WES Evaluation Guide 2026: Costs, Timeline & GPA Conversion

You've decided to pursue graduate school, a professional license, or immigration to the United States—and now you've hit a wall. Your impressive international credentials mean nothing until an American institution can understand them. That's where credential evaluation comes in.

This guide is written for applicants who want a practical, end-to-end walkthrough (not just definitions): what to order, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to avoid the most common document mistakes.

This guide covers everything you need to know: costs, timelines, the application process, and how WES converts your foreign grades to US GPA equivalents.

Browse related guides on the Blog or explore topics like Grad School, Admissions, and International.

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What Is WES and Why Do You Need a Credential Evaluation?

World Education Services (WES) is a nonprofit organization that evaluates international academic credentials for use in the United States and Canada. WES reports that it has completed 4 million+ evaluations and covers 200+ countries and territories.

What WES Actually Does

WES performs three core functions:

1. Checks and verifies documents — Reviews required documents and may verify them with the issuing institution/exam board
2. Interprets credentials — Describes your credential in U.S./Canadian terms (credential level, institution, field of study)
3. May calculate a GPA (report-dependent) — A Course-by-Course report typically includes credits, grades, and a calculated GPA; Document-by-Document usually does not

When You Need Official Evaluation vs. Self-Calculation

Situation	Official WES Evaluation?	Self-Calculation OK?
Graduate school application	Usually required	For initial research only
Professional licensing (CPA, nursing, etc.)	Required	No
USCIS immigration applications	Often required	No
Employment background check	Sometimes required	Sometimes acceptable
Scholarship applications	Varies by program	Check requirements
Informal inquiries	Not needed	Yes

The rule of thumb: If a third party needs to trust your credentials, you likely need an official evaluation. For personal planning and initial school research, self-calculation works fine.

Who Accepts WES Reports?

WES is the most widely recognized credential evaluation service in North America:

• Graduate schools: Most US and Canadian universities accept or require WES
• Professional licensing boards: CPA, nursing boards, engineering societies
• USCIS: Accepted for immigration applications requiring educational credentials
• Employers: Many companies use WES for international hire verification
• Government agencies: Various federal and state agencies

Important: Always verify your specific institution's requirements. Some accept only WES; others accept any NACES or AICE member.

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WES Evaluation Types: Document-by-Document vs. Course-by-Course

WES offers two primary evaluation types. Choosing correctly saves money and ensures you get what you need.

Document-by-Document Evaluation

What it includes:

• US equivalency of your degree (e.g., "equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution")
• Name of institution and graduation date
• Field of study

Best for:

• Immigration purposes
• Employment verification
• Situations where GPA isn't required

Cost: Pricing typically starts around $118 (plus delivery and optional services)

Course-by-Course Evaluation

What it includes:

• Everything in Document-by-Document, plus:
• List of all courses with US credit equivalents
• Grade conversion for each course
• Calculated cumulative GPA on the US 4.0 scale

Best for:

• Graduate school applications
• Professional licensing requiring GPA
• Any situation where your academic performance matters

Cost: Pricing typically starts around $186 (plus delivery and optional services)

Other WES Report Types You Might See

Depending on your destination country and purpose, WES also offers additional report types (for example, Educational Credential Assessments for Canadian immigration, and NZQA-related verification reports). If you're applying to the US for education or licensing, Document-by-Document and Course-by-Course are the two you’ll see most often.

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WES Digital Badges and Verification (What’s New)

WES increasingly emphasizes digital-first verification (for institutions and employers) and shareable digital credentials. You may see:

• WES Digital Badges: a shareable digital credential tied to your evaluation.
• Institution/Employer access tools (such as secure portals) used to validate reports.

If an employer or school asks for a “verified” report or a digital badge, follow the instructions in your WES account (and confirm the recipient accepts that format).

Note: WES states that digital badges are available only to applicants who order the International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP).

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How WES Converts Foreign Grades to US GPA

Understanding WES's conversion methodology helps set expectations for your evaluation results.

The WES Methodology

WES doesn't use a single universal formula. Instead, they:

1. Research each country's educational system using official government sources, institutional policies, and academic standards
2. Establish grade equivalency tables specific to each country and sometimes specific institutions
3. Convert individual course grades to US letter grades
4. Calculate weighted GPA based on credit hours

A Safer Way to Think About “GPA Conversion”

WES does not publish a single public “one-table-fits-all” conversion for every country and institution. Two applicants from the same country can receive different outcomes depending on the credential type, grading scale, credit system, and the way the issuing institution documents performance.

If you want an intuition for how a U.S.-style GPA is computed, here’s the conceptual model (not a promise of what WES will output):

1. Convert each course outcome into U.S. grade points (e.g., 4.0, 3.7, 3.3, etc.)
2. Weight each course by its credit value
3. Compute the weighted average

$$\text{GPA} = \frac{\sum (\text{gradePoints}_i \times \text{credits}_i)}{\sum \text{credits}_i}$$

For a rough preview before ordering an evaluation, use the free WES iGPA Calculator (see below).

Why Your WES GPA May Differ from Self-Calculation

Your WES GPA might be higher or lower than your own calculation for several reasons:

1. Different conversion tables: WES uses proprietary tables based on extensive research
2. Credit hour weighting: WES may weight courses differently than your institution
3. Excluded courses: WES may not count certain courses (non-academic, remedial)
4. Institutional context: WES considers your specific institution's standards
5. Grade scale interpretation: Your institution's scale may not align with WES's tables

Because WES uses country- and credential-specific rules (and may interpret credits differently), results can differ from informal “online converter” estimates.

For quick self-calculation before submitting to WES, see our International Grade Conversion Guide.

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WES Evaluation Cost Breakdown (2026)

WES pricing changes over time and can differ by destination country and purpose. Treat the numbers below as starting points and confirm the exact total inside your WES account before paying.

Base Evaluation Fees

Service	Cost (USD)
Course-by-Course Evaluation	Starts around $186
Document-by-Document Evaluation	Starts around $118
Additional reports / recipients	Varies
Delivery (mail/courier)	Varies

Optional Services

Optional services (such as faster processing, extra deliveries, or specific delivery methods) vary by time and destination. If you have a deadline, the most reliable approach is to:

1. Start the application to get a reference number
2. Use WES’s country/institution-specific document instructions
3. Only pay for expedited options after your documents are received and accepted

Delivery Fees

Delivery costs depend on destination and delivery method (and can change). Check the live fee breakdown in your WES checkout.

Total Cost Examples

Scenario 1: Single graduate school application

• Course-by-Course: starts around $186
• Delivery and any add-ons: varies
• Total: confirm in your WES account

Scenario 2: Multiple applications (5 schools)

• Base report fee: starts around $118–$186+ (depending on report type)
• Additional recipients/delivery: varies
• Total: confirm in your WES account

Scenario 3: Rush evaluation for single school

• Course-by-Course: starts around $186
• Expedited options (if available): varies
• Express delivery (if used): varies
• Total: confirm in your WES account

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How Long Does WES Evaluation Take?

Understanding the timeline helps you plan your applications effectively.

Processing Time Breakdown

Stage	Duration
Document transit from your institution	1-4 weeks
WES document verification	Varies by country
WES evaluation processing	7 business days (standard)
Report delivery	2-7 days
Total typical timeline	4-7 weeks

Standard vs. Rush Processing

Processing Type	Duration	When Documents Ready
Standard	7 business days	After verification complete

Note: Expedited options may exist for some report types/purposes and may change over time. Any faster processing only accelerates the evaluation step — it does not speed up document transit or verification.

Timeline by Country

Processing speed depends heavily on how your country sends credentials to WES.

Countries with Electronic Verification (Faster)

These countries have systems allowing direct electronic credential transmission:

• India (many universities via Digi Locker or direct upload)
• China (CHESICC verification system)
• Philippines (some institutions)
• Mexico (some institutions)

Typical total timeline: 2-4 weeks

Countries Requiring Physical Documents (Slower)

These require mailed documents, adding transit time:

• Nigeria (postal delays common)
• Pakistan (HEC verification required)
• Bangladesh (institution must mail directly)
• Most African countries
• Most Middle Eastern countries

Typical total timeline: 5-8 weeks

Factors That Cause Delays

1. Incomplete documents: Missing transcripts, degree certificates, or translations
2. Verification issues: Institution slow to respond to WES verification requests
3. Document authenticity concerns: Additional verification required
4. High-volume periods: September-December for graduate applications
5. Postal delays: Especially from countries with unreliable mail systems
6. Holidays: Institutional closures in your country

When Expedited Options Might Help (If Available)

Consider expedited processing only if:

• Your documents have already been received and accepted
• Your deadline is close and you’re sure the remaining time is the evaluation step (not verification)
• You’ve confirmed the option and price in your WES checkout/account

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Step-by-Step: How to Apply for WES Evaluation

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth evaluation process.

Step 1: Create Your WES Account

1. Go to wes.org
2. Click "Apply Now"
3. Choose your destination country (US or Canada—they have different requirements)
4. Create an account with your email and password
5. Complete your profile with personal information

Important: Use your name exactly as it appears on your academic documents. Mismatches cause delays.

Step 2: Select Your Evaluation Type

Choose based on your purpose:

Purpose	Recommended Type
Graduate school	Course-by-Course (pricing starts around $186) or ICAP add-on (varies)
Professional licensing	Course-by-Course (pricing starts around $186)
Immigration	Document-by-Document (pricing starts around $118) often sufficient
Employment	Document-by-Document (pricing starts around $118) usually acceptable

Step 3: Request Documents from Your Institution

This is the most critical step. WES requires documents sent directly from your institution, not from you.

Required documents typically include:

1. Official transcripts — All years of study, with grading scale explanation
2. Degree certificate/diploma — Or provisional certificate if not yet graduated
3. Mark sheets — Semester-wise or year-wise grade reports
4. Translations — If documents aren't in English (must be certified)

How to send documents:

Method	Instructions
Electronic (preferred)	Institution uploads directly to WES or partner service
Physical mail	Institution mails in sealed envelope with registrar signature across seal

Before you request anything from your registrar, use WES’s official Required Documents tool to confirm exactly what they want for your country and credential type:

• WES Required Documents

Where to send physical documents: Use the exact address shown in your WES account and/or the Required Documents instructions for your institution. (Mailing addresses can change and differ based on destination country and report purpose.)

Step 4: Submit Your Application

1. Enter all educational credentials in your WES account
2. Upload your own copies of documents (for reference, but official versions must come from institution)
3. Select recipient institutions (where you want reports sent)
4. Pay the evaluation fee
5. Submit application

You'll receive a WES Reference Number—share this with your institution when requesting document submission.

Step 5: Track Your Evaluation Status

WES provides online tracking:

• Application received: Your payment processed
• Documents received: WES has your institution's documents
• In process: Evaluation underway
• Completed: Evaluation finished, report sent

Check status at: Your WES Account → My Account → Application Status

Step 6: Receive Your Report

Reports are delivered based on your selection:

• Electronic: PDF sent to institutions you specified
• Physical: Mailed to you and/or institutions
• ICAP: Adds document storage/verification features and can make sending to additional recipients easier (details and pricing vary)

Timeline after completion: 2-7 days for delivery

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WES vs. ECE vs. Other Credential Evaluation Services

WES isn't the only option. Here's how major services compare:

Service Comparison Table

Service	Base Cost	Timeline	Best For
WES	Starts around $118–$186+	Often ~7 business days after docs accepted	Wide recognition, common school requirement
ECE	Varies	Varies	Sometimes required by specific boards/schools
SpanTran	Varies	Varies	Alternative NACES option
IQAS (Alberta)	Varies	Often slower	Some Canadian pathways

Which Service Should You Choose?

Check Your Program's Requirements First

Many institutions specify which evaluation services they accept:

• "WES or ECE required" — You have two options
• "Any NACES member" — Choose based on cost/speed
• "WES only" — No choice; use WES

Always verify before paying.

USCIS-Accepted Services for Immigration

For U.S. immigration filings where a credential evaluation is used, applicants and attorneys commonly use evaluators that are members of:

• NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services)
• AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators)

WES and ECE are NACES members. Requirements vary by petition type and adjudicator, so confirm what your case needs.

Full NACES member list: naces.org/members

State Licensing Board Requirements

Professional licensing boards often have specific requirements:

Profession	Common Requirement
CPA (Accountant)	Most states accept WES, some require specific services
Nursing (RN)	Varies by state; CGFNS often required
Engineering (PE)	Usually NACES member acceptable
Teaching	State-specific; check with Department of Education

NACES vs. AICE Members

Organization	Members	Reputation
NACES	18 members including WES, ECE	More stringent standards, widely recognized
AICE	15 members	Good standards, sometimes less recognized

When in doubt, choose a NACES member.

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Common WES Evaluation Problems and Solutions

Even with careful preparation, issues arise. Here's how to handle them.

"My GPA Came Out Lower Than Expected"

Why it happens:

• WES conversion tables may be stricter than your expectations
• Your institution's grading scale wasn't favorable
• Course credits were weighted differently

Solutions:

1. Request a re-evaluation — If you believe there's an error, contact WES with specific concerns
2. Provide context in applications — Explain grading culture in your Statement of Purpose
3. Highlight class rank — If you ranked highly, mention it in applications
4. Get strong letters — Ask recommenders to contextualize your performance

What WES can't do: Change their conversion methodology for individual applicants. Their tables are standardized.

"My Documents Were Rejected"

Common rejection reasons:

• Documents came from you, not the institution
• Seal was broken or envelope wasn't properly secured
• Documents weren't in English without certified translation
• Institution isn't recognized by WES

Solutions:

1. Re-request from institution with clear instructions about sealed envelope requirements
2. Contact your institution's registrar to ask about WES-compliant procedures
3. Get certified translation from a professional service (not yourself or family)
4. Check institution recognition on WES's institution database before applying

"My Country Isn't Listed"

If your country doesn't appear in WES's system:

1. Contact WES directly — They evaluate credentials from over 200 countries; your institution might just need manual entry
2. Check if institution is recognized — WES may not recognize certain private or vocational institutions
3. Consider alternatives — ECE or other NACES members may cover your country

"I Can't Get Transcripts from My Institution"

Common scenarios:

• Institution closed or merged
• Political instability prevents access
• Institution refuses to mail directly to WES

Solutions:

1. Contact WES for guidance — They have procedures for difficult situations
2. Gather supporting documentation — Anything that proves your attendance and performance
3. Request through government ministry — Some countries' education ministries maintain archives
4. Use alternative verification — Some countries have national credential databases

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WES iGPA: Self-Reported International GPA

WES offers a free tool for preliminary GPA calculation.

What Is WES iGPA?

WES iGPA is a free online tool that lets you:

• Enter your courses and grades manually
• See an estimated US GPA conversion
• Get a preliminary sense of how WES might evaluate your credentials

Access it at: apps.wes.org/igpa-calculator

When WES iGPA Is Accepted

• Self-reported applications — Some schools accept self-reported GPAs initially
• Preliminary inquiries — When schools ask for approximate GPA
• Scholarship screening — Initial eligibility determination
• Personal planning — Understanding where you stand

Limitations vs. Official Evaluation

Feature	WES iGPA	Official WES Evaluation
Cost	Free	Starts around $118–$186+ (varies)
Verified by WES	No	Yes
Accepted for admissions	Rarely	Yes
Accepted for licensing	No	Yes
Accepted for immigration	No	Yes
Accuracy	Approximate	Official

Note: official evaluation pricing varies by purpose/destination and optional services; publicly advertised starting prices are commonly around $118 (DxD) and $186 (CxC), plus delivery.

Bottom line: Use iGPA for planning; use official evaluation for applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does WES evaluation cost?

WES evaluation pricing depends on destination country, purpose, delivery method, and optional add-ons. Publicly advertised starting prices are commonly:

• Document-by-Document: starts around $118
• Course-by-Course: starts around $186

Delivery and any optional services are additional and vary.

How long does WES evaluation take?

Standard WES processing is often described as about 7 business days after documents are received, accepted, and verified. Total timeline including document transit is typically 4-7 weeks. Expedited options (if available) vary by report type and time.

Is WES evaluation accepted for immigration?

WES is a NACES member organization. For Canadian immigration, WES Canada evaluations are accepted by IRCC (for ECA purposes). For U.S. immigration filings, requirements vary by petition type; when a credential evaluation is used, applicants commonly use NACES/AICE member evaluators.

Can I use WES for employment verification?

Yes. Many US employers accept WES evaluations for verifying international educational credentials. A Document-by-Document evaluation (pricing starts around $118, plus delivery) is usually sufficient for employment purposes.

Does WES verify my credentials?

Yes. WES contacts your institution directly to verify document authenticity. This verification process is part of why WES evaluations are trusted—they don't just convert grades; they confirm your credentials are legitimate.

What if my institution doesn't send documents?

Contact WES directly to discuss alternatives. Options may include:

• Documents sent via government education ministry
• Notarized copies with supporting verification
• Alternative documentation proving attendance and completion

WES has procedures for difficult situations, including closed institutions and countries with limited infrastructure.

Can I appeal my WES GPA?

You can request a re-evaluation if you believe there's an error, but WES doesn't change their conversion methodology for individual applicants. They use standardized tables based on extensive research. If your GPA seems low, focus on contextualizing your grades in your applications rather than disputing WES's methodology.

How long is a WES evaluation valid?

WES evaluations don't expire. However, some institutions may require recent evaluations (within 5 years). Check with your specific school or licensing board. ICAP evaluations include lifetime access to your digital report.

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Key Takeaways

1. Choose the right evaluation type: Course-by-Course for graduate school; Document-by-Document for immigration or employment.

2. Plan ahead: Total timeline is 4-7 weeks. Don't wait until the last minute.

3. Documents must come from your institution: This is the most common source of delays.

4. Your GPA may surprise you: WES conversions often differ from self-calculations—sometimes higher, sometimes lower.

5. Check requirements first: Some institutions require WES specifically; others accept any NACES member.

6. Compare recipient/delivery needs: If you’re applying to multiple schools, costs can change based on delivery and recipient options—confirm in your WES checkout.

7. Context matters in applications: If your converted GPA seems low, explain your grading system and class rank in your Statement of Purpose.

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Official Resources

• World Education Services (WES) — Official WES website for applications
• WES iGPA Calculator — Free self-calculation tool
• NACES Member Organizations — List of all accredited credential evaluation services
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) — Alternative evaluation service

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Ready to Start Your Application?

Getting your credentials evaluated is a crucial step toward your US education or career goals. Start early, follow the document requirements carefully, and you'll have your official GPA conversion ready for your applications.

For help understanding what your international grades mean before ordering a WES evaluation, check out our International Grade Conversion Guide.

Ready to find programs that match your profile? Search 50,000+ faculty profiles to find advisors aligned with your research interests.

Related guides:

• International Grade Conversion Guide
• How to Apply to Master's Programs in the USA
• 25 Most Prestigious Universities in the US