Is a WES Certificate Equivalent to a Canadian Marksheet? Here’s Everything You Need to Know in 2025

With increasing migration to Canada for education, work, and permanent residency, one term keeps popping up for international degree holders: WES Evaluation. Many applicants find themselves asking, “Is a WES certificate the same as a Canadian marksheet?” or “Will WES evaluation be accepted as proof of education by Canadian institutions and employers?”

Let’s clear the confusion.

This blog breaks down everything you need to know about the World Education Services (WES) certificate, its role in the Canadian system, and how it compares to a traditional Canadian marksheet or transcript.

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What Is a WES Certificate?

World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization that provides credential evaluation services for individuals who have completed their education outside of Canada or the United States. WES evaluates your academic qualifications and issues an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report that determines the Canadian equivalency of your degree or diploma.

Key Components of a WES ECA:

• Name of the credential

• Country of origin

• Name of awarding institution

• Credential equivalency in Canadian terms (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s)

• Duration of the program

• Field of study

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What Is a Canadian Marksheet?

A Canadian marksheet refers to the official academic record issued by a Canadian educational institution, such as a university or college. It includes detailed information about:

• Courses taken

• Grades received

• Credits earned

• GPA or percentage

• Terms or semesters attended

This document is used by educational institutions, employers, and government bodies to verify a candidate’s academic standing and subject-level performance.

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Is a WES Certificate Equivalent to a Canadian Marksheet?

Short answer: No. They serve different purposes.

Let’s explore this in detail.

So while a WES certificate is a vital and officially recognized tool in Canada, it is not identical to a marksheet issued by a Canadian university.

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Then Why Is a WES Evaluation So Important?

A WES report provides a translation of your foreign education into Canadian standards. This is crucial for several reasons:

1. Immigration to Canada

Canada’s immigration authority, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for most immigration streams, including:

• Express Entry

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Without a WES ECA, you cannot claim education-related points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

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2. Higher Education Admissions

Canadian universities and colleges often request a WES evaluation when reviewing applications from international students, especially for:

• Master’s programs

• Post-graduate diplomas

• Bridging or credential recognition courses

A WES report helps the admissions office understand your academic background without misinterpreting the system used in your home country.

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3. Professional Licensing and Employment

If you plan to work in regulated fields like healthcare, engineering, education, or finance, professional licensing bodies may require an ECA report to determine your eligibility.

Employers may also request a WES assessment as a way to validate your foreign credentials before offering positions, especially in highly skilled or technical domains.

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When Does WES Replace a Marksheet?

While WES does not literally replace a marksheet, it often serves the same purpose in documentation requirements where Canadian officials or institutions are unfamiliar with foreign systems.

For example:

• A Canadian employer may accept a WES report to verify that your Indian B.Tech degree is equivalent to a Canadian 4-year bachelor’s degree.

• A university may ask for a WES course-by-course evaluation in lieu of your native country’s transcript to understand your academic rigor.

So, in contexts where foreign qualifications need to be judged, the WES report acts as an interpretation and standardization tool.

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Does WES Include Grades and Subject Details?

Yes—if you request a Course-by-Course Evaluation, WES provides:

• Each subject taken

• Grade achieved (as per your home university)

• Canadian equivalency for each course

• Grade Point Average (GPA) estimation

This is especially useful for:

• Applying to education programs

• Seeking professional equivalency

• Meeting employer GPA requirements

However, for immigration purposes, a Document-by-Document Evaluation (credential equivalency only) is sufficient.

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What WES Does NOT Do

• It does not issue marksheets or transcripts in the Canadian format

• It does not enroll or admit you to any educational institution

• It does not guarantee PR or employment

• It does not evaluate non-academic or informal training

WES is strictly a credential evaluation service—not an educational or licensing institution.

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What You Need to Apply for a WES Evaluation

To get your WES ECA or Course-by-Course Evaluation:

Required Documents:

• Degree certificate

• Semester-wise mark sheets

• Medium of Instruction certificate (if required)

• Transcripts sent directly from your university in a sealed envelope or digitally (depending on institution)

• WES reference number (generated upon registration)

Steps:

1. Create a WES account and select your evaluation type

2. Pay the applicable fee (approx. CAD 240 for Document-by-Document)

3. Send transcripts from your university

4. Wait for the evaluation to be completed (typically 20–30 business days)

5. Submit the WES report to IRCC, educational institutions, or employers

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Final Verdict: WES Certificate vs. Canadian Marksheet

If you’re looking for a course-by-course academic breakdown, the Canadian marksheet issued by a local institution is the gold standard. However, if you’re an international graduate and want your foreign education to be recognized in Canada, the WES certificate is the bridge that connects your degree to the Canadian system.

Both documents serve their purpose—and depending on your goal (immigration, education, employment), you might need one or both.

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Pro Tip for International Applicants

Start your WES application as early as possible. Transcripts can take time to be issued by universities, especially in India or countries with slower bureaucracies. Use authorized services to obtain transcripts if you can’t visit your campus in person.

Additionally, always double-check the WES requirements for your specific institution to avoid rejection or delays.

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Conclusion

A WES certificate is not a Canadian marksheet in the literal sense, but it is a highly valuable, official, and widely accepted document that proves your academic qualification’s equivalency in Canada. If you’re pursuing a future in Canada, having a WES evaluation isn’t just beneficial—it’s often mandatory.

Whether you’re planning to study, work, immigrate, or gain professional recognition in Canada, the WES ECA bridges the gap between your home country’s education system and Canadian academic standards.

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