Poly to Postgrad: Your Weekly Guide to Studying Abroad

What Is WES and Why It Matters

World Education Services (WES) is one of the most widely recognized credential evaluation services for international students and professionals. If you’re planning to study or work in countries like the U.S. or Canada, there’s a good chance you’ll need a WES evaluation.

WES helps institutions understand your academic background by converting your foreign degrees and transcripts into their U.S. or Canadian equivalents. Whether you’re aiming for a graduate program, a licensing board, or an employer who wants to verify your qualifications, WES can open that door.

But not every evaluation is the same—and choosing the right one is key. If you pick the wrong report, it can delay your application or even get it rejected.

Types of WES Evaluations: DxD vs. CxC

WES offers two main types of evaluation:

1. Document-by-Document (DxD)

• Provides a summary of each of your credentials
• Lists the U.S. or Canadian equivalent (e.g., “Bachelor’s Degree in Business”)
• Best for immigration, employment, or general verification
• Doesn’t include GPA, course details, or semester credits

2. Course-by-Course (CxC)

Includes everything in the DxD report plus:

• Detailed list of all courses
• U.S. semester credit and grade equivalent for each course
• Cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Course level (upper or lower division)
• Recommended for graduate school, transfer applications, licensing boards, and professional certifications.

👉 Our recommendation: If you’re applying for graduate school as an HND holder or planning to transfer credits to a U.S. or Canadian university, go for the Course-by-Course evaluation. 

What Documents Do You Need for WES?

WES doesn’t accept just any documents. The list depends on:

• The type of evaluation you choose
• Your country of study
• The requirements of the institution or employer you’re applying to

But in general, here’s what you should prepare:

• Academic transcripts (directly from your institution)
• Degree certificates or diplomas
• Proof of identity (international passport is preferred)
• Proof of date of birth and nationality

Helpful Extras:

• Updated CV or résumé (especially if you have relevant work experience)
• Professional certifications
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) or top-up degree (if applicable)

Important Notes:

• All documents should be official and in sealed envelopes.
• Don’t send originals unless specifically asked.
• If you’re unsure, check the WES Required Documents tool on their site to see exactly what applies to you.

Processing typically takes 1–5 weeks after your documents are verified. Delays often happen during the document review and verification phase—make sure you submit everything correctly to avoid setbacks.

Great! Here’s Section 4 of the blog post:

How Much Does WES Cost?

WES evaluation fees depend on the type of report and add-on services you choose. Here’s a quick breakdown:

🧾 Base Fees (as of 2025)

• Document-by-Document: $107
• Course-by-Course: $182
• Course-by-Course with ICAP: $233

Each fee includes the evaluation and delivery to one institution. You’ll pay more if you want to send reports to additional places.

💸 Add-On Costs

• Each extra report copy: $35
• International shipping (courier): $85
• Transcript request (if WES contacts your school): Varies by country
• Document translation (if needed): Third-party charges may apply

🔍 Hidden Costs to Watch For

• You may need to pay your school to send transcripts.
• If documents aren’t in English, certified translations are required.
• Courier fees can add up, especially if you’re in Africa.

You should budget at least $250 to cover the full process if you’re going with the ICAP Course-by-Course option.

Step-by-Step WES Evaluation Process

Getting your WES evaluation done correctly means following each step carefully. Here’s what the full process looks like:

1. Create an Account on WES.org

Use your official name (as in your passport) and a valid email address.

2. Choose Evaluation Type

Select either Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course depending on your goals.

3. Enter Your Education Info

List all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended. Be accurate with school names and dates.

4. Receive WES Reference Number

This is your unique ID. Include it in all communication and on every document sent to WES.

5. Contact Your School to Send Documents

Ask your registrar to send transcripts directly to WES, either by mail or through an approved electronic platform.

6. Pay the Fees

Use a debit/credit card. And make sure to keep your receipt—it includes your case number.

7. Track the Status

Log in to your WES account to monitor progress and get updates.

8. Receive Report

You’ll get a digital copy via your account and a hard copy by mail (if requested).

Ensure you double-check spelling, school names, and email addresses. Typos or wrong info can cause delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

WES rejections and delays usually happen because of avoidable errors. Save yourself stress by watching out for these:

• Sending Documents Yourself: WES only accepts transcripts sent directly from your school or via approved digital platforms. If you post them yourself—even sealed—it’ll be rejected.

• Submitting Incomplete Documents: Missing pages, no degree certificate, or an unverified transcript will delay your evaluation. Double-check that your school includes:

All years or semesters

Official stamp or signature

Sealed envelope (if mailing)

• Ignoring Country-Specific Rules: Document requirements vary by country. For example, Nigerian applicants must use WAEC or NECO scratch cards if secondary school results are required. Always check the WES Required Documents Tool before submitting anything.

• Choosing the Wrong Evaluation Type: Don’t guess. If your school or employer needs GPA and course details, a DxD report won’t work. You’ll have to start over with a new report—and pay again.

Use WES’s “My Account” portal to track progress. If there’s a delay, contact WES support with your reference number.

Extra Tips to Get It Right the First Time

• Request transcripts early. Some schools take 2–6 weeks or more to process and send them.
• Use a trackable delivery option. If mailing documents, pay for a courier service with tracking to avoid lost items.
• Join online groups. Facebook and Reddit have helpful WES-focused communities where students share country-specific advice.
• Keep digital and physical records. Save all emails, payment receipts, screenshots, and uploaded forms in one folder.
• Check for digital options. Some schools can send transcripts electronically through platforms like Digitary or TrueCopy. This is faster and more secure than mailing.

WES evaluation helps schools understand your academic records—but if you want it to mean something, your grades have to speak loud and clear.

Start improving them today with StudyPal on Distinction.app. You’ll get flashcards, quizzes, AI explanations, and daily study goals that actually fit your schedule.

👉 Use StudyPal to earn the grades your future needs.