniversity of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for NursingLiceo de Cagayan Saint Louis University Saint Paul University San Pedro College Silliman University St.Paul’s Iloilo University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines-Manila

Centres of Excellence for PhilosophyAteneo De Manila University University of Santo Tomas

Centres of Excellence for PhysicsAteneo de Manila University De La Salle University Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Silliman University University of San Carlos University of the Philippines-Baguio University of the Philippines-Diliman University of the Philippines-Los Baños

Centres of Excellence for Political ScienceUniversity of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for PsychologyAteneo De Manila University University of the Philippines-Diliman

Centres of Excellence for Sanitary EngineeringBaguio Colleges Foundation University of Baguio

Centres of Excellence for Science and Mathematics

Ateneo de Davao University - Davao City Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City Cagayan State University - Tuguegarao, Cagayan Central Luzon State University - Munoz, Nueva Ecija Central Mindanao University - Malaybalay, Bukidnon

De La Salle University - Manila Mindanao Polytechnic State College - Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao State University - Naawan Campus Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology - Iligan City Siliman University - Dumaguete City University of San Carlos - Cebu City University of Santo Tomas - Manila University of the Philippines - Baguio University of the Philippines - Diliman, Quezon City University of the Philippines - Los Banos University of the Philippines - Manila University of the Philippines - Visayas - (Miag-ao Iloilo) Xavier University - Cagayan de Oro City Zamboanga State College of Marine Science & Technology - Zamboanga City

Centres of Excellence for SociologyAteneo De Manila University University of the Philippines-Diliman Xavier University

Centres of Excellence for Teaching EducationAquinas University - Legaspi City Ateneo de Davao University - Davao City Bicol University - Legaspi City Central Luzon State University Leyte Normal University - Tacloban City Mariano Marcos State University - Laoag City Mindinao State University - Marawi City Notre Dame of Jolo Notre Dame of Marbel University - Koronadal, Cotabato Palawan State University - Puerto Prinsesa City Philippine Normal University - Manila San Nicolas College Siliman University - Dumaguete City St.Louis University - Baguio City St. Mary’s University - Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya St. Paul University - Tuguegarao, Cagayan University of San Carlos - Cebu City University of San Jose Recoletos - Cebu City West Visayas State Univesity - Iloilo City Western Mindanao State University - Zamboanga City Xavier University - Cagayan de Oro University

Centres of Excellence for Veterinary MedicineUniversity of the Philippines-Los Baños

Prestigious State UniversitiesAsian Institute of Management Ateneo de Manila University De La Salle University University of Santo Tomas University of the Philippines


PhillipinesLanguagesFilipino and English are both official languages in the Philippines. Most documents (especially recent ones) are issued in both languages. Occasionally, documents are issued in Latin.

Accreditation informationAt primary and secondary level, the responsibility lies on the Department of Education (DepED). At tertiary level, prior to 1994, the Bureau of Higher Education under with the Department of Education Culture and Sports (DECS) took the responsibility for higher education. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was established in 1994 and is the governing body covering both public and private higher education institutions as well as degree-granting programs in all tertiary educational institutions in the Philippines.

Private HEIs are required to obtain “Special Order” (S.O.) for certificate, diploma and degree programmes they offer. This number should be shown on student’s final certificate and transcripts. However, the Level II, III and IV accredited institutions are exempted from this requirement, along with the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). SUC is also known as chartered institutions, and do not need CHED’s approval to offer academic programmes.

Listings of accredited programmes and institutions can be found on CHED’s website.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationThere is no standard degree format in the Philippines. Degree certificates are usually in landscape style, with the institution’s name and sometimes logo on top. Seal and signatures of authority (eg president, registrar and deans of the faculty) are on the bottom. The S.O. number should also be on the final certificate when required.

Transcripts are issued by the institutions and are always broken down into semesters. They normally include the information such as degree(s) conferred, date of graduation, entry level, duration of the course, total credits obtained, date of birth, religion and S.O. number if required.

For professions which require registration, a licence or registration card is also presented together with the degree. These documents are issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and generally are indication of the accreditation of the degree programmes.

Fraud Risk Assessment and Advice Fraudulent documents are not rare in the Philippines, and individuals can also obtain degrees from international degree mills.


PhillipinesExample of Degree Certificate and Transcripts


Phillipines


PhillipinesExample of Midwifery Certificate

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit RUSSIAN FEDERATION




Russian

Diploma of .............Incomplete General Secondary Education (Grade 9 or 11)

As above ...............

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelBasic initial vocational trainingVocational/Technical school ............(ProfessionalnoeTechnicheskoe Uchilishche (PTUs) Involves blocks of theoretical, industrial and practical training with an element of general education

Advanced initial vocational trainingVocational lyceum (Professional Litsei) ......................Involves blocks of theoretical, industrial and practical training with an element of general education

1-21⁄2 years ................(entry at Grade 9) in rudimentary crafts or trades 1-11⁄2 years .................(entry at Grade 11)

3-4 years ...................(entry at Grade 9)1-11⁄2 years (entry at Grade 11)

Diploma of Initial ..............Vocational Education (Diplom o nachalnom Professionalnom obrazovanii) with the title of Qualified Worker (in a particular occupation)

Diploma of Initial ..............Vocational Education (Diplom o nachalnom Professionalnom obrazovanii) with the title of Qualified Worker (in a particular occupation Including the Attestat

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

Diploma of .............Incomplete General Secondary Education (Grade 9) or Grade 11

As above ...............

Diploma of Middle ...Level Vocational Education (Diplom o Srednem Professonalnom Obrazovanii (Bazovii Uroven)

Post Secondary levelMiddle level vocational educationSpecialised Technical College (Teknikum) ................Secondary Specialised College (Uchilishche)Practical training and Theoretical training – 50% of each.

Colleges (Kolledz) ....................................................

College (Kolledzi) ....................................................

3 years .....................(at least, entry at Grade 9)2-3 years ...................(entry at Grade 11)

4-41⁄2 years ...............(entry at Grade 9)31⁄2-4 years ...............(entry at Grade 11)

1 year ........................

Diploma of Middle Level ....Vocational Education (Diplom o Srednem Professonalnom Obrazovanii (Bazovii Uroven)

College Diploma ...............with the Title of Junior Engineer (Diplom ob okonchaniikolledzha po vtoroi stupeni - Mladshii inzhiner)

Diplom o Srednem ...........Specialnom / Professionalom Obrasovanii (Poveishenni Uroven)

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma


Russian Federation





Russian TradesPart of the Vocational secondary/post secondary education system described above.

Diploma of .............Incomplete General Secondary Education (Grade 9) or Grade 11

Entrance Exam after Grade 9/Grade 11

General Secondary ..School Certificate and entrance exam

Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary and Basic Secondary)Secondary Specialised Colleges ................................(Pedagogical uchilishche), Colleges

Primary non-university level educational institutions .....(technikums, uchilisches), colleges

Teachers (Upper Secondary)Universities, pedagogical institutes ...........................

4 years (FT) ...............(entry at Grade 9) 3 years (FT) (entry at Grade 11)

3-4 years (Grade 9) ......

2 years (Grade 11)

4 years (FT) ...............

4-5 years (FT) ............

Diploma of Middle Level .....Vocational Education (Diplom o Srednem Professionalnom Obrazovanii)

Specialised Secondary ......Diploma – advanced level (Diplom on Okonchanii Srednego Spetsialnogo Uchebnogo Zavedeniya)

Bachelor of Education .......(Bakalavr)

Diploma of Specialist ........in pedagogy(Diplom ob Okonchanii Vysshego Uchebnego Zavedeniya)

AQF Diploma




Certificate of ..........Secondary Education (Attestat o srednem (polnom) obshchem obrazovanii) and entrance exam

Higher EducationUniversities ............................................................ 2 years .....................

(issued on request of student midway through Bachelor or Specialist Diploma program)

Diploma of Incomplete .......Higher Education (Diplom o Nepolnom Vusshem Obrazovanii)

AQF Diploma

Russian Federation





RussianCertificate of ..........Secondary Education (Attestat o srednem (polnom) obshchem obrazovanii) and entrance exam

Bakalavr ...............

Master or ...............Specialist Diploma

Higher EducationUniversities .......................................................

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

4 years .....................

5-6 years ..................

1-2 years.................

3 years .....................(research + thesis)

Bachelor Degree ..............(Bakalavr)

Diploma of Specialist ......... (eg. in Engineering, Law, Medicine etc)

Master’s Degree (Magister) Kandidat Nauk (Candidate of Sciences)

.......................................





Magister or ............Specialist Diploma

........................................................................... No fixed duration......... Doctor Nauk .....................(Doctor of Sciences


Russian Federation


Russian FederationLanguagesDocuments are issued in Russian and occasionally in English and Russian when awarded to a non-Russian national.

Accreditation InformationUp until August 1996, there were two federal bodies that managed the education system in Russia: the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Higher Education. The Ministry of Education was responsible for the development and implementation of state policy in pre-school, general and vocational education, while The State Committee for Higher Education was responsible for overseeing state policy in post-secondary education, which included all non-university and university level higher education, and doctoral studies. In August 1996, these two federal bodies were merged into one ministry with combined functions called the Ministry for General and Professional Education of the Russian Federation. In 1999 it was renamed and now exists as The Ministry of Education. Main responsibilities and functions include the following:

• Financing of State Educational Establishments

• Setting up State Educational Establishments

• Quality control (licensing, attestation, and state accreditation of educational institutions)

• Setting and maintaining State Educational standards

• Attestation and evaluation procedures for the teaching and administrative staff

• Curricular design

• The direct funding of educational establishments set up under their authority

higher education and landscape usually represents post-secondary or college level education. It is worth noting that if photocopies of original documentation are presented, the word Kopiya should appear across the top of the diploma and throughout the transcript.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceThe risk of fraud in Russian educational documentation during Soviet times was extremely low, given the strict control of the state over higher education institutions and their educational activity. State diplomas are easily recognisable and are only likely to be queried if the format differs in any way, which at that time would have been very rare.

However, more recently there have been reports of a large number of agencies in Russia now selling both the new and old style Russian diplomas, certificates and transcripts. Students who have achieved low marks may also request a new transcript showing higher marks, which when presented with an authentic diploma makes this harder to spot. This service is advertised openly on websites and is a major concern in Russia today.

As well as problems with documentation, it is also worth being aware of the increase in private higher education institutions since 1991 and their standing and accreditation in Russia. A number of these, such as the International University of Fundamental Studies, St Petersburg have licenses for educational activity but the qualifications awarded are not recognised by the Russian Ministry of Education.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationEducational documents (diplomas and transcripts) in Russia all follow a national format, issued by the Ministry of Education. The shape and format of the final diploma differs according the level of education it represents, and is usually accompanied by a Prilozhenie k Diplomu (Transcript), which details all the subjects taken as part of the course and the grades achieved.

All Russian Diplomas are issued in the standard state booklet format with the word Diplom always appearing at the top on the right hand side, regardless of the level of education it represents. Just below this there is a short code consisting of numbers (referring to the year the booklet was printed) and a letter, C, B orM, which refers to the type of award:C: Specialist Diploma, B: Bakalavr (Bachelor) and M: Magistr (Master). State diplomas also have several security features, which are only visible in UV light. An image of green laurel and a hidden image of the Russian two-headed eagle appear on the right hand side of the document, when held under UV light. The left hand side of the diploma booklet shows the Russian crest at the top, as well as the date of issue and registration number at the bottom. However, the location of the date of issue may vary depending on the year of printing. The latest batch of diplomas (printed in 2002) shows the date in the bottom left-hand corner, whereas the slightly older diplomas (printed in 1996) show the year of printing in the bottom right-hand corner.

Given the generic use of the word Diploma across the education system in Russia, a copy of the original diploma in Russian should always be presented together with the translation. As a general rule, a portrait diploma usually represents


Russian FederationExample of Russian Bakalvr Diploma.


Russian FederationExample of bilingual Specialist Diploma awarded to foreigners.

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW SINGAPORE



English

Primary School ......... Leaving Certificate

Certificate of ............ Education Normal (GCE N-level)

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O Level National Technical CertificateIndustrial Technician Certificate

Diploma, Singapore/Cambridge GCE A Level

Technical and Vocational Education Secondary LevelNormal Technical .........................................................

Post-Secondary LevelInstitute of Technical Education ....................................

Polytechnics (5)Courses at sub-degree level ........................................

...................................................................................

2–4 years .....................

2 years F/T ...................2 years .........................

2 years .........................2 years

1 year ..........................

2 years .........................

3 years F/T ....................

1 year ...........................

1–2 years P/T ...............

Singapore-Cambridge ......... General Certificate of Education Normal (GCE N-level)

Singapore-Cambridge ....... General Certificate of Education Normal (GCE O-level)

National Technical Certificate..Industrial Technician .......... Certificate

National ITE Certificate ......Higher National ITE ............ Certificate Master National ITE .......... Certificate

Certificate .........................

Diploma ............................

Advanced Diploma ............

Specialist Diploma .............

AQF Certificate I

NSW School Certificate

AQF Certificate IIIAQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IIIAQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma



Singapore




English Certificate of ........... Education Normal (GCE N-level)

TradesWorkforce Development Agency, and the Institute of Technical Education (theory and practical training)

.....................................

1–3 years ......................

WSQ (work skills qualifications)

WSQ Certificate .................

WSQ Higher Certificate ......

WSQ Advanced Certificate..

WSQ Diploma/ .................. Professional Diploma.

WSQ Specialist .................

WSQ Graduate .................. Certificate/ Diploma

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma



Singapore/ ............... Cambridge GCE .A Level

Bachelor with .......... Diploma in Education

Post-Graduate .......... Diploma in Education

Teacher EducationNational Institute of Education ......................................

.....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

2 years .........................

4 years .........................

1–2 years ......................

2 years .........................

Diploma in Education .........

Bachelor in Education ........

Advanced Post-Graduate ... Diploma in Education .

Master’s of Education ........





Singapore

SINGAPORE

Singapore




English Singapore/Cambridge GCE A Level ..............



Master Degree ..........

Higher EducationUniversities.....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

....................................................................................

3–5 years ......................

2 years F/T ....................

Course work and ........... examination or research and thesis

2–5 years F/T study ...... and research and thesis


Postgraduate Diploma .......

Master Degree ..................

Doctor of Philosophy ..........




Doctorate

Singapore


Singapore

SINGAPORE

LanguagesEnglish, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are the official languages of Singapore. Majority of documents are issued in English. Bilingual and quadlingual documents are often seen too.

AccreditationThe Ministry of Education has overall responsibility in education policy formulation and implementation. It also controls the development and administration of public education providers and registration of private schools. At the higher education level it mainly provides funding, offers policy guidance and quality assurance. The Ministry of Manpower is responsible for adult and technical training and also recruiting overseas workers to fill skills shortages.

Singapore has a large number of registered private schools and colleges. The quality of education provided by private institutions varies greatly and their qualifications should be assessed on an individual basis. Some institutions may also have affiliations with foreign universities, particularly those in the UK, Australia and China and courses validated by their foreign partners.

Notes on degree formats and requesting informationThere is no unified degree format in Singapore. Individual institutions have their own style. In general, the certificates and some transcripts are well protected with water-mark, microprint and other security devices. Transcripts can be issued and delivered directly to a third party, although a fee is normally charged.

The TAFE NSW central unit responsible for the development of policy guidelines and resources on the recognition of overseas qualifications can be consulted regarding further information on documentation from Singapore.

Fraud risk assessmentDiploma mills are known operating actively in Singapore.

The risk of fraudulent documents in Singapore is relatively low as documents (particularly those from public universities) are well protected and can be verified without much difficulty. However there are a few “diploma replacement services” operating in the neighbouring countries that are targeting Singaporean institutions. These fake certificates are quite often bought outside Singapore to gain admission into foreign universities.


Singapore

SINGAPORE

Old style A level certificate (issued in four languages)


Singapore

SINGAPORE




Afrikaans or English or in another language where appropriate

Grade 9 / Standard 7.....

Grade 12 or N4 ............

N5/N6 .........................

Senior Certificate ....... or Further Education and Training certificate

National Diploma .........

Diploma in Technology....

Bachelor of Technology.. (Baccalaureus Technologiae)

Master’s Degree ........... in Technology

Technical and Vocational Education Secondary Level and Pre TertiaryN1–4 (national technical training at further education and training colleges) ....................................................SEE TRADES BELOW

N5–N6 advanced trade training ......................................

Completion of N6 + two years ....................................... of supervised work experience

Post-Secondary Level/Tertiary LevelTechnikons, now known as Universities of Technology

Workplace training ........................................................

Technikons, now known as Universities of Technology......

....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

1 year each N level ........


4–8 years depending on entry route ....................

1 year ...........................

2 years .........................

3 years .........................

Min 1 year .....................

4 years .........................

1 year research project...

2 year research project...

National Technical Certificates N1 ...................................

N2 ...................................

N3 ...................................

N4 ...................................

National Technical Certificates N5 ...................................N6 ...................................

National Diploma ...............

National Certificate ............ in Technology (S2)

National Higher Certificate.. in Technology (S4 )

Diploma in Technology ...... (DipTech) or National Diploma (S4+P1/ P2/T3)

Higher Diploma and ......... Further Diploma (T4)

Bachelor of Technology ..... (Baccalaureus Technologiae)

Master’s Degree ............... in Technology

Doctorate in Technology......

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate IIAQF Certificate IIIAQF Certificate IV

AQF DiplomaAQF Advanced Diploma


AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma






South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA





Grade 8, 9 or 10 ...........

TradesN-training (national technical training at further education and training colleges)N1-3 – craft training, utility services

LearnershipsWork based education and training programs (apprenticeships in traditional trades). Learnerships require registration and agreement between the learner, employer and the training institution.


Min 1 year .....................

National Technical CertificatesN1 ....................................N2 ...................................N3 ...................................

National Technical CertificatesN1 ...................................N2 ...................................N3 ...................................

AQF Certificate IAQF Certificate IIAQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IAQF Certificate IIAQF Certificate III

Senior Certificate .........

Senior Certificate.........

Senior Certificate .........

Bachelor of Education...

Teacher EducationTeacher Education Institutions ( national and local level)

Pre-primary and PrimaryTeacher Training Colleges ...............................................

Universities ...................................................................

SecondaryUniversities...................................................................

.....................................................................................

1 year ............................

3 years ..........................

4 years ..........................

4 years ..........................

4-5 years........................

1 year ............................

1 year ............................

Advanced Certificate ........ in Education

Diploma in Education......... (until 2002)

Higher Diploma ................. in Education (until 2002)

Bachelor of Primary/........... Pre-Primary Education

Bachelor of Arts in Education...

Bachelor of Science ........... in Education

Bachelor of Music ............. in Education

Postgraduate Certificate..... in Education

Postgraduate Diploma ....... in Education










SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW SOUTH AFRICA




Senior Certificate ......

Bachelor Degree ....... with Honours

Bachelor Degree ....... with Honours

Master’s Degree .......

Higher EducationUniversities, universities of technology, comprehensive universitiesSEE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ABOVE FOR TERTIARY VOCATIONAL COURSES

.....................................................................................

....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

....................................................................................

3–6 years .....................

1 year ...........................

1–2 years research ........

2 years research ........... minimum

Bachelor Degree ................


Master’s Degree ..............

Doctorate ..........................





South Africa


South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA

Languages Documents at tertiary level are issued in English, Afrikaans and Latin. At secondary level they may be issued in English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Sepedi, Setswana or Swati.

Accreditation InformationThe South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) holds readily available online lists of qualifications from national and private education providers. The awards registered with SAQA are benchmarked against the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Qualifications can be checked online.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationDegree formats do not follow a standard pattern and each university has its own style of certificate format and transcript format. Degree formats tend to be simple with little embellishment or decoration. The vast majority of degree certificates, however, are portrait format and centrally aligned to the university crest.

The TAFE NSW central unit responsible for the development of policy guidelines and resources on the recognition of overseas qualifications can be consulted regarding documents issued in South Africa.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceInternational reports suggest that South Africa is experiencing serious difficulties with the mass circulation of fraudulent documents. It is strongly recommended that full sets of educational documents are requested, including transcripts and entry qualifications to tertiary awards. For certain professions registration with the relevant body in South Africa is obligatory (medicine, teaching etc.).

It should be noted that there have been significant changes in the names and make up of South African institutions. Degrees from before 2004 may come from institutions that no longer exist in their previous form.


South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit SRI LANKA




Sinhala TamilEnglish General Certificate ..

of Education (O Level)

General Certificate ..of Education (O Level or A Level)

General Certificate ..of Education (A Level)

Technical and Vocational EducationPost Secondary levelTechnical Colleges, polytechnical institutes .................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

2 years ......................

2-3 years ...................

4 years ......................

2 years ......................

2-3 years...................

(National) Certificate ..........(eg in business and crafts, commerce, engineering)

National Diploma ...............(eg. agriculture, business studies, home economics etc)

Higher National Diploma ....(HND) (in accounting & commerce)

National Certificate ...........in Technology

National Diploma ..............in Technology

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma


AQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma

Junior Secondary ....Education

TradesShort Training Courses .............................................Technical Colleges

6-10 months .............. National Craft Certificate..... AQF Certificate I

Sri Lanka

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit SRI LANKA




Sinhala TamilEnglish GCE Ordinary level in

6 subjects including first language and mathematics

Certificate in ...........Pre-school education

3 GCE Advanced ...... levels and six GCE Ordinary levels

General Certificate ...of Education (A Level-3 passes) + 2 years experience in school

3 GCE Advanced ......levels and six GCE Ordinary levels

Teacher EducationTeachers (Pre-Primary)Department of Early Childhood Education ....................

.............................................................................

Teachers (Senior Primary)Teacher Training Colleges / Universities ......................

Teachers (Junior Secondary)Teacher Training Colleges .........................................

Teachers (Senior Secondary)Universities ............................................................

1 year .........................

1 year ........................

3 years ......................

4 years .......................

2 years ......................

2 years ......................

2 years ......................

3 years ......................

4 years .......................

Certificate in Pre-school ....Education

Advanced Certificate ........in Pre-School Education

Trained Teacher’s Diploma (Primary) (post 1985)

Bachelor of Education .......Degree

Trained Teacher’s .............Certificate (Primary) (post 1981)Trained Teacher’s ............Certificate (Primary) (prior 1981)

Trained Teacher’s ............. Certificate (Secondary) (post 1981)

Trained Teacher’s .............Certificate (Secondary) (prior 1981)

Trained Teacher’s Diploma (Secondary) (post 1985 )


AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV




AQF Diploma


AQF Diploma



Sri Lanka





Sinhala TamilEnglish Bachelor Degree .....


Teacher EducationTeachers (Senior Secondary)Universities ............................................................

.............................................................................

1 year ........................

1-2 years ...................

Diploma in Education.........Post Graduate

Master of Education .........



General Certificate of Education (A Level)

Bachelor .............

Master’s or Bachelor (Special Degree)


.............................................................................

.............................................................................

3 years ......................

4 years .......................

1 years ......................

2 years ......................

2-3 years ...................

Bachelor (General Degree)

Bachelor (Special or .......... Professional Degree)



Doctorates........................






SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka


Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA

Languages Documents are issued in English, Sinhala and Tamil. Most documentation at tertiary level is issued in English only.

Accreditation Information• At primary and secondary level, education is

overseen by the Ministry of Education.

• At tertiary level, education is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education.

• Institutions of higher education are accredited by the University Grants Commission.

• A comprehensive system of quality assurance has been under development since 2001. The first body formed to oversee this system was the Commission on Quality Assurance. It aimed to establish the following quality assurance mechanisms:

1. Academic Procedures Handbook

2. Sri Lankan Qualifications Framework

3. Subject Benchmarking and Academic Standards

4. Sri Lankan Credit Transfer Scheme

• The Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council was founded in 2005 to implement a framework for quality assurance and accreditation within Sri Lankan universities.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationSecondary school documents follow a standard format:

• All documents include the national symbol of Sri Lanka, (below) in the top left hand corner:

• The document most commonly presented by students at O (Ordinary) and A (Advanced) level is a results schedule. This document is written in Sinhala, Tamil and English and is issued by the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka

• At the head of the document is the student’s name and address (in English only). Beneath this is the level of the qualification (O or A Level), the centre number where the student took the examination and a unique index number

• The student’s name is repeated (again in English only), followed by a table outlining the subjects studied and the student’s results

• All students must complete the ‘Common General Test’ and the ‘General English’ test, so marks for these subjects will always be included

• Prior to 2001, Sri Lanka used the following grading system at O Level:

75 - 100% D Distinction

50 - 74% C Credit

35 - 49% S Pass

0 - 34% F Fail

It is therefore not unexpected that students with

high percentage marks will also have D or C grades.

Tertiary level documents do not follow a standard format:

• Documents may be portrait or landscape format, and although most documents are only in English, they may also include the Sri Lankan national languages of Sinhala and Tamil

• Most documents include handwritten information such as the student’s name, the date, and the degree awarded. This information is written in decorative, cursive script

• Different universities use different signatures on their documents, though most will use the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceSri Lanka does not present the same scope for educational fraud as neighbouring India. However, as a result its facilities for detecting and reporting fraud are also less developed. Unlike its Indian counterpart, the Sri Lankan UGC does not


Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA

maintain a list of illegally operating or substandard institutions. If there is any doubt about the quality or legality of a Sri Lankan institution it may therefore be advisable to contact TAFE MEU.

Sri Lankan documents (notably at tertiary level) may also be vulnerable to fraud as they not generally include security features such as watermarks and modern laser printing techniques. If there is any doubt over individual documentation, it is advisable to contact TAFE MEU, which may be able to provide confirmation that the student in question was a bona fide student and achieved the qualification that has been presented.

It is also worth bearing in mind, when dealing with educational documents from Sri Lanka, that an intermittent civil war has been going on (particularly in the north of the country) since the 1980s. This has led to many thousands of deaths and extensive disruption. This disruption (as well as that caused by the 2004 tsunami which killed around 40,000 people) may have presented opportunities for the fraudulent acquisition of national documents, though it is true that law and order never disintegrated in Sri Lanka as it did in other countries affected by civil war and this does not represent a significant risk.

Example of O Level certificate


Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA

Example of A Level certificate Example of degree certificate issued in English

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit THAILAND




Thai

Lower secondary ....(Grades VII – IX, Maw 1-3)

As above ..............

Upper Secondary ....(Grade XII – Maw 6) & entrance exam /Certificate of Vocational Education Skill level

Diploma of .............Vocational Education

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelUpper Secondary Schools .........................................(vocational stream eg. agriculture, home economics, business studies, arts & crafts and engineering)

Vocational schools, technical colleges ........................

Post Secondary levelRajamangala Institutes of Technology (RIT), Department of Vocational Education (DOVE) Technical Colleges, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology)

.............................................................................

3 years .......................

1 year ........................

2 years .......................

2 years .......................

Certificate of Vocational ....Education Skill level (Por Wor Chor)

Tradesman’s Certificate ...../Certificate in Vocational Education

Diploma of Vocational .......Education/ Higher Certificate (Technician Level) (Por Vor Sor)

Higher Diploma ................of Technical Education (Por Tor Sor)

AQF Certificate Il

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate IV


Lower Secondary ....(Grade IX)

Certificate in Dual ...Vocational Training (DVT)

TradesRajamangala Institutes of Technology (RIT), Department of Vocational Education (DOVE) Technical Colleges, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology(eg courses in: trade and industry, commerce, home economics, arts & crafts, agriculture & fisheries)

.............................................................................

3 years .....................(combined college & training in workplace)

2 years ......................(combined college & training in workplace)

Certificate in Dual Vocational Training (DVT) ...

Diploma in Dual ................Vocational Training (DVT)

AQF Certificate Il

AQF Certificate IV

Thailand

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit THAILAND



Thai

Completion of .........Grade XI

Upper Secondary ....(Grade XII – Maw 6)

Upper Secondary ....(Grade XII – Maw 6)

Associate Degree ....


Teacher EducationTeacher (Primary)Teacher Training Colleges .........................................

Teacher (Lower Secondary) Rajabhat Universities ...............................................

Teacher (Upper Secondary)Rajabhat Universities ...............................................

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

2 years .......................

2 years .......................

4 years .......................

2 years .......................

1 year ........................

2 years........................

Higher Certificate of ............Education/Diploma of Education

Associate Degree ................

Bachelor of Education ..........

Bachelor of Education ..........

Graduate Teaching Diploma...

Master Degree in Education...

AQF Certificate IV






Upper Secondary ....(Grade XII – Maw 6) & national entrance exam

Bachelor ................

Master’s ................

Higher EducationUniversities ..........................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

4 years .......................

2 years .......................

3 years .......................

Bachelor Degree .................

Master’s Degree .................

PhD/ Doctorate ...................




Thailand


Thailand

THAILAND

LanguageOriginal documents are normally issued in Thai. However, tertiary documents can be issued in English, especially for “international” programmes.

Accreditation informationThe Ministry of Education, which was restructured in July 2003, has overall responsibility for all levels of education in Thailand. This responsibility is divided between Commission on Basic Education and Vocational Education Commission and Commission on Higher Education (known as Ministry of University Affairs prior 2003). Commission on Higher Education supervises and co-ordinates both public and private universities and publishes recognised Higher Education Institution listing. Private universities are encouraged in Thailand, but the criteria for the recognition are stricter than those for public institutions.

Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment, a public organisation, is responsible for development of criteria and methods of external evaluation, conducting evaluation of educational achievements in order to assess the quality of institutions. According to the Thai Education Law, all educational institutions shall receive external quality evaluation at least once every five years since the last exercise and the results of the evaluation shall be submitted to the relevant agencies and made available to the general public.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationThailand does not have a standard degree format. Degrees and transcripts are issued by individual institutions.

Transcripts are signed by the registrar.

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceFraudulent documentation is a big concern in Thailand. Fake degree certificates with transcripts can be easily purchased in Bangkok and other big cities. A couple of international degree mills are also known operating in Thailand.

http://www.mua.go.th/

http://www.mua.go.th/


Thailand

THAILAND

Example of degree certificate issued in English


Thailand

THAILAND

Example of transcripts issued in English

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit UNITED KINGDOM




English

Primary (6 years) ....

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)

Primary (7 years) .....

GCSE (with 2 passes grade C or above)

GCSE (with 4 passes grade C or above)/ BEC First Diploma

GCE A Level, AVCE /BTEC National Diploma/Certificate


England, North Ireland, WalesComprehensive School, Secondary Modern, Academic Secondary Schools, City Technology Colleges (CTC)

School (Sixth Form), Further Education Colleges ..........

Scotland .............................................................

Post Secondary level

England, North Ireland, WalesSchools, Colleges of Further Education .......................(eg in areas agriculture, animal care, motor vehicle studies etc)

..........................................................................

...........................................................................

2 years ......................(work on the GCSE begins in the 4th year of secondary so the qualification is only 2 years long)

2 years ......................

4 years

1 year (PT) (3 units).......

1 year (FT) (6 units).......

1 year (FT) (6 units).......2 years (FT) (12 units)....2 years (FT) (18 units)....

1 year ........................

2 years (FT) .................

2 years (FT) .................

Vocational General ...........Certificate of Secondary Education (Voc GCSE)

Advanced Vocational ........Certificate in Education (AVCE)

Scottish Group AwardSCQF 5.............................SCQF 6.............................SCQF 7............................

BTEC First Certificate..........

BTEC First Diploma ...........

BTEC National Award .........BTEC National Certificate....BTEC National Diploma ......

BTEC Higher National ........Certificate

BTEC Higher National .........Diploma Foundation Degree ............

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate IIAQF Certificate IIIAQF Certificate IV

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate IVAQF Certificate IVAQF Certificate IV

AQF Diploma



United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland)





English

Scottish Highers .....

Scottish Highers/ ....Scottish Advanced Highers/Higher National Certificate

Technical and Vocational EducationScotlandColleges .................................................................

...........................................................................

1 year ........................

2 years.......................

Higher National Certificate (12 National Unit)

Higher National Diploma ....(30 National Unit)

AQF Diploma

Associate Degree

(Age 16-19 years old)

(Age 16-25 years old)

TradesEngland, North Ireland, WalesFurther education Colleges, Sector Skills Councils and training centres

...........................................................................

2-4 years ...................Dependant on the individual and how long it takes to complete all the competencies and be assessed in the workplace

.................................

NVQ 1/NVQ2 ...............and Technical Certificate (combined)

NVQ 3 ..............................and Technical Certificate .

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate IV

Primary (7 Years) ....

Completed .........secondary school (4 years)

ScotlandScottish Further Education Colleges and Training Centres, Local Enterprise Companies and Sector Skills Councils

..........................................................................

2-4 years ...................Dependant on the individual’s pace of learning and how long it takes to complete all the competencies and be assessed in the workplace

..............................

Undertaken as ...........professional development whilst in employment at CEO level

SVQ 1 .............................

SVQ 2 ..............................

SVQ 3 .............................

and Technical Award (combined)

SVQ 4, NVQ 4 ....................

SVQ 5, NVQ 5 ....................

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate IV








English

GCE A Levels ..........

Bachelor ...............

Teacher EducationTeacher (Primary/ Secondary)Universities, College of Higher Education .....................

.............................................................................

4 years ......................

1 year.........................

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

Postgraduate Certificate ..... of Education (PGCE)



GCE A levels/BTEC .. Nationals/AVCE levels/NVQ 3

GCE - Advanced ......Level (3 passes at A level)

Bachelor ...............

Masters .................

Higher EducationEngland, North Ireland, WalesColleges and Institutions of Higher Education, .............Universities

Universities ............................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

2 years......................

1 year (FT) .................

2 years ......................

3 years ......................

3 years ......................

3 years ......................

1 year ........................

2 years ......................

3 years ......................

Foundation Degree............

Certificate in Higher ..........Education (CertHE)

Diploma in Higher .............Education (DipHE)

Aegrotat Degrees ..............(non completion of First Degree)

Bachelor (Ordinary) ...........

Bachelor (Honours) ...........

Master’s ..........................

Master of Philosophy ........

Doctor of Philosophy..........Higher Doctorate

Associate Degree

AQF Diploma

Associate Degree





A standard between an Australian Master’s Degree and an Australian Doctorate Degree







English

Scottish Higher level (or SVQ 3)

Bachelor ...............

Master’s ...............

Higher EducationScotlandUniversities ............................................................

.............................................................................

.............................................................................

3 years ......................

4 years ......................

1 year (taught) ............

3 years ......................

.Bachelor (Ordinary Degree)

Bachelor (Honours Degree)

Master’s ..........................

PhD.................................







United KingdomLanguagesDocuments may be issued in English, Welsh or Latin

Accreditation InformationThe Department for Education and Skills (DFES) is responsible for the registration and recognition of educational providers in the United Kingdom. There are 131 higher education institutions in the UK that have degree awarding powers (known as recognised bodies) as recognised by the UK authorities (UK and Scottish Parliament, Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies). There are also over 550 colleges and other institutions which do not have degree awarding powers but provide courses leading to degrees. Courses at these institutions (known as listed bodies) are validated by institutions which have degree awarding powers. Lists of these institutions are maintained by the DFES.

All degrees issued by recognised bodies are considered to be official UK awards irrespective of whether the study has been completed at a listed body. Only degrees issued by one of these bodies may be considered to be an official UK degree.

Other qualifications, such as those from professional bodies may also be benchmarked at degree level or any other level on the national qualification frameworks of the United Kingdom.

Secondary School awards may come from a number of bodies depending on which part of the UK:

• AQA (Associated Qualifications Authority)

• CCEA (Northern Ireland Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments(

• Edexcel (Examzone)

• OCR (Oxford and Cambridge and RSA)

• SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority)

• WJEC/CBAC (Welsh Joint Examination Council)

Overseas UK secondary examinations can come from any of the above and the CIE (Cambridge International Examinations).

There are a range of other vocational and professional examination providers that are nationally recognised. These should be checked against the relevant qualifications framework. It is worth noting that BTEC awards such as National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas may be studied for at a range of different types of institution. The completed award is however a nationally recognised qualification at that given level irrespective of the location or type of institution.

Notes on degree formats and requesting informationUK degree certificates vary in format. There is no set of standards with regarding to the shape or content and security devises on the documentation are rare. Some universities have more than one format for the same degree with students able to opt on graduation. All requests for verification should be directed to the awarding institution.

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceThe main risk in the UK is receiving documentation from fake universities. UK law states that no institution may award UK degrees unless it is a recognised body. It also protects the use of the word university in that permission should be sought to use the title if the institution in question is not a recognised body. Legislation does not however stop a large number of degree mills using the UK as part of their operation. Given that many of these organisations operate in several countries and have their business effectively run from outside the UK, they are very difficult to close down by one national authority. These institutions cash in on the reputation of British education and usually target overseas markets.


United KingdomAs an example of the different types of degree certificate format in the UK the following are genuine examples from two British Universities.


United Kingdom




English

Years 7–10 ..............

High School Diploma..

Technical and Vocational Education Secondary Level

Vocational and technical schools ....................................

Post-Secondary LevelVocational and technical schools or colleges ...................

Community or Junior Colleges ........................................

3–4 years ......................

Less than one year ........ to 4 years

2–3 years ......................

High School Diploma ........

Certificate or Diploma ........



Due to the variation it is evaluated on a case by case basis

AQF Certificate IV

Years 7–10 or High School Diploma

TradesVocational and technical schools, technical; schools or colleges

Trade qualifications are only completed after the apprentice does practical work prior to receiving their license

3–4 years ...................... High School Diploma .........

Certificate ......................... Diploma + apprenticeship


Due to the variation it is evaluated on a case by case basis

United States of America

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA




English

High School Diploma ....

Bachelor Degree...........

Bachelor in Education...

Teacher EducationUniversitiesStates have their own requirements for the major in education and some states require that teachers complete a higher degree (such as an MA in Teaching) within a specified period of time.

.....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

4 years with a major ...... in education

2 years..........................

2 years..........................

Bachelor in Education ........

Master’s in Education ....... in a new area of specialisation

Master’s in Education......... in the same area of specialisation




High School Diploma.....

Associate Degree or .... High School Diploma

3 year Bachelor Degree

Bachelor Degree ..........

Bachelor Degree, ......... Master’s Degree or Professional Degree.

Higher EducationColleges and universitiesGraduates .....................................................................

Universities ...................................................................

.....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

2 years .........................

3–5 years ......................

3–4 years ......................

1–3 years by research.... or as a taught course

5–10 years ...................



First Professional Degree.... (e.g Law, Medicine, Pharmacy)

Master’s Degrees ..............

Doctorate Degree ..............











Languages Documents are issued in English and Latin.

Accreditation InformationAccreditation in the United States is a more complex issue than in many countries. Education does not form part of the constitution and so there is no one national source of accreditation. The national budget is however allocated via the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to regional accreditation bodies, to a set of national accreditors (such as the distance learning council) and to professional accrediting bodies (in specialist professional areas).

The six regional boards are:

• Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges

• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

There are also over two hundred accrediting bodies who are not registered with CHEA. The quality of these bodies is extremely variable and in many cases they may be considered to be accreditation mills.

For the recognition of tertiary awards not accredited by the six regional boards listed above the TAFE NSW central unit responsible for the development of policy guidelines and resources on the recognition of overseas qualifications should be consulted.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationUS degrees are issued by individual institutions; there is no national register of degree holders and no national format for degrees. There are some common features that can be highlighted:

• Generally the date is written out in full i.e. Nineteen hundred and fifty-six

• Usually landscape in appearance with a seal centre - middle

• Usually larger than A4 size certificates

Transcripts can be requested directly from the institution. The majority of transcripts are sent in tamper-proof envelopes and are printed on anti-copy coloured paper. It should be noted that receiving documents on this type of paper is no guarantee that they are genuine unless they have been sent directly from the institution in question. Transcripts provide the key proof that a degree has been awarded rather than the final certificate. It is common practice for students to only present their transcripts as proof of completion.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceFraud is very common in the US. The most popular form is the purchase of degrees on the internet from degree mills. Pay special attention when checking the accreditation of US institutions, make sure that the address of the institution concurs with the place where it is listed by an accrediting body. It is also worth checking the spelling of the institution i.e. North Western or Northwestern.

It is suggested that in all cases, individuals present full sets of documentation, including secondary school and post- secondary school documentation, transcripts and final awards.

The TAFE NSW central unit responsible for the development of policy guidelines and resources on the recognition of overseas qualifications can be consulted regarding documents issued in the US.




Example of a typical genuine US transcript from a regionally accredited institution




Example of a transcript from a non-regionally and non-nationally accredited institution in the United States

Recognition of Overseas Vocational and Higher Education Qualifications – A Guide for TAFE NSW Staff TAFE NSW Multicultural Education Unit VIETNAM




Vietnamese

Primary .................(until 2010) and Lower Secondary (from 2010)

Lower secondary ....(Grade 9)

Lower secondary ....(Grade 9)

Technical and Vocational EducationSecondary levelVocational training centres (Trung tam Day nghe) .........

Vocational Secondary Schools (Truong Trung cap Nghe)

Secondary Technical Schools (Truong Trung hoc Chuyen Nghiep) or Secondary Professional Secondary Schools (Truong Trung Cap Chuyen Nghiep)

Less than 1 year ...........

3-4 years (depending ...on program)

3-4 years (depending ...on program

Vocational Elementary .......Certificate

Diploma of Secondary ........ Vocational Education (Bang Trung cap Nghe)Score of 5.0 or above

Diploma of Secondary ........Technical Education (Bang Trung hoc Chuyen nghiep)Score of 5.0 or above

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate II

Diploma of General Education (Bang Tu tai) & an entrance exam

As above ...............

Post Secondary levelSecondary Technical Schools (Truong Trung hoc Chuyen Nghiep) or Secondary Professional Secondary Schools (Truong Trung Cap Chuyen Nghiep)

Junior colleges (truong cao dang), universities .............(truong dai hoc)

11⁄2-21⁄2 years ..............(with 50-70% practical training)

3-31⁄2 years ..............(depending on program) with 20-30% practical training

Diploma of Secondary ........Technical Education (Bang [Tot nghiep] Trung hoc Chuyen nghiep) Score of 5.0 or above

College Graduation Diploma (Bang Tot nghiep Cao dang)

AQF Certificate II


Vietnam





Vietnamese Completion of .........Primary School

Lower secondary .... (Grade 9)

TradesVocational (Training) Schools (Truong Day nghe) ..........Grouped in 7 areas:Mechanics & electricity, Construction, Machinery Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Trades & servicesCommunications, posts & telegraphs and others

.............................................................................

2-3 years ...................(depending on program)

1-2 years .................(depending on program)

Vocational Certificate ......... (Chung Chi Nghe)

Skilled Worker Certificate ...

AQF Certificate I

AQF Certificate II

Lower secondary ...(Grade 9)/Diploma of General Education (Grade 12)

Teacher EducationTeachers (Primary)Normal Schools (truong [trung hoc] su pham) .............. 2-3 years .................... Graduation Diploma .........

(Bang Tot nghiep) eg Normal School Graduation Diploma (Bang Tot nghiep Trung hoc Su pham) .

AQF Diploma

Diploma of General Education (Bang Tu tai) & an entrance exam

As above ...............

Teachers (Lower Secondary)Junior Teachers College (cao dan su pham) .................

Teachers (Upper Secondary)Teacher Training Universities ....................................(Specialising in 1 subject)

3 years ......................

4 years ......................

Teachers College ..............Graduation Diploma (Bang Tot nghiep Cao dang su pham)

Pedagogical University ......Graduation Diploma (Bang Tot nghiep Dai hoc Su pham) or Bachelor Degree (Cu nhan).



Vietnam





Vietnamese Diploma of General Education (Bang Tu tai) & an entrance exam

First Degree & .......an entrance exam

Bachelor or ...........Master’s Degree & an entrance exam


..........................................................................

..........................................................................

3 years .......................

4 years .......................

2 years .......................

5 years .......................3 years

College Diploma/ ...............Associate Degree (Tot nghiep dai hoc)

Bachelor Degree ...............(cu nhan or Bang tot nghiep dai hoc)

Master’s Degree ..............(Thac si) Taught

Research .........................

Doctorate/ PhD (Tien Si)......






Vietnam


VIETNAM

LanguageVietnamese is the only official language of Vietnam. All original documents are issued in Vietnamese. Institutions generally do not issued degree certificates in English. Quality of English translation varies greatly.

Accreditation informationEducation in Vietnam is highly centralised. The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), which was founded in the 1990s, is responsible for primary, secondary and higher education. Majority of universities are government-funded and are controlled by MoET. However, a few single-subject institutions are managed by other ministries; e.g. medical universities by Ministry of Health. Admission to higher education is extremely competitive, less than 20% of applicants were admitted to higher education in 2004.

Accreditation for new universities is awarded by Prime Ministerial decision. Colleges and lower level academic institutions can be appointed by the Minister for Education and Training. MoET did not have such a system of evaluating each institution for accrediting purposes for a long time. The establishment of such accreditation system was mainly due to the development of non-public (semi-public “ban cong”, people-founded “dan lap” and private “tu lap”) universities, as Vietnamese government is planning to increase the higher education coverage.

VietnamNotes on degree format and requesting verificationVietnam has a standard national degree format. All degrees granted by Vietnamese institutions are officially approved by MoET.

The standard degree certificate is always in a landscape booklet format. On the left hand side, there is a picture of holder along with the degree number, certificate number and a signature of the holder. The right hand side always begins with “Socialist Republic of Vietnam Independence – Freedom – Happiness” followed by the decision number of MoET (accreditation information). Degree is always conferred and signed by the Rector (“hieu truong”) of the institution, who is chosen by faculty members and serves a 4 year term with a possible extension. Other information include specialisation, degree awarded, grade obtained, date of graduation, date of birth, and mode of study. Transcripts are issued by the institution and there is not a standard format. Some transcripts may also have credits information. However the credits system is being adopted very slowly.

Fraud Risk Assessment and AdviceOne of the principle risks in the region is the proliferation of degrees awarded by private colleges that are accredited by degree mills. When students have a partially completed course it is advisable to always check who the final awarding body is for the degree.




English, Shona, Ndebele

Grade 7 ......................

PVC ............................

National Foundation..... Certificate, or the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education O Level

National Certificate ..... or Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education A Level

National Diploma ........

Technical and Vocational Education Secondary Level

Junior Secondary ..........................................................

Senior Secondary ..........................................................


Colleges, polytechnics and technical colleges ................Vocational training centres

.....................................................................................

.....................................................................................

4 years .........................

2 years ...........................

3 years ...........................

2 years ...........................

2 years ...........................

Pre-vocational Certificate... (PVC)

National Foundation .......... Certificate

National Certificate ............

National Diploma ...............

Higher National Diploma....


AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate IV


National Foundation Certificate, or the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education O level

Trades(Ministry of Higher Education and Technology)Technical colleges or polytechnicsPractical (on the job training) and theory ......................... 3–4 years ....................... Skilled Worker Class:

I .......................................

II ......................................

III ......................................

IV .....................................

AQF Certificate III

AQF Certificate II

AQF Certificate I


Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE




English, Shona, Ndebele

Zimbabwe General ....... Certificate of Education (GCE O Level)

Zimbabwe General ....... Certificate of Education (GCE O Level)

Zimbabwe General ..... Certificate of Education (GCE A Level)

Certificate or Diploma ... of Education and 3 years teaching experience

Teacher EducationPrimaryPrimary teacher training collegesZINTEC (Zimbabwe Integrated Teacher Education Course) colleges are associated with the University of Zimbabwe

SecondarySecondary teachers and technical teachers colleges

Upper SecondaryUniversities .................................................................

...................................................................................

3 years .........................

4 years .........................

4 years .........................

4 years .........................

2 years .........................

Primary Diploma in Education ..........................

Zimbabwe Diploma in Education ..........................

Certificate or Diploma ........ of Education








Two A level passes ...... of grade E standard or the National Diploma

Bachelor Degree .........

Master’s Degree .........

Higher EducationUniversities ...................................................................

.....................................................................................

....................................................................................

3–5 years ......................

1–3 year courses or ....... by research or thesis

3–4 years of study ......... and presentation of a thesis..

Bachelor Degree ................


Doctorate ..........................




Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE


Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE

Languages English is the official language in Zimbabwe. Shona, Sindebele and other tribal dialects are also spoken and sometimes used as medium of instruction in primary schools. However documents are all issued in English.

Accreditation InformationThe Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education has an overall supervising role on universities, colleges and polytechnics. The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education was created as part of the Ministry, following the introduction of Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education Act in early 2006. The Council is responsible for accreditation and evaluation of institutes of higher education.

Notes on degree format and requesting verificationThere is no standard format for degree certificates from Zimbabwe. Each institution with degree awarding powers uses their own format, although on the whole degree certificates are portrait rather than landscape. The largest university in Zimbabwe, the University of Zimbabwe’s certificates have the university logo on the top and a red seal on the bottom right with the Vice Chancellor and Registrar’s signatures to the left. Older documents may contain more handwritten information.

Transcripts should always be signed and stamped. The TAFE NSW central unit responsible for the development of policy guidelines and resources on the recognition of overseas qualifications can be consulted regarding transcripts from Zimbabwe.

Fraud Risk Assessment and adviceZimbabwe does not appear to suffer from fraud to the same extent as some other African nations. However, there is still a relatively high risk of receiving fraudulent documents from Zimbabwe. The quality of fraudulent documents are generally not of a high standard with odd spacing, misalignment and sometimes spelling errors.


Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE

Compare the fake certificate on the left with the genuine certificate on the right

[ Name ]