Applying for a WES evaluation was a crucial step in my journey to study abroad. As someone with a foreign degree, I needed to ensure my academic credentials were recognized in United States.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process, sharing my personal experience and tips to make it easier for you.
Whether you’re applying for education, employment, or immigration, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the WES evaluation process smoothly.
What is a WES Evaluation?
A WES evaluation, provided by World Education Services, is a credential evaluation that assesses your foreign academic credentials and determines their equivalency in the U.S., Canada, or New Zealand.
It’s often required for university admissions, professional licensing, employment, or immigration purposes.
For me, it was essential to validate my bachelor’s degree from India for my graduate school application in United States.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a WES Evaluation
Below, I’ll detail each step of the application process, including screenshots and tips from my experience. Let’s get started!
1. Visit the Official WES Website
First, go to wes.org and click on the Get an Evaluation button.
This will take you to the starting point of your application.
The homepage looks welcoming, with clear options to begin your evaluation.
2. Choose Your Evaluation Country
Next, select the country where you plan to use the evaluation.
I chose United States since that’s where I was applying for graduate school.
The options are clearly listed: U.S., Canada, or New Zealand.
Make sure to select the correct one, as the evaluation requirements might differ.
3. Create an Account
Now, you’ll need to create an account by entering your email address.
After submitting, you’ll receive an OTP (One-Time Password) to verify your email.
This step is straightforward, but ensure you have access to the email you provide, as you’ll need it for future communications.
4. Fill in Personal Details
Once your email is verified, you’ll be prompted to fill in your personal details.
This includes your full name, date of birth, and if you have an existing WES reference number.
Since I was a first-time applicant, I didn’t have a reference number.
You’ll also create a password, set up a security question, and agree to the terms and conditions.
Double-check your name and DOB, as they must match your academic documents.
5. Provide Additional Information
After creating your account, you’ll answer a few more questions, such as how you heard about WES.
Then, you’ll re-enter your name, DOB, gender, and phone number.
It felt a bit repetitive, but it’s part of their verification process.
Make sure your phone number is correct, as WES might contact you if there are issues with your application.
6. Select the Purpose of Your Evaluation
Here, you’ll choose the reason for your evaluation.
Options include education, professional license, employment, etc.
Since I was applying for graduate admission, I selected Education.
This choice determines the type of evaluation you need, so select carefully.
7. Add Your Academic Credentials
Now, you’ll input details about your higher education credentials.
For my graduate admission, I needed to provide information about my bachelor’s degree.
I entered the institution’s name, degree earned, and attendance years.
Accuracy is key here; ensure the institution’s name matches your documents exactly.
After adding your credentials, click Save and proceed to the next step.
8. Enter Mailing Address and Select Recipients
In this step, you’ll provide your mailing address so WES can send you a copy of the evaluation report.
Additionally, you’ll select the institutions you want to receive your evaluation.
Each additional institution costs $46, so choose wisely.
I selected my target university in United States and opted for electronic delivery to speed up the process.
If you’re not sure yet, you can add recipients later, but it might delay your application.
9. Choose Your WES Evaluation Type
This is a critical step. You’ll select between Course-by-Course and Document-by-Document evaluations, each with WES ICAP and WES Basic options.
- Course-by-Course Evaluation: Provides a detailed analysis of your courses and grades, converted to a U.S. or Canadian GPA scale. It’s often required for graduate admissions or transfer credits.
- WES ICAP: $233 + $12 standard delivery
- WES Basic: $182
- Document-by-Document Evaluation: Offers a general equivalency of your credentials, suitable for basic employment or freshman admissions.
- WES ICAP: $166 + $12 standard delivery
- WES Basic: $115
I chose the Course-by-Course WES ICAP because it stores my verified documents for future use, which could be handy if I need to send reports to other institutions later.
10. Send Required Documents
This step was the most nerve-wracking for me. WES provides clear guidelines on how to send your academic documents.
You can opt one of the below options:
- NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation)
- For Indian Applicants: Specifically for applicants from India.
- Cost: Approximately $55 – $60.
- Details: NSDC facilitates electronic submission of academic documents to WES.
- Qualification Check (QC)
- Availability: Electronic option, not available for all countries.
- Cost: Approximately $40 – $45.
- Details: QC securely verifies and sends your credentials to WES.
- Standard Courier
- Services: Use DHL, Delhivery, FedEx, etc.
- Cost: Approximately $35 – $40.
- Details: Follow WES’s shipping label instructions; documents must be sent in a sealed envelope from your institution.
- University Electronic Submission
- Direct from University: Request your university to electronically mail transcripts to WES.
- Time and Cost: Varies by university; check with your registrar or records office.
- Details: A faster, secure option if available, eliminating physical mailing.
I opted for the standard courier method. My university sent my official transcripts directly to WES in a sealed envelope, with my WES reference number clearly written on the package.
For more details, visit the WES Required Documents page.
11. Review and Acknowledge Terms
Before proceeding to payment, review all the information you’ve provided.
Ensure everything is accurate, as changes later might cost extra.
You’ll also need to acknowledge WES’s terms and conditions.
12. Make Payment
Now, it’s time to pay for your evaluation.
WES accepts credit/debit cards or Western Union online money transfers.
I used my credit card, and the process was seamless.
Keep in mind that additional services, like rush processing, will incur extra charges.
13. Receive Your WES Reference Number
After payment, you’ll receive a WES reference number.
This is crucial for tracking your application and must be included with your documents.
Note it down and share it with your institution when requesting document submission.
14. Wait for Application Update
Once you’ve completed the application, give it about 15 minutes to update in your profile.
You can then log in to your WES account to see the status.
15. Monitor Your Application Progress
In your WES account, there’s a progress bar that shows the status of your application: submitted, documents received, and evaluation completed.
You can also add or modify documents, but it might cost extra.
WES typically completes the evaluation within 1 month, but during peak times, it can take up to 2 months.
Once done, WES sends the report to your chosen institution within 1-2 business days.
However, your institution might take additional time to process it, so stay in touch with them.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Start Early: The process can take weeks, especially if your institution is slow to send documents. I started two months before my university’s application deadline.
- Double-Check Requirements: Document requirements vary by country and credential type. Review the list in your WES account carefully.
- Opt for Electronic Submission: If available, use electronic document delivery for faster processing.
- Keep Your Reference Number Handy: You’ll need it for document submission and tracking.
- Contact WES Support if Needed: Their customer support is helpful if you encounter any issues.
However, if you’re facing any issues with your WES evaluation, then reach out to WES using the details below:
Contact Details for WES:
- Customer Service Phone Number:
- +1 (800) 361-6106 (Toll-Free in North America)
- +1 (212) 966-6311 (International)
- Email: support@wes.org
- Website: https://www.wes.org
United States Office:
World Education Services
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087
USA
Canada Office:
World Education Services
2 Carlton Street, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M5B 1J3
Canada
Final Thoughts
Completing the WES evaluation was a significant milestone in my application process.
Although it seemed daunting at first, following above steps made it manageable.
I hope this guide helps you navigate your own WES evaluation smoothly.
If you have any questions or experiences to share, feel free to let me know!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the Difference Between WES ICAP and WES Basic?
WES ICAP stores your verified documents for future use, allowing you to send additional reports without resubmitting documents. WES Basic is a one-time evaluation without document storage.
How Long Does the WES Evaluation Take?
According to the WES website, the evaluation process typically takes around 7 business days after all required documents are received. However, based on general user experiences, it often takes at least a month or more. The overall timeline largely depends on how quickly your institution submits the documents.
Can I Send Documents to WES Myself?
In most cases, WES requires that official documents be sent directly by your institution. However, if you have a sealed envelope containing the required documents from your institution, you may send it yourself. For detailed requirements, refer to the “Required Documents” section in your WES account.
Is a WES Evaluation Mandatory for All Universities?
Not all universities require a WES evaluation, but many do for international applicants. Always check your university’s admission requirements.
How Much Does a WES Evaluation Cost?
Costs vary by evaluation type. A Course-by-Course WES ICAP evaluation is $233 + $12 delivery, while WES Basic is $182. Document-by-Document evaluations are cheaper: $166 + $12 for WES ICAP and $115 for WES Basic.
