International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
Last Update: July 22, 2025
AB, Canada
Assess international qualifications against Alberta standards
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Other Support
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Funds Providers
Program status
Open
Overview
The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) provides official assessments that compare international educational credentials to Canadian standards, facilitating recognition for employment, education, licensure, or immigration purposes. There is no direct funding amount associated, as IQAS issues certificates rather than financial grants.
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 45,000
Conduct a study to compare international degrees with Alberta's educational system
$ 75,000
Implement a credential assessment service for immigrants in Alberta
$ 60,000
Create a software tool for evaluating foreign transcripts against Alberta standards
$ 97,500
Establish an accreditation program for international engineering degrees in Alberta
$ 30,000
Develop an online course to assess foreign education equivalency for Alberta standards
$ 67,500
Develop an assessment framework for international nurses' competencies in Alberta
Eligibility
Eligibility for utilizing IQAS services to obtain recognition or comparison of international educational credentials is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's purpose and background.
- Individuals seeking migration to Canada as skilled workers must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education.
- Applicants intending to pursue employment, education, or licensure in Canada need a credentials assessment that aligns with Canadian education standards.
- Organizations such as employers, educational institutions, or professional regulatory bodies may access IQAS resources and workshops to understand international educational credentials in comparison to Alberta standards.
Who is eligible?
The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is available for individuals who need their foreign educational credentials evaluated and recognized in Canada. The service is designed for individuals who are:- Immigrating to Canada as skilled workers and require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).- Seeking employment, educational opportunities, or licensure in Canada and need to compare their international credentials to Canadian educational standards.Additionally, organizations such as employers, educational institutions, or professional regulatory bodies can also utilize IQAS for resources, workshops, and information on assessing international educational credentials.Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
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.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for education received outside Canada
- Assessment that compares credentials to educational standards in Canada
How to apply
1
Determine the Purpose of Assessment
Decide if you need an assessment for immigration, employment, education, or licensure purposes in Canada.
2
Create an IQAS Account
- Visit the official IQAS website.
- Create an account by providing your personal information.
3
Prepare Required Documents
- Gather all necessary educational documents and transcripts.
- Ensure documents are translated into English or French if necessary.
4
Complete Online Application
- Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
- Select the appropriate type of credential assessment you need.
5
Pay the Assessment Fee
Submit the required payment for the assessment through the designated payment portal.
6
Submit Documents
- Upload or mail your educational documents as instructed.
- Ensure all documents meet the IQAS requirements.
7
Confirmation of Application
- Receive a confirmation email outlining the next steps.
- Keep a record of any correspondence and your application reference number.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for those accessing IQAS services:
- IQAS assessments are recognized by various Canadian institutions, including immigration authorities and professional bodies.
- You may need to provide official translations of your documents if they are not in English or French.
- Processing times for assessments can vary, so plan your application accordingly to meet any deadlines for immigration or educational applications.
- Once an assessment is complete, you may request duplicate certificates if needed for multiple applications or purposes.
- IQAS provides comprehensive education guides which can help applicants understand the evaluation process and Canadian educational equivalencies.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)?
Who is eligible for the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) program?
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