International Recognition

Framework Alignment

The WISE system is aligned with the following international recognition frameworks:

• UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications;
• Council of Europe Lisbon Recognition Convention;
• European Qualifications Framework (EQF) ;
• EHEA / Bologna Process;
• OECD;
• Commonwealth Secretariat;
• African Union CESA.

Recognitions Held

WEQSC maintains, and from time to time obtains, external recognitions, approvals, and certifications in respect of its operations and its quality management systems. The following categories of recognition are held:

• Recognitions extended by national education authorities — Confirmation by ministries of education that WISE credentials are recognised for defined purposes within their jurisdiction;
• Recognitions extended by international educational accreditation bodies — Confirmation by international bodies that WEQSC's standards and processes meet their criteria;
• Certifications of quality management and conformity assessment systems — Issued by accredited certification bodies, confirming that WEQSC's own quality management systems meet international standards.

Recognition Agreements

WEQSC pursues recognition agreements with national qualification authorities, university consortia, and professional bodies. Recognition already secured is published; recognition in negotiation is not, so as to avoid giving rise to expectations that may not be realised.

Presently, 96 jurisdictions have recognition agreements with WEQSC, and WISE credentials are recognised for admission purposes by universities and other tertiary institutions in those jurisdictions.

WES Equivalency

Learners may apply to World Education Services (WES) for an equivalency assessment of their WISE credential. To do so, learners must:

1. Create an account with WES;
2. Select 'WISE Geneva' as the issuing institution;
3. Generate a reference number for their school;
4. Request their school to transmit the digital dossier to WES.

Use of Recognition by Accredited Schools

An accredited school may, subject to the branding rules set out in the Accreditation section of this portal, refer to the recognitions and certifications held by WEQSC in its own communications, provided that:

• The reference accurately describes the recognition or certification and its scope;
• The reference does not imply that the recognition or certification applies to the school itself, to any programme of the school other than the WISE programme, or to any credential other than a WISE credential;
• The reference does not imply governmental ownership, government control, or automatic governmental recognition of any credential;
• The reference is accompanied by the mandatory disclosure required by the Secretariat.

Verification of Recognition

A person wishing to verify a recognition or certification held by WEQSC may do so by reference to the issuing body's own public register, using the certificate number stated in the WEQSC Annexure.

Conclusion

The recognition of WISE credentials by universities, employers, and regulators is the foundation of the value of the WISE system. WEQSC continues to pursue recognition agreements in all jurisdictions in which it operates, in accordance with the UNESCO recognition framework and the Lisbon Recognition Convention.