How to Convert Your Overseas Qualification to a UK Equivalent

To convert an overseas qualification to a UK equivalent, you get it formally compared and recognised. For general qualifications, UK ENIC issues a Statement of Comparability (£59.40) showing the UK level. For regulated professions such as medicine, nursing, and law, the relevant regulator assesses your qualification and sets exams you must pass before you can practise.

Free guidance from RefuAid · Verified June 2026

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There is no single 'conversion' for every qualification — it depends on whether your profession is regulated. Academic qualifications are compared by UK ENIC, while professional careers (doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, lawyer, engineer, teacher) require recognition by a regulator. Path by RefuAid shows exactly which route applies to you and what it costs.

Key facts (June 2026)

UK ENIC issues a Statement of Comparability for £59.40 (inc VAT), verified June 2026.
Regulated professions each have their own recognition exams — for example PLAB, the NMC OSCE, and the dental ORE.
Path covers 10+ regulated professions and is completely free in 6 languages.

How to get your qualification recognised in the UK

Decide if your profession is regulated. Regulated professions (medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, law, teaching, engineering, architecture) require recognition by a regulator. Unregulated qualifications can be compared by UK ENIC for employers.
Get a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability. For £59.40, UK ENIC tells you the UK level your qualification compares to. This is useful for job applications and for some regulator and university entry routes.
Contact your professional regulator. If your profession is regulated, the regulator (GMC, NMC, GDC, GPhC, HCPC, SRA, ARB, Engineering Council, or DfE) assesses your qualification directly and tells you which exams you need.
Prove your English level. Most regulators require IELTS or OET. Gather your certificates and translations early, as documentation requirements can take time.
Pass recognition exams and register. Complete the exams your regulator requires, then apply to join the professional register so you can legally practise in the UK.

Refugee support with qualification recognition

RefuAid offers interest-free loans for assessment, exam, and registration costs.
Several regulators offer refugees flexible documentation when original certificates are unavailable.
REACHE and Breaking Barriers help with translations, English, and employment.
Path highlights every refugee fee waiver relevant to your profession.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if my overseas degree is valid in the UK?

Request a Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC (£59.40). It shows the UK qualification level your degree compares to and is widely accepted by employers and some regulators.

What if I lost my qualification documents as a refugee?

Many UK regulators offer refugees flexible documentation routes when original certificates are unavailable. Contact your regulator directly and explain your situation; RefuAid and REACHE can help you prepare.

Is UK ENIC the same as qualifying as a doctor or nurse?

No. UK ENIC compares academic levels, but it does not give you a licence to practise a regulated profession. For that, you must meet your regulator's exam and registration requirements.

Official sources

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