Are Online Degrees Recognised Abroad?

We are all a part of a digital age where technology has revolutionised every sector. Education, which was once confined to classrooms, has transcended physical boundaries and led to the rise of online learning systems. We have moved past traditional programmes and adopted online degrees. These degrees are equally credible and valuable in the eyes of employers, helping to secure job opportunities.

Online education has enabled students from underserved sections, remote areas, economically weaker parts of society, and learners of all ages to continue with their education. However, doubts regarding online degrees are still prevalent, one of which is whether employers recognise them abroad. Would you be able to get a job or pursue a higher course abroad with your online degree? To answer all your queries, this blog discusses in detail about online degrees, their benefits, their value and recognition abroad. Let’s get into it.

Also Read: Skills required to get a job abroad

Decoding the Art of Online Education

Online learning has transformed the education sector, creating a global online learning community. Today, anyone from anywhere can enrol in an online course, upgrade their skills and knowledge, and enter the industry as a professional. This is what online degrees have offered: flexibility and accessibility in terms of self-paced learning beyond economic, social, and physical barriers. Along with it, there are several reasons why online education has become so popular amongst students.

Online Manipal, one of the most premium Indian institutes offering online education, states that around 70% of students find online learning much more comfortable and easier to adapt to. Another reason online education has become successful is that it allows professionals and learners of all ages and genders to continue their education while staying dedicated to their commitments on the side. Here are a few additional reasons why online education is so beneficial:

• ✅
  Allows for self-paced learning
• ✅
  Learn while you earn
• ✅
  Study at any time from anywhere
• ✅
  Affordable range of programmes
• ✅
  Online global learning communities
• ✅
  Opens the portal of job opportunities
• ✅
  Promotes career growth
• ✅
  Skill development
• ✅
  Personalised learning experience
• ✅
  Networking opportunities

The Big Question: Are Online Degrees Recognised Abroad?

So, you’re wondering—if you pursue an online degree or have already pursued one, will it be considered a valid educational qualification for an international job or to continue your education abroad? The simple answer is yes—online degrees are widely recognised abroad, whether for continuing your learning journey or seeking employment.

Online education is considered valid internationally as long as the degree is pursued from a recognised university. However, if the degree is not from an accredited institution, unfortunately, no country abroad shall consider your qualification valid. This can, unfortunately, become a barrier to your career progression, especially if you were hoping to explore international opportunities.

Check for Accreditation

Degrees in India and abroad shall only be considered valid if you pursue them from an institution which is
UGC (University Grants Commission) approved.UGC was set up in 1956 to maintain the educational standards of an institution. A university or college not recognised by UGC, if it offers an online degree, holds no value or credibility. Therefore, it is highly important that you always look for universities that have UGC accreditation. Apart from this, a university that has NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) accreditation or recognised equivalent national education bodies also adds value to a degree.

If you’re looking to pursue a job abroad, multiple foreign companies and employers look for a degree pursued from a university that has been recognised by AIU (Association of Indian Universities) as well. Apart from this, if a university has a good NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) rank, it also adds merit to your educational qualification.

International Accreditation

If you are pursuing an online degree from an Indian university that also holds an international accreditation like AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs), or EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), your degree automatically holds global value. These degrees are especially beneficial for students enrolled in management programmes, as they open up a lot of international opportunities.

Few examples of such universities are IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Indore, Amity Online, Online Manipal, NMIMS Global, IGNOU, ISB Hyderabad, SPJIMR, LPU Online, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, etc.

Recognition May Vary

If you’re planning to work or study abroad, the validity or recognition of your online degree may also differ depending on which country you are wishing to look into. There are multiple online universities, companies, or employers that have different standards when it comes to accepting an online degree. The general terms and conditions applicable to the validity of an online degree are:

• ✅
  If the institution is reputable and accredited, and its online mode of degrees is accepted by the regulatory educational body of a country. For example, an online PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or online LLB (Bachelor of Laws) is still not valid in India, even if it is offered by multiple universities.
• ✅
  If the curriculum of a degree aligns with the global standards
• ✅
  Your preferred language during your degree (many countries prefer the English language).

Check for Evaluations

It is essential that you always get your online degree evaluated, especially if you’re relocating to a new country. Several countries, like Germany, the USA, or Canada, have special credential evaluation agencies that are specialised in assessing foreign degrees to determine their equivalence, like

• ✅
  IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)
• ✅
  ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators)
• ✅
  WES (World Education Services)

For example, these specialised educational bodies will determine whether the credits in your undergraduate online degree are enough for you to pursue your master’s degree abroad. If not, you may need to pursue additional certification or a course to fulfil your credits to be able to enter a PG programme abroad. There are several universities or companies that look for additional work experience beyond just your online degrees. 

Therefore, make sure that you’re always meeting the requirements of an institution or an employer to be better suited to whatever goal you are trying to pursue abroad. Several universities or companies that look for additional work experience beyond just your online degrees. Therefore, make sure that you’re always meeting the requirements of an institution or an employer to be better suited to whatever goal you are trying to pursue abroad.

Also Check: How online education is changing school education in India

Key Notes for You: Unlocking Some Secrets

Here are some additional points that you may want to review to better understand how your online degrees can hold more value and be recognised as valid at an international level.

• ✅
  Top institutions like IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management), IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology), NMIMS Global (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), Amity Online, LPU Online (Lovely Professional University), Jain Online, etc., are some of the most reputed institutions that hold global recognition. Therefore, pursuing an online degree from these universities can make more of an impact in the eyes of an employer or during admission to an international institution.
• ✅
  There are multiple other degrees that you can pursue, which are valid abroad as well, like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CA (Chartered Accountant), etc.
• ✅
  There are some immigration or visa programmes that only accept online or distance education if it is supported by additional work experience or credentials. Therefore, always make sure that you have done enough research on the institution or company you are applying to so that your application does not get rejected later due to minor experience-related issues.

Takeaway

Online degrees pursued from recognised and accredited Indian universities are recognised as valid abroad. Whether for employment purposes or to continue with education, online degrees are accepted across the globe when obtained from an institution with proper recognition and accreditation. However, the validity of your online degree depends on several factors that you should carefully research before applying. Sometimes, additional certifications or relevant work experience may be required to supplement the validity of your online degree. Always choose an institution that holds national recognition, and it may be beneficial if the university is also recognised by international educational bodies to make the most of your academic qualification and explore various career opportunities abroad.