How WES Evaluates an Indian Online MBA
If you are planning to study or work in the US or Canada, chances are you will come across WES. This is how your degree is assessed by WES.
What WES is: World Education Services is a non-profit organization that assesses academic credentials. It does not accredit, rank or certify universities. It just studies your credentials and informs others about their equivalence.
What WES checks for: WES will check whether your institution is duly authorized and recognized in India, along with how you pursued your studies. If the university is recognized, WES should be able to assess your credentials. Both online and distance learning programs are assessed under similar recognition criteria; thus, the UGC DEB entitlement is relevant for this purpose. Requirements may vary; thus, please consult the WES official website.
Documents to submit: Your degree certificate, either final or provisional, and your mark sheets or transcripts. These must be issued by your university and should be enclosed in a sealed envelope. In some cases, the universities themselves send this documentation electronically via their digital tie-up with WES. As an MBA is a master’s degree from India, WES also requires your bachelor’s degree documents.
As stated in the report: Your US or Canadian equivalent of the degree. This report is done by a university or immigration authority in another country instead of making assumptions regarding the Indian grading and degree system.
One caution when applying for Canada: Some two-year MBA programs have been categorized differently, such as post-graduate diplomas. WES does a comparison in terms of the course duration and structure, so test your degree using the WES degree equivalency tool for Canada before paying for the full report.
WES is a report, not an assurance.
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Can You Use an Indian Online MBA for Further Study Abroad?
Yes, many students use an Indian online MBA for further study abroad, but there is no single rule. Each university sets its own, and the answer changes with your goal. Here is who decides and what they usually look at.
Study goal | Who decides | What they usually look at |
PhD | The university’s admissions or research committee, often with the department | Your marks, subjects covered in your MBA, research or dissertation work, a clear research interest and a language test score |
DBA | The business school’s admissions team | Your work experience and seniority, MBA marks, subjects covered and a language test score |
Another master’s degree | The admissions office of that program | Your marks, whether your subjects match the new program, work experience and a language test score |
There are a few things which play a role in all of these decisions. The PhD is founded in research, so any dissertation project you undertake while in your MBA program will count in your favor. The DBA is founded in your experience, so many years spent in practice will definitely carry some weight.
The requirements will vary from one institution to another. They also vary depending on when you apply for the course. For this reason, visit the program’s webpage to know the specific requirements and learn how to check if university is ugc entitled.
It is up to the institution to decide whether to accept the online MBA from India or not. Always ensure that you get this information from the admissions department. However, it is always better to receive the information in writing rather than orally.
Where an Indian Online MBA Is Accepted: USA, Canada, UK, Australia and UAE
The decision on acceptance is not made in India. Every country will have its own representatives who will assess your degree, and below is a brief overview of whom you should be aware of.
Country | Who checks | What to know |
USA | Universities and employers, often with a report from a credential evaluator like WES | Many schools ask for an evaluation. Some want a course by course report, so check the program page first. |
Canada | Universities for study. IRCC-approved bodies like WES for immigration | Your bachelor’s documents are also needed for an Indian master’s. The master’s rating can vary for two year MBAs. |
UK | Universities and employers. UK ENIC issues a Statement of Comparability | ENIC compares the level of your degree only. It does not comment on grades or subjects, and it is a paid service. |
Australia | Universities for study. Assessing bodies for skilled migration or licensed jobs | Each body has its own view on online degrees. Check with the one that matches your goal. |
UAE | Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research | Online degrees can get conditional recognition if they meet the ministry’s criteria. Attestation steps come first. |
Rules change, so make sure to check the website of the university, organization or ministry first.
Documents to Keep Ready Before Using Your Online MBA Abroad
Keep these documents ready before you go for Online MBA admission anywhere, so you are not chasing your university after an offer arrives.