When applying to universities abroad, one of the most crucial steps that many students often overlook is transcript evaluation. If you completed your studies in Nigeria (or another non-Western country), universities in the US, UK, Canada, and other countries may require your academic credentials to be evaluated for equivalency. This process helps them understand how your grades and qualifications compare to their education system.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what transcript evaluation means, why it’s important, and how to get it done successfully especially if you’re applying from Nigeria or other international destinations.
What Is Transcript Evaluation?
Transcript evaluation is the process of assessing your academic records (secondary school, undergraduate, or postgraduate transcripts) to determine how they align with the grading system and educational standards of the country you’re applying to.
Universities abroad use this evaluation to verify:
- The authenticity of your educational documents
- The level and quality of your education
- Your GPA equivalency in their grading scale
This process ensures that admission officers make fair comparisons between students from different education systems.
Why Do You Need Transcript Evaluation?
Most universities abroad, especially in the USA, Canada, and parts of Europe, require transcript evaluation because:
- Different countries use different grading systems (e.g., Nigeria’s 5-point CGPA vs. the US 4.0 scale).
- It ensures your credentials are recognized and accurately represented.
- It helps in determining admission eligibility and credit transfer options.
For instance, a Second Class Upper from a Nigerian university may translate to a GPA of 3.5–3.7 in the US grading system.
Types of Transcript Evaluations
There are two main types of evaluations:
- Course-by-Course Evaluation
- Provides details for each subject, credit hours, and grades
- Converts your GPA into the target country’s grading system
- Commonly required for graduate admissions
- Document-by-Document Evaluation
- Summarizes your qualifications (e.g., Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree)
- Used mostly for employment or immigration purposes
Popular Transcript Evaluation Agencies
Most universities abroad will specify which evaluation agencies they accept. Here are some of the most recognized ones:
- WES (World Education Services) – Accepted in the US and Canada
- ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC) – Commonly used for the UK
- ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) – Widely accepted in the US
- ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service) – Used in Canada
- IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service) – For Canadian immigration
Always confirm the preferred agency on your university’s website before applying.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Your Transcript Evaluated
- Check the university’s requirements
- Visit the school’s website or contact admissions to confirm if evaluation is mandatory and which agency to use.
- Gather your academic documents
- This includes official transcripts, degree certificates, and, in some cases, WAEC results.
- Create an account with the evaluation agency
- For example, WES or ECE will require you to set up a profile and select the evaluation type.
- Request your university to send official transcripts directly
- Most evaluators only accept sealed or digitally verified transcripts from your university registrar.
- Pay the evaluation fee
- Costs usually range between $100 – $250, depending on the agency and service speed.
- Track your application
- The process can take 2–4 weeks, so apply early to avoid missing admission deadlines.
Tips for Nigerian Students
- Always use official university channels and avoid sending personal copies of transcripts.
- Check if your chosen university accepts WES evaluation reports directly.
- Keep digital and physical copies of all credentials for backup.
- Start the evaluation process at least 3 months before your application deadline.
Countries That Commonly Require Transcript Evaluation
| Country | Common Evaluation Agencies | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| USA | WES, ECE, SpanTran | Admission & credit transfer |
| Canada | WES, ICAS, IQAS | Admission & immigration |
| UK | ECCTIS (UK NARIC) | Qualification recognition |
| Australia | AEI-NOOSR, ECCTIS | Degree equivalency |
| Germany | uni-assist | Admission verification |
Documents Commonly Required
- Official university transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Statement of result (if awaiting certificate)
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport)
- Application form and payment receipt
Processing Time
The duration varies by agency and country:
- WES: 7–20 business days after receiving all documents
- ECE: Around 3–4 weeks
- ECCTIS (UK): 15 working days
- ICAS: 25–30 business days
Apply early, as delays are common during peak admission seasons.
FAQs
1. Can I use the same transcript evaluation for multiple universities?
Yes! Most agencies like WES allow you to send your verified report to multiple institutions for an additional fee.
2. Do UK universities always require transcript evaluation?
Not always. Many UK universities accept Nigerian transcripts directly but may request ECCTIS verification for clarity.
3. What happens if my transcript is not evaluated?
Your application may be delayed or rejected, as the university won’t be able to assess your academic equivalency.
4. Can I evaluate my WAEC or NECO results?
Yes, especially if applying for undergraduate programs in the US or Canada. WES and ECE often accept WAEC/NECO verification.
5. How early should I start the process?
Begin at least 3–6 months before your intended application deadline to allow for transcript dispatch and evaluation time.
Transcript evaluation might seem like an extra step, but it’s an essential part of studying abroad successfully. It helps universities understand your academic background and ensures that your hard work in Nigeria or any other country is properly recognized.
