Global Accreditation& Recognition

The SwissUK® Diploma is part of SwissUK®, an education ecosystem built around the “Study Abroad From Home” model, combining Swiss application-oriented educational principles with qualifications awarded by Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations within the United Kingdom’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

The SwissUK® Diploma offers application-oriented programmes focused on developing professional competence and the ability to work in international environments. The qualifications involved are awarded within the RQF by Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations.

As a result, these qualifications may support recognition in the United Kingdom and may also support comparability or recognition processes in other countries and territories, subject to the regulations and assessment policies of the relevant receiving authority.

After graduation, learners may be supported with guidance on relevant recognition or comparability processes, where applicable.

• Learn more about the SwissUK® “Study Abroad From Home” HERE

The UK Qualification Reference Statement issued through UK ENIC is the highest-level document confirming the status of a graduate’s qualification, serving to authenticate and recognise:

• Verification that the qualification is recognised in the United Kingdom.
• Recognition of the qualification’s level and position within the UK national qualification frameworks, including all three frameworks:
  • The Regulated Qualifications Framework of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (RQF)
  • The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
  • The Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW)

Example: A qualification recognised by the UK Department for Education with the notation UK Framework Levels – RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7 means that the qualification is classified at the MASTER’S level across the entire United Kingdom and holds academic validity in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

• Confirmation that the awarding institution is recognised by the UK Government.
• Confirmation of the entry requirements for obtaining the qualification.
• Confirmation of the assessment and examination procedures.
• Confirmation of the graduate’s competency and employability.
• Confirmation of progression opportunities for further study within the UK National Education System after completing the qualification.

This is because qualifications within the SwissUK® Diploma system are awarded by Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations within the United Kingdom’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). A UK Qualification Reference Statement is a service for UK qualifications, and any assessment remains subject to the requirements and evaluation process of UK ENIC.

For non-regulated professions:

Qualifications within the SwissUK® Diploma system may be used when seeking employment in Switzerland in fields that do not require official recognition. In such cases, no formal recognition procedure is generally required, and the employer decides whether a candidate has the qualifications and experience needed for the role.

For regulated professions:

In Switzerland, certain professions are regulated and require recognition or authorisation by the competent authority. Access to these professions depends on the legal requirements and procedures applicable to the relevant field. Qualifications within the SwissUK® Diploma system are awarded by Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations within the United Kingdom’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Any recognition or authorisation decision in Switzerland remains subject to the requirements of the relevant Swiss authority.

The Governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications, effective from 01/01/2025. Under this agreement, professional qualifications issued in either country may be submitted for recognition when applying for a professional licence in the other country, including professions that fall under the professionally regulated category—those requiring a licence to practise.

As a result, qualifications within the SwissUK™ education system—particularly programmes awarded by Ofqual Awarding Bodies—are eligible to be submitted as part of the initial application for recognition or for obtaining a new professional licence in Switzerland, in accordance with the mechanisms defined in the agreement.

References:

• Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications from the UK Government: HERE
• Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications from the Swiss Government: HERE
• List of approximately 200 regulated professions requiring a professional licence under the Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement (qualifications within the SwissUK™ system—including those from Ofqual Awarding Bodies—are eligible for initial assessment according to the agreement): HERE

Qualifications within the SwissUK® Diploma system are awarded by Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations within the United Kingdom’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Relevant qualifications and awarding organisations may be checked through the official Register of Regulated Qualifications and the Register of Regulated Awarding Organisations.

Official Reference Sources:

• Learn more HERE on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
• Learn more HERE on the Register of Regulated Awarding Organisations.
• Learn more HERE about qualification levels in the United Kingdom.
• Learn more HERE through Ofqual’s official public information resources.

Where applicable, graduates may also apply for a UK Qualification Reference Statement through UK ENIC, subject to the scope and assessment requirements of the service.

Due to the relationship between the RQF and the EQF, qualifications may support transparency, comparability, and recognition processes in Europe, subject to the requirements of the relevant receiving authority.

Official Reference Sources:

• Learn more HERE about the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
• Learn more HERE in the EQF resources published by Cedefop.
• Learn more HERE in the official referencing report for England and Northern Ireland.

Qualifications may support international comparability and may be considered in admissions, employment, or recognition processes in Australia, subject to the requirements of the relevant institution or authority.

Official Reference Sources:

• Learn more HERE about the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
• Learn more HERE from TEQSA regarding the AQF in higher education.
• Learn more HERE from ASQA regarding AQF levels for VET-accredited courses.

Through reference to the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF), qualifications may support transparency and comparability with national qualifications frameworks across Africa. Any recognition decision remains subject to the requirements of the relevant institution or authority.

Official Reference Sources:

• Learn more HERE about the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF).
• Learn more HERE about the validation and implementation process of the ACQF.
• Learn more HERE in the Global Inventory of National and Regional Qualifications Frameworks (CEDEFOP/ETF/UNESCO/UIL).

Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a number of countries operate National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs). In this context, qualifications may be considered in comparability, admissions, employment, or recognition processes, subject to the regulations and decisions of the relevant institution or competent authority.

Official Reference Sources:

• Learn more HERE in the ETF report on regional qualifications framework initiatives worldwide.
• Learn more HERE about Jordan’s National Qualifications Framework and its relationship to the EQF.
• Learn more HERE about the National Qualifications Framework of Bahrain.

Across the ASEAN region, member states operate their own qualifications systems, and the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) serves as a common reference framework to support comparison across participating ASEAN Member States. In this context, qualifications may support regional comparability and may be considered in recognition or progression processes, subject to national and regional regulations.

Official Reference Sources:

• Learn more HERE about the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF).
• Learn more HERE in the AQRF Referencing Guideline.
• Learn more HERE in the ETF overview of regional qualifications frameworks.

Are SwissUK® Diploma Qualifications Recognised in the United States?
In the United States, there is no single national qualifications framework. Qualifications may be considered in admissions, employment, or recognition processes by the relevant institution, employer, or evaluator, subject to their own requirements and policies. Information about accredited U.S. institutions and programs is available through official accreditation resources such as the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.

Official Reference Sources:

• Learn more HERE about the U.S. accreditation system from the U.S. Department of Education.
• Learn more HERE in the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).
• Learn more HERE about the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Learn more HERE through EducationUSA to understand the U.S. accreditation system.

In Canada, recognition of qualifications is not determined by a single national authority. Information on qualifications frameworks and recognition pathways is available through the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC), while recognition decisions are made by the relevant educational institution, employer, regulatory authority, or professional body, depending on the purpose of use.

Official Reference Sources:

• Learn more HERE about the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).
• Learn more HERE about qualifications frameworks in Canada.
• Learn more HERE about academic credential assessment and recognition in Canada.

The information above describes possible recognition pathways for qualifications awarded by Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations. All reference materials should be based on official sources from the relevant authorities and qualifications frameworks. However, recognition is never automatic. Each receiving institution, employer, professional body, or regulatory authority may apply additional rules and its own assessment criteria. Learners are strongly encouraged to verify recognition and acceptance requirements before enrolment or use of the qualification.

Please note that the reference information provided above may change in accordance with decisions of the relevant government authorities, without prior notice.