Evaluation Definitions:

Academic Qualification: A credential received upon the completion of a formal educational program of study.
 
Access: The eligibility or right of qualified candidates to apply and to be considered for admission to higher education.
 
Admission Requirements: Academic qualification, or level/stage of education, which must be completed prior to admission.
 
Authentic Educational Document: Received directly from the issuing institution or has been traced back to its source to confirm its authenticity.
 
Diploma Mill: An entity that sells documents not backed by appropriate educational activities.
 
Evaluation: An assessment, analysis and written comparability statement of individual qualifications.
 
Non-Recognized Institution: Academic institution that is not officially recognized by the appropriate authority.
 
Official Educational Document: Issued on official institutional letterhead and bears the signature and seal of the registrar or other official authorized to issue academic documents.
 
Official Translation: A complete and accurate translation into English from the issuing language.
 
Program Length: Minimum period of full-time study required for the completion of the qualification.
 
Program Structure: Required components of an educational program and their sequence for the award of a qualification.
 
Recognized Academic Institution: Academic institution officially recognized by the appropriate authority.
 
United States High School Diploma: The qualification that signifies completion of secondary level education.
 
United States Bachelor’s Degree: Completion of a unified program of study leading to a degree, consisting of a minimum of 120 semester credits, or the equivalent thereof, generally over a period of four years. It has a general education component and a major, and gives access to graduate education.
 
United States Graduate Education: Study requiring completion of a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, for admission leading to the award of a higher academic qualification.
 

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