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About 37.7 percent of the U.S. students aged 25 and above had graduated from college or another higher education institution in 2021, according to Statista. Thousands of students earn an American diploma every year and move to Europe to live and work. Schools and employers require a diploma, but a U.S. diploma isn’t always recognized by them. We will explore what students do when using a U.S. diploma in Europe.
Recognition of American high school diplomas is the process by which European institutions and employers assess and recognize US diplomas as equivalent to local qualifications. These organizations determine if the diploma meets the requirements for further education or employment. Let’s take a look at how higher education is structured in Europe and how a student can get their diploma recognized.
How is Higher Education Structured in Europe?
“It’s fun, cheap and packed full of students”
Seeta Bhardwa, Times Higher Education
Higher education in Europe is organized into three main levels, similar to the US system but with some differences:
- The first level of higher education in Europe is the bachelor’s degree. Students spend up to four years working to get this degree. The degree is comparable to the US undergraduate degree.
- The second level of higher education in Europe is the master’s degree. This degree takes 1 to 2 years to complete. The degree is comparable to a US graduate degree.
- The last level of higher education is the doctoral degree (PhD). This degree takes 3 to 5 years to complete. This degree is similar to a PhD in the US.
European universities evaluate American high school diplomas often to ensure they meet local standards.
How to Get Your Academic Degree or Diploma Recognised?
Students looking to get their US academic diploma recognized in Europe follow these steps:
- Visit the website of the school or employer students are interested in. Students check the evaluation requirements posted on the website or send a direct inquiry to clarify the steps involved.
- Contact the European Network of Information Centers to have the diploma evaluated.
- Prepare all necessary documents. The exact list of these documents is determined by the organization conducting the evaluation. Students typically prepare their diploma, translations, and any other supporting materials requested.
- Receive their evaluation result and decide on the next steps. The evaluation results in full recognition of the US diploma as equivalent to the local diploma or partial recognition, which require additional coursework.
Is the US High School Diploma Right for You?
The US high school diploma is on the same or better level than European education. Many universities and employers in Europe accept the US diplomas without the need for evaluation. The US high school diploma is a good choice for you if:
- You seek a strong educational foundation
- You aim to gain innovative knowledge
- You need global recognition
- You prefer flexible learning
Legacy Online School is fully accredited and offers a STEM-focused US diploma. This diploma is recognized in many European countries. Our experts support students throughout their education and after graduation. Our team will guide you through the steps and provide recommendations to ensure your diploma is recognized if required by a school or employer in Europe.
Conclusion
We explored how higher education is structured in Europe and what happens with diplomas from US students when they seek recognition. We provided steps on how to get your diploma recognized. Join Legacy Online School and earn an accredited, recognized US diploma accepted in many countries.
