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Source verified August 12, 2026
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
International credential assessment service
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Who can apply
People with a formal academic or technical degree, diploma or certificate earned outside Canada can apply for an assessment.
See full eligibility
Overview
IQAS is an Alberta government service that compares international educational credentials with Canadian standards for immigration, employment, education, and licensure. It issues advisory certificates and education guides, and can support employers, educational institutions, and professional regulatory organizations.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Newcomers to Canada
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- Official copy of the diploma, certificate, or degree certificate attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan.
- Official copy of the academic transcript attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan.
- A clear and readable colour scan or digital photo of all pages of the original documents, front and back, including pages with instructions, barcodes, stamps, or other information; do not scan blank pages.
- An identification document showing the identification number used by HEC, such as CNIC or passport number.
- For graduates of Preston University, official documentation issued by Preston University confirming the name and address of the learning centre, study centre, or campus where the program was completed.
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- People with a formal academic or technical degree, diploma or certificate earned outside Canada can apply for an assessment.
Who is not eligible
- Incomplete credentials, including individual semesters or trimesters, and anything below secondary or high school level, for example primary or elementary level.
- Non-academic credentials, for example Microsoft Excel training.
- Professional qualifications, for example chartered accountant designation.
- Vocational or trades training, for example diesel mechanics program.
- Credentials obtained in Canada.
Eligible expenses
The IQAS grant supports activities aimed at facilitating the recognition of international educational credentials in Canada. Eligible projects focus on assessment services and resources for individuals and organizations.
- Providing Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) for individuals immigrating to Canada.
- Offering assessments for individuals planning to work or pursue further education and licensure in Canada.
- Developing information resources and workshops for employers, educational institutions, and professional regulatory organizations regarding international credential recognition.
- Creating international education guides that compare foreign education credentials to Alberta standards.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Selection criteria
- Level of education
- Duration of study
- General content of study
- Function of program
How to apply
- Step 1: Choose the assessment type
- Select the IQAS service that matches your purpose.
- Step 2: Prepare documents
- Gather the required educational records and translations, if needed.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Complete the application in the IQAS portal and send the request.
- Step 4: Track the application
- Monitor the status in the IQAS portal after submission.
Processing and Agreement
- After you apply for an IQAS certificate, your documents are reviewed for consistency and evidence of tampering or alteration.
- IQAS may contact your educational institution directly to check your application for accuracy.
- IQAS conducts educational assessments using original language documents and English translations, and translations are checked for accuracy.
- IQAS issues a statement that compares your international program of study to a similar program of study in Canada.
Additional information
- All IQAS assessments are advisory only.
- An ECA issued by IQAS is valid for Express Entry for 5 years.
- IQAS information, resources and workshops are available for employers, educational institutions and professional regulatory organizations.
- International Education Guides explain how international education credentials compare to Alberta education credentials and standards.
Frequently Asked Questions about the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) Program
What is the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)?
IQAS is an Alberta government service that compares international educational credentials with Canadian standards for immigration, employment, education, and licensure. It issues advisory certificates and education guides, and can support employers, educational institutions, and professional regulatory organizations.
Who is eligible for the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) program?
To be eligible for the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) program, you must:
You must have a formal academic or technical degree, diploma or certificate earned outside Canada.
Where is the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) available?
The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is a Expert Advice
Who are the financial supporters of the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)?
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is funded by Government of Alberta, Ministry of Labour and Immigration (AB)