If you’re planning to study in the UK, there’s one detail you can’t afford to overlook: your academic qualifications must align with UK standards.
But what happens when your chosen university isn’t sure whether your degree is equivalent to a UK qualification?
That’s where Ecctis steps in.
What Is Ecctis?
Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) is the UK’s official agency responsible for recognising international qualifications. Their most well-known service, the Statement of Comparability, formally evaluates your degree and confirms how it aligns with UK academic levels.
It’s a widely accepted document used by universities, employers, and even immigration authorities to understand the value of overseas education.
In simpler terms: if there’s any uncertainty about your qualification, Ecctis can help clear it up.
Why It Matters for International Students
Not every degree or diploma is recognised the same way in the UK. Even if you studied hard and earned your qualification from a legitimate institution, there may still be issues such as:
- The university is not well-known in the UK
- The programme doesn’t match the UK academic framework
- The degree is from a time or region where records are unclear
- The course was vocational or practice-based rather than academic
In these cases, a university might hesitate or even reject your application—not because of your ability, but because they don’t have enough clarity.
That’s why proactive students use Ecctis to reduce friction and improve their admission chances.
Real Student Scenario: When Ecctis Helped Us Avoid a Costly Mistake
Recently, while helping a student apply for an MBA, our team noticed the diploma he held might not meet UK standards. Upon review, we found that the institution had been blacklisted during the year he graduated.
This meant the student was technically ineligible to study in the UK.
Instead of wasting time or money on a risky application, we advised the student to pursue a new, recognised diploma and reapply for the following year. That extra year of planning turned his situation around—and prevented what could have been a major setback.
This is the kind of clarity we aim to provide.
Understanding the Statement of Comparability
The Statement of Comparability is an official letter that summarises:
- What your qualification is
- Where it was obtained
- What level it compares to in the UK
It’s typically used when universities, employers, or immigration teams need formal confirmation that your degree meets UK standards.
You can request it directly via the Ecctis website at www.ecctis.com. It’s a paid service and usually takes a few working days.
Who Needs Ecctis?
- Students from lesser-known or regional institutions
- Diploma holders applying for postgraduate studies
- Applicants with older or non-standard qualifications
- Individuals using their education history for visa purposes
- Mature applicants returning to study after many years
In many cases, UK universities may ask for Ecctis only if they are unsure. But we recommend that students check their eligibility early to avoid any delays.
How Erudmite Helps Students with Ecctis
At Erudmite, we don’t apply for Ecctis on your behalf, nor do we collect any payment related to it. However, we play an important role in:
- Advising when Ecctis might be required
- Helping you prepare documents the right way
- Flagging risky qualifications early
- Suggesting backup routes or improvements where needed
Our experience with international education systems, university requirements, and application timelines allows us to guide students through this process with clarity.
Don’t Let a Technicality Derail Your UK Plans
You could have great grades, solid English skills, and all the right intentions—but if your qualification doesn’t meet UK standards or isn’t clearly understood, your application could be stuck.
Ecctis is one of the most reliable ways to bridge that gap and move forward with confidence.
At Erudmite, we make sure students are aware of this tool and use it wisely—so they don’t lose time, money, or opportunity due to a misunderstanding.
What Erudmite Does (and How We Do It Differently)
At Erudmite, we do more than just process applications — we act as solution consultants for students, parents, and professionals.
Yes, we assist with documentation and guide you through the technical steps, but our real value lies in the clarity and strategy we bring to each case. From identifying eligibility gaps to suggesting alternative pathways, we focus on long-term success, not just pushing papers.
We’re here to help you make smarter decisions — backed by insight, experience, and a clear action plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Ecctis Statement of Comparability cost?
The standard cost is around £49 plus VAT. Additional charges may apply for express services or document delivery.
How long does it take?
Standard processing takes 1–5 working days, provided all documents are submitted correctly.
Is it needed for all students?
No. Many students don’t need Ecctis if their qualifications are already well recognised in the UK. It’s most useful when there’s uncertainty.
Does having a Statement of Comparability guarantee university admission?
No. It confirms your qualification level but doesn’t guarantee admission. Other factors like your personal statement, work experience, and language scores also matter.
Can Erudmite apply for Ecctis on my behalf?
No. But we guide students on when it’s needed, how to apply, and how to align it with their larger study plan.
