Do you need recognition of an overseas diploma for UK work?

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Identify who makes the decision

There is no single mandatory diploma-conversion process for every UK job. An employer sets requirements for an ordinary vacancy; a relevant regulator decides access to regulated activities. Start with the Regulated Professions Register ↗ to find the profession, conditions and competent organisation.

Also establish which UK nation you will work in. Requirements in a field may differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Do not purchase an assessment before understanding which document the recipient needs.

What a Statement of Comparability does

UK ENIC ↗ compares international qualifications with the UK education systems. Its Statement accompanies the original qualification to give its level context for employment, study or professional registration.

It does not replace a professional licence or registration and does not automatically permit professional practice. The Statement does not compare grades, assess specific subjects or prove English proficiency. Establish a separate route where the purpose is language evidence, admission or access to regulated work.

Documents and costs

UK ENIC's document list ↗ includes final certificates, official transcripts showing subjects and grades, identity evidence and required translations. Check rules about awarding-institution documents, name changes and any translation waiver.

The service is paid; check the current fee and processing time before purchase. UK ENIC explains that the fee covers evaluation of eligibility and becomes non-refundable once assessment starts. Submission does not guarantee the comparison you hope to receive. Ask the employer first whether your original qualification and translation are sufficient without a separate Statement.

Understanding a 2:2 requirement

A 2:2 means lower second-class honours, a classification of a British undergraduate degree result. For example, the University of Sussex ↗ shows the usual 50–59% band. It is not a separate qualification or a universal formula for converting overseas marks.

If a vacancy requires “2:2 or equivalent”, send the recruiter your qualification title, country, final result and grading scale, then ask what equivalent they accept. Do not convert an overseas percentage into a British classification through simple arithmetic. Keep the written response and describe your education consistently in your CV and applications.