WES Evaluation Explained: Step-by-Step Process, Fees & Timelines for 2025
- Vani
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're planning to study or work in the US or Canada, you've probably heard about the WES evaluation. Let's break it down to what it actually is and why does it actually matter.
What is WES Evaluation?
WES (World Education Services) evaluation is something that translates your academic qualifications into a format that is easily understood by the US and Canadian systems. This helps the universities, employers, and immigration officials to accurately assess your credentials. Think of WES as a translator for your academic credentials. Your bachelor's degree from India, your master's from the Philippines, or your diploma from Nigeria, WES converts these into a single format.
There are two main types: Document-by-Document (the basic version) and Course-by-Course (the detailed one). If you're applying for graduate programs or need a thorough credit breakdown, you'll want the Course-by-Course evaluation. Well for one reason that it's more comprehensive and widely accepted.
Step-By-Step Process
Step 1: Set Up Your Account
Head to the WES website and create your profile. You'll have to choose between a standard credential evaluation or an educational credential assessment (ECA) if you're going the immigration route. At the end, you'll get a reference number (keep this handy).
Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready
You will need scanned copies of all of your transcripts, degree certificates, and mark sheets. But wait, here's the catch: you can't send them yourself. Your university has to send them directly to WES in an "attested" format. Some institutions also have digital partnerships with WES, which makes things easier, so do check if yours does.
Step 3: Document Verification
Once WES receives your documents, they'll scan and authenticate everything. E.g., suppose you are missing a semester transcript. They'll reach out to you or your institution to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
Step 4: The actual evaluation
Your documents will then be reviewed, their North American equivalents determined, and your evaluation report drafted. After a quality control check, the report is then sent to you and any institutions you've designated.
What It'll Cost You
Type of Evaluation | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) |
Document-by-Document (Freshman) | 107 | 8900 |
Course-by-Course (Graduate) | 170 | 14,200 |
Delivery charges: international courier typically adds another $78 USD (around ₹6,500). Need your report faster or want additional copies? That'll cost extra.
WES accepts most major credit and debit cards, including international payment methods.
Timeline: Plan Accordingly
Once WES has all your verified documents, the regular evaluation takes 7–10 business days. Not bad, right? However, if you're applying for Canadian immigration (IRCC), you should budget for about 35 days. This is because the immigration route requires stricter verification and additional processing steps.
Pro Tips
Start early—seriously. Document delays are common, especially if your university is slow to respond or if WES needs secondary verification.
Use your WES dashboard religiously to track where your application stands. And before you even begin, confirm exactly which evaluation type your target university or immigration program requires. Because there's nothing worse than completing the wrong evaluation.
The good news? Your WES evaluation stays valid for five years. That means five years to apply to multiple programs, explore different opportunities, or change your plans without having to redo the entire process.
Conclusion
It's true that getting a WES evaluation might feel really bureaucratic, but eventually it's your ticket to having your credentials recognized in North America. It's easy, follow these steps, stay organized, and give yourself plenty of time. Your future university or employer will thank you for having everything in order.
Ready to get started? Create that WES account today—your dream is one evaluation away.
Things are not always complicated until you make them, and with the right support everything feels in control. Don’t worry, at Hello Study Global we are with you at every step of the admission process. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.
Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global!
