Ierf eval direct Extra Copies Copies Requested at the Time of the Application One official copy is sent electronically to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and one applicant copy is included in the report fee. Any submitted foreign college coursework evaluation will be evaluated by Mt. Oct 10, 2024 · The Vision and Mission of IERF The International Education Research Foundation was established with a clear vision: to bridge the gap between international students and educational opportunities, ensuring that no individual is hindered by language barriers or cultural differences from pursuing their academic aspirations. If you have completed studies outside the United States and want to apply to transfer your undergraduate credits to USC, you are required to obtain a Detail Report with Course Level Identification from IERF for USC. Box 85 Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Phone: (845) 223-6455 Fax: (845) 223-6454 Email: esi2@frontiernet. All academic credit from an educational institution outside the United States must be evaluated by one of the transcript evaluation services referenced below. For secondary studies, please submit Transcripts for each year of study completed. Nov 16, 2025 · World Education Services (WES) International Education Research Foundation (IERF) Eval Direct Educational Perspectives (EP) Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Student-Athletes are encouraged to use PLAYNAIA InCRED SpanTran IERF is a Charter Member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®), a recognizing body for credentials services in the United States. A detailed, course-by-course, foreign transcript evaluation is required From IERF credentialing, to the fastest and cheapest way to fill deficits, we are here for you! We will provide full post-evaluation discrepancy completion list and certification for up to 6-months. Evaluations for Uhak Agency Welcome to the IERF application for Uhak Agency! All international applicants who have previously completed studies outside the United States will need to have an evaluation completed by IERF to be considered for Undergraduate and/or Graduate Admission for Uhak Agency. 258. Our Standard Application can be used for professional licensing/certification in many fields (other than Barbering and Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, and Physical Therapy). Jason Chambers, Assistant Director of International Transfer Admissions, University of Cincinnati Sabrina Cortell, Director of Admissions, San Diego State University “IERF’s evaluation reports are easy to review and accurate and the grading scale that IERF provides helps our international evaluators determine admission eligibility. COM ACCOUNT GO TO “START IERF APPLICATION” TO PROCESS THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS TO IERF PROCESS YOUR IERF offers attorneys evaluation services for immigration purposes. View this helpful instructional video How to Apply Before you submit your application for a credential application report, please be sure to read all instructions. Any Our Standard Application is most often used for college/university or junior/community college admission, transfer credit, professional licensing/certification in certain fields (other than Barbering and Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, and Physical Therapy), employment and salary adjustment, and immigration. All non-U. Advisory The evaluation reports prepared by IERF are advisory in nature and in no way limit an agency or institution in making its own determination as to the level of education and allocation of credit to be allowed for the foreign credentials. What can IERF’s reports be used for? IERF provides reports for: education (for admission, transfer credit, etc. Among the recognized agencies providing this service, the International Education Research Foundation (IERF) is one of the oldest and most trusted organizations, known for its comprehensive and All academic credit from an educational institution outside the United States must be evaluated by one of the transcript evaluation services referenced below. Be sure that you are enrolled in EvalDirect. Individuals pursuing a foreign transcript evaluation must follow the procedures outlined by the organization providing the evaluation. Fill out your evaldirect formpdf - ierf online with pdfFiller! pdfFiller is an end-to-end solution for managing, creating, and editing documents and forms in the cloud. All CES schools (BYU, BYU-Hawaii, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Pathway, and Ensign College) will have access to IERF and TEC evaluations submitted to BYU. To learn more about EvalDirect here. 5 days ago · World Education Services (WES) International Education Research Foundation (IERF) Eval Direct Educational Perspectives (EP) Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Student-Athletes are encouraged to use PLAYNAIA InCRED SpanTran 1. P. Be sure that you are enrolled in EvalDirect Visit the IERF website for more information about required documents and fees. Please note that the official issuing institution varies by province IERF (International Education Research Foundation) If you are planning on attending a school in the United States, you may need to have your Canadian high school credentials evaluated by a third party service. Transfer Credit Evaluation Process Transferring credits to NOVA allows previous college-level study, examinations, or career experience to be evaluated for possible college credits. All other non-US graduate studies must also be evaluated if your graduate program of interest either requires those degrees … Continue reading Mar 7, 2022 · We accept evaluations done by either International Education Research Foundation (IERF) or TEC (formerly SpanTran). Many students and professionals rely on these evaluations to translate their qualifications 1. It is therefore important that you provide us with an e-mail address on the application. About My Documents What documents do I need to submit? The required documentation varies depending on the application (e. IERF’s Mission Encompasses: Advancing Higher Education Facilitating Military Recruitment Streamlining Professional Licensure Assisting with Immigration Processes Navigating IERF with World Document Services: A Seamless Journey At World Document Services, our meticulous processes ensure that obtaining your IERF credential evaluation is a breeze. g. IERF can complete your CWT evaluation, and FACTS can help you fill any deficits! *This service is for any student who will not require a Type 1 / VisaScreen Health Care Worker Certificate from USCIS. , Standard Application, etc. Please Note: This page is intended for students admitted … Continue reading Detail Report with View the bios of the evaluation staff at the International Education Research Foundation. Military personnel will need to log into their EvalDirect account to upload the academic records. e. IERF General Document Requirements It is recommended that all the necessary documents be gathered before sending the application, as missing documents will delay the processing of the evaluation. BYU accepts evaluations from: International Education Research Foundation (IERF) The Evaluation Company (TEC) (formerly SpanTran). Also, be sure to read the IERF Country-Specific Requirements section (below), as it provides a more detailed description of the required academic records by country of study. Learn about the credit evaluation process for international students at University of Maryland Global Campus Europe. Smarter, Safer, Seamless Data Exchange for International Credential Evaluations: #EvalDirect ™ for Institutions At #IERF, we know how important it is for universities to manage international Afghanistan All supporting documents must be ORIGINAL academic records issued in English and/or in the native language (s) (i. Please note that the Degree Progress department no longer forwards documents to IERF. This tool allows institutions to track the status of their applicants’ evaluations online and view comprehensive evaluation information. Please allow 1-2 business days for Your Institution to receive and process your completed evaluation. , but also in the world. com Foreign Consultants, Inc. By providing evaluations, IERF facilitates access to educational opportunities in the United States and other countries. S. 9451 info@ierf. Individuals If you are an individual and have not yet applied to IERF for an evaluation and have a question, please e-mail us at info@ierf. For many international students, immigrants, and professionals seeking opportunities abroad, credential evaluation is an essential step to bridge the gap between different educational systems. World Education Services (WES) International Education Research Foundation (IERF) Eval Direct Educational Perspectives (EP) Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Student-Athletes are This guide tracks down the IERF evaluation steps, including IERF academic transcript verification, IERF academic credential assessment, and the foreign education equivalency process, so you can confidently prepare for your evaluation. How can I refer my applicants to IERF? The easiest … Continue reading About FACTS + IERF FACTS & IERF have partnered to bring you the BEST credentialing process. Mar 15, 2025 · The Sepmeyer Award is an IERF initiative that supports professional development and encourages excellence in the field of credential evaluation. Note that BYU-Idaho uses these services in a joint agreement with BYU, BYU-Hawaii, and Ensign College. Reports General Report (also known as document-by-document Jason Chambers, Assistant Director of International Transfer Admissions, University of Cincinnati Sabrina Cortell, Director of Admissions, San Diego State University “IERF’s evaluation reports are easy to review and accurate and the grading scale that IERF provides helps our international evaluators determine admission eligibility. International Education Research Foundation (IERF) Eval Direct Sep 30, 2020 · Equivalency Evaluations For International Academic Credentials All degrees received from educational institutions outside the United States must be evaluated for equivalency by an agency acceptable to the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB). Once your evaluation report is completed, IERF will immediately deliver an electronic official copy of your report together with a copy your academic records directly to Claremont Lincoln University. San Antonio College accepts foreign coursework from some agencies that are certified by NACES® (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE® (Association of International Credential Evaluators). Introduction: Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees*, and other relevant documents prior to applying to the Commission for a California credential, permit, or certificate. With over 46 years of experience, IERF has processed over 550,000 evaluations and is one of the most respected evaluation agencies. IERF’s mission is encapsulated in its commitment to enhancing the IERF. O. ” In most cases, an evaluation is required even if an individual has been licensed in another state and practicing in the field for several years, as licensure requirements vary by state. Most US post-secondary institutions will require this analysis. Alvin Yin, Emily Tse, Alina Trofimova, and more. International Education Research Foundation (IERF) was established in 1969 as the first credentials evaluation service, not only in the U. History For many years, the late Inez Sepmeyer worked at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she Jul 10, 2017 · Do you want to know how to apply for your foreign credentials evaluation for PT/PTA licensure? IERF can walk you through the step-by-step process! Mailing Options As required by all state boards, your evaluation will be addressed and mailed directly to the Board. We recommend this option for the best support and advice in filling discrepancies. 1. View the bios of the evaluation staff at the International Education Research Foundation. A detailed, course-by-course, foreign transcript evaluation is required SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION FOR IERF APPLICATION PROCESSING SELECT “GENUINENESS VERIFICATIONS” SERVICE AND UPLOAD DOCUMENTS FOR VERIFICATION PROCESS ONLINE PAYMENT TO INSTITUTION TO COMPLETE YOUR VERIFICATION APPLICATION ON VERIFICATION COMPLETION OF DOCUMENTS, LOGIN TO YOUR WWW. If you require this, select the "Post Evaluation Report Will IERF update me on the status of my evaluation? Yes, we will e-mail you with status updates for your file (e. EvalDirect™ is IERF’s free online tracking facility that is designed to specifically meet the needs of our Institutional clients. When you are ready to apply, please be sure to read our full Terms & Conditions before submitting an application. In all instances, original, official documentation will be required when requesting the evaluation. IERF is the oldest credentials evaluation service in the U. org (please be sure to include your IERF file number in the subject line). Our equivalency reports are used to assist persons who have studied outside the U. Academic RecordsThe Evaluations for University of Cincinnati Welcome to the IERF application for University of Cincinnati Undergraduate Admissions! All undergraduate international applicants who have previously completed post-secondary (college/university) studies outside the United States will need to have an evaluation completed by IERF to be considered for Undergraduate Admission for University of Cincinnati For Licensure IERF provides evaluation reports for many state licensing and certification boards. NOVA's Catalog and Credit for Prior Learning website outline the college policy on accepting transfer credits from other Get your international credentials evaluated by WES for immigration, education, and employment purposes. IERF is also a Founding Member of Recruiting and hiring international employees or recruits? 🌍 ️ #EvalDirect™: Streamlined Credential Evaluations for Employers, Organizations, and Recruiters #IERF helps people with dreams EvalDirect is IERF's online tracking facility. World Education Services (WES) International Education Research Foundation (IERF) Eval Direct Educational Perspectives (EP) Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Student-Athletes are encouraged to use PLAYNAIA InCRED SpanTran 5 days ago · World Education Services (WES) International Education Research Foundation (IERF) Eval Direct Educational Perspectives (EP) Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Student-Athletes are encouraged to use PLAYNAIA InCRED SpanTran Smarter, Safer, Seamless Data Exchange for International Credential Evaluations: #EvalDirect ™ for Institutions At #IERF, we know how important it is for universities to manage international How to Apply Before you submit your application, please be sure to read our Terms & Conditions. Additional official copies requested at the time of application cost $30 per copy. DOCSWALLET. Reports Before you apply, it is recommended that you As soon as your report is completed, IERF will immediately deliver an official copy of your evaluation together with your academic records directly to the institution (s) of your choice. Evaluation Service, Inc. . All graduate applicants who have previously completed studies outside the United States will need to have an evaluation completed by IERF to be considered for BYU Graduate Admission. IERF specializes in providing equivalency reports for international applicants, both for admissions and transfer credit. If you would like to request bulk applications, please e-mail us at institutions@ierf. Yet, if additional documentation and/or fees is/are required, the turnaround time will be effective from the date of receipt of all requested materials. This dedication to knowledge creation and dissemination positions IERF as a thought leader in international education. What is EvalDirect™? IERF offers its institutional clients electronic access to status information and evaluation reports. About IERF’s Services & Fees What does the report fee include? What is Course Level Identification? How quickly can I expect to receive my evaluation report? ISBE EDUCATOR LICENSURE OUT OF-COUNTRY CREDENTIAL EVALUATION SOURCES OCTOBER 7, 2025 The entities listed are not recommended by, endorsed by, or agents of ISBE. The most common service used is International Education Research Foundation or IERF. … Continue reading Foreign Transcript Evaluation Services All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by one of the following agencies. Learn more about: our services and fees, the required documentation, and how to apply. Jul 16, 2025 · Navigating the International Education Research Foundation (IERF) process can be a very daunting process for students, professionals, and even immigrants seeking credential evaluation in the United States. For verification, email your IERF File Number and request to support@ierf. For more information, please refer to the For Institutions section. IERF, the pioneer in foreign credentials evaluation services, was established in 1969 and is the oldest credentials service in existence. Our Military Department will contact the recruiter to confirm receipt and notify him/her if any further necessary documentation is needed. ). IERF. A PHOTOCOPY of the Diploma, if earned. org. Details about their services, including application forms, fees and required documents are available at the IERF website. international secondary (high school) diplomas/credentials must be evaluated. How to Apply You the recruiter is responsible for submitting the records for evaluation on behalf of the applicant, including scans of the documents for pre-screening. IERF was established in 1969 as the first credentials evaluation service, not only in the U. Every other Wednesday, a new video clip is released, about a credential from a different part of the world. 1,213 likes · 2 talking about this. What type of Previous IERF Evaluation If a nursing evaluation was previously completed by IERF, please submit a copy of the original evaluation and checklist. For more information, please refer to the For Individuals section. IERF General Document RequirementsIt is recommended that all the necessary documents be gathered before sending the application, as missing documents will delay the processing of the evaluation. This service includes continued advice and preparation. San Antonio College accepts foreign coursework whose evaluation reports have been certified by NACES® (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) & AICE® (Association of International Credential Evaluators). All other non-US graduate studies must also be evaluated if your graduate program of interest either requires those degrees … Continue reading Jul 16, 2025 · This guide tracks down the IERF evaluation steps, including IERF academic transcript verification, IERF academic credential assessment, and the foreign education equivalency process, so you can confidently prepare for your evaluation. Welcome to the IERF International Undergraduate Transfer Credit Report application. Rather, they are private companies that are approved to review out-of-country credentials for purposes of Illinois licensure because they demonstrate experience working on behalf of either the National Association of Foreign Student Foreign Education Evaluation Guide This document has been optimized for screen reader access and text-to-speech conversions. Before sending the application, gather all the necessary documents (as outlined in the Required Documentation section) as missing documents will delay the processing of the evaluation. ” These organizations are private enterprises which charge a fee for their services. Additionally, if your original USC admission letter indicates that you were admitted as a graduate student without advanced standing, you are not eligible to request an IERF evaluation report for graduate transfer credit. Transcripts that are not provided in English must be translated by a service approved by ABB Smarter, Safer, Seamless Data Exchange for International Credential Evaluations: #EvalDirect ™ for Institutions At #IERF, we know how important it is for universities to manage international How to Apply Before you submit your application, please be sure to read our Terms & Conditions. Box 3665, Culver City, CA 90231-3665 310. For secondary studies, please submit the following academic records: ORIGINAL SEALED Transcripts for each year of study completed. Get a fast, international credential evaluation in just 3 days! IEE is a NACES member and provides expert support to help you on your path to success. (IERF) specializes in the evaluation of foreign academic credentials. Foreign Evaluation Services College Level CourseworkForeign Coursework Evaluation Services Mt. If you are applying to multiple CES institutions, only one evaluation is Sep 4, 2024 · Learn how the International Education Research Foundation certification can advance your career prospects globally through credential evaluation. Copies Requested After an Evaluation Report Has Been Mailed Once a report has been mailed, extra copies may be The table below is a list of agencies that have been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to provide evaluation of college or university course work completed at an institution in a country other than the United States: BBB Accredited since 10/21/2015. Box 400 Glen Carbon, IL 62034 Phone: (618) 656-5291 Fax: (618) 656-5292 Email: facs@aol. ) professional licensing/certification employment and salary adjustment immigration military enlistment What are the fees for a report? IERF’s fees are determined by the application and report type. Credentials evaluation service for individuals with standard, cosmetology, barbering, physical therapy, nursing, or massage therapy applications. Mar 13, 2025 · Prior international degrees must be verified through the International Education Research Foundation (IERF). IERF’s Vault™ is a complimentary video resource library for professionals in international education. org, with “Claremont Lincoln University DV” in the subject line. IERF conducts research on international education and prepares credentials evaluations for persons who have studied outside of the United States and who need a statement of educational equivalency. (please refer to Electronic Delivery for more Q&A Answers to the most common questions about the application process and our evaluations can be found in the menu to the left. This Award has inspired numerous research projects, conference presentations, newsletter articles, and self-published resources. It is something that should be done 2 Evaluation Philosophy With over 5 decades of experience and fluency in all major languages, IERF has successfully issued well over 550,000 credentials evaluation reports for individuals and thousands of colleges and universities, professional organizations, state licensing boards, U. All international transcripts must be provided in English. To be included on the list, the credential evaluation service must: 1) be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES); 2) require certified credentials; and 3) provide, as part of each evaluation, complete information that SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION FOR IERF APPLICATION PROCESSING SELECT “GENUINENESS VERIFICATIONS” SERVICE AND UPLOAD DOCUMENTS FOR VERIFICATION PROCESS ONLINE PAYMENT TO INSTITUTION TO COMPLETE YOUR VERIFICATION APPLICATION ON VERIFICATION COMPLETION OF DOCUMENTS, LOGIN TO YOUR WWW. IERF is also a Founding Member of EvalDirect is IERF's online tracking facility. If you have previously received an evaluation report from IERF, please be sure to indicate this in the online application. (please refer to Electronic Delivery for more World Education Services (WES) International Education Research Foundation (IERF) Eval Direct Educational Perspectives (EP) Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Student-Athletes are encouraged to use PLAYNAIA InCRED SpanTran Q&A Answers to the most common questions about the application process and our evaluations can be found in the menu to the left. net Foreign Academic Credential Service, Inc. Be certain that you have all the necessary documents before sending your application, as missing documents will delay the processing of your evaluation. org How do my applicants apply for a credentials evaluation report? Your applicants can apply online by using our interactive and user-friendly application. Also, be sure to read the IERF Country-Specific Requirements section (below), as it provides a more detailed description of the required academic records by country of study. This We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. View a sample from Morocco here. Founded in 1969, IERF is the oldest credentials evaluation agency in the US. TruMerit (CGFNS) CES Professional Report, IERF-Nursing Licensure Evaluation or Josef Silny & Associates-Report of Evaluation of Education Credentials All graduates of international nursing schools applying for licensure by examination must have their professional credentials (nursing education) evaluated and may complete this process through the TruMerit (CGFNS) by requesting a CES Jul 16, 2025 · This guide tracks down the IERF evaluation steps, including IERF academic transcript verification, IERF academic credential assessment, and the foreign education equivalency process, so you can confidently prepare for your evaluation. You will also receive an electronic unofficial applicant copy for your personal reference. government agencies, attorneys and individuals. With best in class evaluation reports, WES helps you achieve your academic and career goals. When you are ready to apply, please take advantage … Continue reading How to Apply Services & Fees Application Procedure As a courtesy, IERF pre-screens applications for military evaluations. NOVA only accepts transfer credit for which a student has earned a grade of "C" or better. We recommend that you have all the necessary documents (as outlined in the Required Documentation section) before submitting your application, as missing documents will delay the processing of your evaluation. SAC to Services & Fees A file number will be assigned and notification will be sent upon receipt of the application. , when documents are received, if we need additional documentation, when your evaluation is mailed, etc. Q&A Answers to the most common questions about the application process and our evaluations can be found here. For more information, please refer When prompted with the question “Will the evaluation report be mailed directly to Eastern Washington University?”, select, “Yes”. If you are unsure if you or your recruiting center has an EvalDirect account, please send an email to military@ierf. Take advantage of our interactive and user-friendly online If you have previously applied for an IERF Certification of Studies Report (for your undergraduate degree verification for USC), please provide your old IERF file number when asked. IERF – Credentials Evaluation Service – Chartered NACES Member An International Graduate Transfer Credit Report cannot be requested prior to or concurrently with the Certification of Studies. This tool allows institutions to access the status of their applicants' evaluations online and view comprehens We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Every effort will be made to mail the evaluation within 10 business days. It is therefore recommended that you contact the state Board (s) to determine if an evaluation is needed. CUNY requires all educational records for admission. Reports General Report (also known as document-by-document All secondary and post-secondary education studies completed outside of the US should be submitted for evaluation. Note that missing documents will delay the processing of your evaluation. Canada All supporting documents must be academic records issued in English or French. If your state board accepts evaluations by email, you may select the email option and provide their email address in the mailing instructions section of IERF’s online application. Please note that at any time during the evaluation process, IERF reserves the right to request additional documents or that documents be sent directly to IERF by the issuing institution (s). All non-US international bachelor’s degrees must be evaluated. Charity Foundations in Culver City, CA. IERF is also one of the founding members of Evaluations for Uhak Agency Welcome to the IERF application for Uhak Agency! All international applicants who have previously completed studies outside the United States will need to have an evaluation completed by IERF to be considered for Undergraduate and/or Graduate Admission for Uhak Agency. , Dari, Pashto, Farsi, etc. Services & Fees A file number will be assigned and notification will be sent upon receipt of the application. Your file number will be the same for your graduate transfer credit evaluation. 3000 Dundee Road, Suite 209 Northbrook Oct 10, 2024 · IERF continuously invests in exploring new evaluation methodologies, developing innovative resources, and conducting research that informs best practices in the field. ECE, a NACES member, provides swift evaluation of foreign credentials with an average of 5 days turnaround for studying or working in the US or Canada. Do I need to send you original documents? The required documentation varies depending on the application (e. Therefore, many of the references on these organizations' websites will refer to BYU and not specifically to BYU-Idaho, even though BYU-Idaho is included in the evaluation CREDENTIAL EVALUATION SERVICES The following list of credential evaluation services has been compiled by the State Bar of California. If you are admitted to an off-campus program, it is strongly recommended that you initiate the verification process directly with IERF as soon as all your credentials are available. Jul 20, 2021 · The International Education Research Foundation (IERF) is a credentials evaluation service that conducts research on international education and prepares credentials for anyone that studied outside of the U. in need of a statement of educational equivalency. Every effort will be made to mail the evaluation within 15 business days. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, get a quote and more. * A new report fee will apply for additional official copies after the report is Foreign Evaluation Services College Level Coursework Mt. IERF is not liable for consequential damages if the desired equivalency is … Continue reading Terms & Conditions IERF Presentations and Articles IERF Publications Training Sepmeyer Award – Excellence in Credentials Evaluation Research P. Access EvalDirect™ for online tracking of evaluation status and comprehensive information, designed to meet institutional clients' needs. Please submit professional English translations for all documents not officially issued in English. Alternatively, your institution can apply on behalf of your applicants. Please submit English translations for all documents issued in French. If you are an individual with a Physical Therapy Licensure application, please e-mail us at alliedhealth@ierf. Completed reports are sent directly to Your Institution electronically on your behalf. Overview of International Education Research Foundation, Inc International Education Research Foundation, Inc. Also, submit the Graduation Certificate issued by the Send your official school records and transcripts (with the institution’s grading scale) to one of these approved evaluation agencies for a Course-by-Course, Detailed Transcript Evaluation Report: International Education Research Foundation (IERF) World Education Services (WES) The Evaluation Company (TEC) IERF also known as ‘International Education Research Foundation’ is a leading US-based credential evaluation organization that specializes in the evaluation of foreign educational credentials. Founded in 1969, the IERF ensures that international qualifications are in line with US educational standards, and assists individuals in achieving their goals in higher education, professional IERF was established in 1969 as the first credentials evaluation service, not only in the U. Whether you need an IERF credential evaluation for further studies, employment, or professional licensing, understanding the complete process is crucial to ensure a smooth application.