Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. How do I know whether the institution I want to study at is recognised in the UK?
Q. What do I do if the course I want to study is not validated by any of the recognised bodies?
Q. I have a query about whether a UK qualification that is not a degree is accredited or recognised. Who should I ask about this?
Q. What do I do if the institution where I want to study is not recognised?
Q. How will I know if the college or institution I wish to study at in the UK will be acceptable to the Home Office or UK Border Agency?
Q. What has happened to the DIUS Register of Education and Training Providers?
Q. How do I know if the qualification I want to study will enable me to stay in the UK under the International Graduates Scheme?
Q. Can I study externally for a recognised UK degree at a private institution?
Q. How do I know what the quality of my course will be?
Q. Will the course be acceptable to professional bodies, employers and other higher education institutions?
Q. What is the ranking of UK universities?
Q. How do I find out what universities offer what courses?
Q. If I am an overseas student, is it possible that I could gain credit for previous studies and finish my degree in the UK?
A.
The UK authorities recognise those institutions that can offer degrees by virtue of their own degree awarding powers (recognised bodies) or those powers of another institution (listed bodies).
You can search for recognised bodies, listed bodies and other awards.
If you are in any doubt about the validity of the course you are applying for, check the legal basis on which the course is being offered with the institution and check that the degree will be one awarded by a Recognised Body.
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The course may be offered by a foreign university. Foreign universities may offer degrees in the UK provided they make it clear that they are not UK degrees. The UK authorities cannot advise on the quality of these courses. It is up to you to check what recognition arrangements exist in the country of origin for any degree course you undertake in the UK.
If you are in any doubt about the validity of the course you are applying for, check the legal basis on which the course is being offered with the institution and check that the degree will be one from a recognised body.
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You may want to contact the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual), which is the new regulator of qualifications, exams and tests in England. Ofqual maintain a Register of Regulated Qualifications which includes a record of regulated awarding bodies for these qualifications.
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Check with the college or university the legal basis on which it offers courses. Then check with the institution which is said to validate the course. There may have been some additions to the lists since they were last updated. Details of recent changes in UK HE can be seen on our
latest news page.
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You can check whether any such college or institution will be acceptable for coming to study in the UK by accessing the UK Border Agency's "Register of Tier 4 Sponsors (approved education providers)" link which can be found under the heading "Related Documents".
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The former DIUS Register - which is not to be confused with the Recognised UK Degrees website - has been replaced by the UK Border Agency's Register of Sponsors.
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The UK Border Agency's International Graduates Scheme has now closed to new applicants.
If you wish to come to the United Kingdom to work, or if you are already here and wish to extend your stay by switching into a working category, you will need to apply under the new points-based system.
If you are already in the United Kingdom under the International Graduates Scheme (or the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme that preceded it), you should see Transitional arrangements for migrants on the International Graduates Scheme or Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme.
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To comply with UK Border Agency rules, overseas students accepted to study externally for a degree at a private education institution in the UK, must also be registered as an external student with the recognised UK body that awards the degree. For more information please contact the UK Border Agency
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We have a comprehensive system of quality assurance in place in UK higher education.
The quality of all publicly funded UK higher education is assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) through institutional audit and subject review. The reports are published on the QAA website. The QAA also reviews franchised HE operations in the UK and overseas.
However, the academic community itself has primary responsibility for the quality of its teaching and the standard of its degrees.
Private institutions are not currently subject to assessment by the QAA. You should check their credentials before embarking on a course.
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Each one makes its own decision so you need to check in detail.
If you are in any doubt about the validity of the course you are applying for, check the legal basis on which the course is being offered with the institution and check that the degree will be one from a recognised body.
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UK universities are autonomous institutions and it is up to those institutions to promote the provision of their qualifications. However, you can use the UCAS course search facility which will help you locate all the recognised UK higher education institutions that offer the subject or subjects you want to study. You will then need to contact the institutions concerned directly to discuss their provision.
You are also recommended to look at the information on Directgov
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Higher education institutions (HEIs) are responsible for making decisions on what they will accept as entry to or credit towards their education programmes. Entry requirements vary from institution to institution you will need to contact HEIs directly to see if they will accept your previous studies.
You also could contact the National Academic Recognition Information Centre which advises on the compatibility on overseas qualifications. Their website is: www.naric.org.uk
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