Which Australian Degrees Are Recognised Internationally

Australian university degrees are recognised internationally, but there are some 3-year degrees that will not be fully recognised without an additional year, such as honours. Degrees in regulated professions, such as engineering, teaching and medicine, will also usually require additional examination or bridging courses depending on the country.

If you’re studying – or planning to study – in Australia, you’ll want to know that your degree will be recognised back home. Whether you’re aiming to head back home, work abroad, apply for postgraduate study, or migrate permanently, recognition of your qualification matters. Here is a complete guide for international students to make sure your degree will be recognised – it includes the different types of Australian qualifications and country-specific information, including Canada, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, the U.K. and U.S.A.

1. Australian Degrees Are Globally Recognised

Australian universities are part of the Bologna Process, which helps standardise degree recognition across 50+ countries, including the UK and much of Europe. Australian qualifications are also recognised in countries like the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UAE.

Degrees from Australian universities are especially well regarded because:

• They are taught in English.
• The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) ensures consistency across universities – read more about that here.
• Several Australian universities consistently rank in the top 100 globally.
• Many include both coursework and research components, which makes them versatile for further study abroad.

That said, specific recognition may depend on:

• The country you’re applying to (keep reading for more information).
• Whether you’re entering a regulated profession (e.g., law, medicine, teaching).
• The type of degree you hold (e.g., coursework vs research).

For example:

🇨🇳 China

Australian degrees are generally recognised by Chinese authorities, especially when earned at a university listed on the Chinese Ministry of Education’s approved list. However, because most Australian bachelor’s degrees are three years, they may be seen as shorter than China’s standard four-year programs, which can negatively impact recognition for postgraduate studies, professional licensing or roles.

Check the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange – Degree Evaluation for more information on your specific circumstances (It’s best to do this before enrolling).

🇮🇳 India

In March 2023, India and Australia signed a Mutual Recognition of Qualifications agreement. However, rollout is ongoing, and some Indian institutions or employers may still require further evaluation in some areas. For example, Indian authorities often expect a minimum three-year bachelor’s degree + honours or postgraduate diploma for graduate studies. Regulated professions (like law, medicine, and teaching) also require local registration exams or bridging courses.

You can download a copy of the degree qualifications recognition from here to get more information on your preferred degree.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

The UK and Australia have aligned education systems, and three-year bachelor’s degrees are usually fully recognised, especially when they align with the UK’s classification system. However, for certain postgraduate programs, UK institutions may prefer applicants with a four-year degree, which you can do by adding honours onto your degree (keep reading for more on that!).

Check recognition of your discipline or degree here.

🇺🇸 United States

Australian bachelor’s degrees are typically three years long, compared to four in the U.S. This can affect eligibility for graduate programs (you may need to complete an honours year or graduate certificate), or professional licensing, especially in medicine, pharmacy, and psychology.

However, many U.S. institutions do accept Australian degrees, especially when supported by academic transcripts, course outlines, and credential evaluation from organisations like ECE.

You can access the ECE Evaluation for verification before starting your degree.

2. Understanding Australian Qualifications: Honours, Masters, and PhDs

Australia’s university system is slightly different from some other countries—especially when it comes to honours and master’s degrees. Here’s a breakdown of how these qualifications work, and how they’re typically viewed overseas.

Australian honours degree

An honours degree in Australia is typically:

• A fourth year of study after completing a standard three-year bachelor’s degree.
• Designed for students with strong academic performance.
• Focused on a research thesis or project, sometimes embedded in the degree (e.g., Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)), or as a separate Honours year (e.g., Bachelor of Science (Honours)).

Honours degrees are highly valued within Australia, particularly for students looking to progress to a PhD or competitive job markets.

International recognition:

• In the UK and New Zealand, Australian honours degrees are generally equivalent to British honours bachelor’s degrees.
• In the United States and Canada, honours degrees are usually seen as an advanced undergraduate degree, not equivalent to a master’s, and don’t always qualify you directly for PhD programs. In these systems, students may need to complete a separate master’s degree before applying for a PhD.

That said, the research component in an honours degree can still strengthen your application to overseas graduate schools.

A Built-In Research Pathway to a PhD

One thing that makes the Australian university system different is how honours can act as a stepping stone straight into a PhD—without the need for a master’s degree.

In many other countries, like the US or Canada, students are required to complete a master’s before applying for a PhD. But in Australia, if you complete an honours degree with a strong result, you can often apply directly for a doctorate.

This is because honours isn’t just an extra year tacked onto your bachelor’s—it’s a research-intensive program that includes an independent project or thesis, academic supervision, and sometimes even opportunities to present or publish your work.

To be eligible for direct PhD entry, you’ll usually need:

• A First Class Honours or strong Second Class Honours (Division A) result.
• A research topic that aligns with your proposed PhD area.
• A supervisor willing to support your application.
• Evidence of research capability, such as a well-executed honours thesis or strong academic references.

Some universities may require you to complete a probationary period at the beginning of your PhD to confirm your readiness before granting full candidature. If you didn’t get First or 2A Honours, or if you didn’t do honours at all, a Master’s by Research is typically the next best step toward a PhD.

You can read more about the Australian grading and marking system here.

In short: honours isn’t just a bonus year—it can be your direct launchpad into a research career.

If you haven’t chosen your Australian university yet, read this post to discover everything you need to know about your top ten choices.

Master’s Degrees in Australia: Coursework vs Research

There are two main types of master’s degrees in Australia:

1. Master’s by Coursework

• Involves attending lectures, completing assignments, and sitting exams.
• Often includes a small research or capstone project.
• Duration: Usually 1–2 years.
• Common in fields like business, education, engineering, and public health.

2. Master’s by Research

• Involves conducting independent research under supervision.
• Often includes a thesis, similar to a “mini-PhD”.
• Duration: Usually 1.5–2 years.
• Common in science, humanities, and academic disciplines.

International recognition:

• Both types of master’s degrees are recognised in most countries.
• A master’s by research is particularly useful if you plan to pursue a PhD abroad, as it demonstrates experience with academic research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD in Australia is a research-focused doctorate that takes 3–4 years full time. It involves:

• Producing a significant original research thesis.
• Working under the supervision of one or more academic mentors.
• No coursework component (though you may attend seminars or workshops).

International recognition:

• Australian PhDs are fully recognised worldwide.
• Graduates are eligible to work in academia or industry globally, and often go on to postdoctoral positions in the US, UK, Europe, and Asia.

3. Recognition in Regulated Professions

For some careers, your degree alone may not be enough. You may need to complete further exams or licensing requirements, particularly if you want to work overseas in:

• Engineering – Engineers Australia is part of the Washington Accord, which allows recognition in many countries including Canada, the US, and UK.
• Law – Australian law degrees are not automatically transferable; local conversion or further study may be needed.
• Medicine and Nursing – Additional licensing exams and local training may be required.
• Teaching – Requirements vary by country, but some require additional accreditation or local placements.

Here are some examples for Canada, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom and United States. I’ve included some helpful links for the different degrees or disciplines to make it easier for you to find the most relevant information to you.

🇨🇦Canada

Canada and Australia have a great relationship, and most degrees are recognised – but there are some extra steps for some professions, such as nursing or pharmacy.

Profession	Recognition Status	Notes
Accounting	Partially recognised	To practise as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Canada, you must be a member of CPA Canada. Australian CPAs may be eligible for mutual recognition agreements, but additional assessments or exams might be required. CPA Canada
Architecture	Requires registration	Registration with a provincial architectural association is mandatory. Foreign-trained architects may need to complete the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) program. Canadian Architectural Certification Board
Engineering	Partially recognised	Canada is a signatory to the Washington Accord. However, to use the title “Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)”, registration with a provincial engineering regulator is required. Engineers Canada
Law	Not directly recognised	Foreign-trained lawyers must have their credentials assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) and may need to complete additional exams or courses before being called to the bar in a Canadian province. Federation of Law Societies of Canada
Medicine	Requires licensure examination	International medical graduates must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and complete residency training. Medical Council of Canada
Nursing & Midwifery	Requires registration	Registration with a provincial nursing regulatory body is required. Additional assessments or bridging programs may be necessary. Canadian Nurses Association
Pharmacy	Requires licensure	Foreign-trained pharmacists must pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exams and complete practical training. PEBC
Psychology	Requires additional qualifications	To practise as a psychologist, registration with a provincial regulatory body is required. This often involves credential assessment and supervised practice. Canadian Psychological Association
Teaching	Requires certification	Certification is managed at the provincial level. Foreign-trained teachers must have their credentials assessed and may need to complete additional requirements. Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials

🇨🇳 China

There are quite a few degrees not recognised in China until additional evaluation or examinations are completed. See the table below for the most common degrees that you may have to jump through extra hoops to be recognised.

Profession	Recognition Status	Notes
Accounting	Not automatically recognised	To practise as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in China, one must pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA). Australian accounting degrees are not directly recognised for this purpose. CICPA Official Website
Architecture	Requires registration	Graduates must register with the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) to practise in China. This involves meeting specific educational criteria and may require passing additional examinations. MOHURD Official Website
Engineering	Partially recognised	China is a signatory to the Washington Accord, which facilitates mutual recognition of accredited engineering degrees. However, for certain positions, especially in the public sector, additional evaluation or registration with the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) may be necessary. CAST Official Website
Law	Not directly recognised	The Ministry of Justice in China does not automatically recognise foreign law degrees. Graduates must obtain a Chinese law degree and pass the National Judicial Examination to practise law in China. Ministry of Justice Official Website
Medicine	Requires licensure examination	Foreign medical graduates must pass the National Medical Licensing Examination (NMLE) conducted by the National Medical Examination Center to obtain a licence to practise medicine in China. NMLE Information
Nursing & Midwifery	Requires registration	To practise, graduates must register with the National Health Commission and may need to fulfil additional requirements depending on the province. National Health Commission Official Website
Pharmacy	Requires licensure	Graduates must pass the National Pharmacist Examination and register with the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to practise. NMPA Official Website
Psychology	Requires additional qualifications	To practise as a clinical psychologist, one must obtain a licence from the Chinese Psychological Society, which typically requires completing a master’s degree in Psychology from a recognised institution in China. Chinese Psychological Society Official Website
Teaching	Requires certification	To teach in schools, candidates must pass the Teacher Qualification Examination conducted by the Ministry of Education. Ministry of Education Official Website

🇮🇳 India

There are some partially recognised Australian degrees, and some that just require registration in India:

Profession	Recognition Status	Notes
Accounting	Not automatically recognized	To practice as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India, one must register with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and pass the CA examinations. Australian accounting degrees are not directly recognized for this purpose. ICAI Official Website
Architecture	Requires registration	Graduates must register with the Council of Architecture (CoA) to practice in India. This involves meeting specific educational criteria and may require passing additional examinations. CoA Registration
Engineering	Partially recognised	India is a signatory to the Washington Accord, which facilitates mutual recognition of accredited engineering degrees. However, for certain positions, especially in the public sector, additional evaluation or registration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) may be necessary. AICTE Institutions
Law	Not directly recognised	The Bar Council of India (BCI) does not automatically recognize foreign law degrees. Graduates must apply for recognition, and if approved, may need to pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to practice law in India. BCI Recognition Guidelines
Medicine	Requires licensure examination	Foreign medical graduates must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to obtain a license to practice medicine in India. FMGE Information
Nursing & Midwifery	Requires registration	To practice, graduates must register with the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and may need to fulfill additional requirements depending on the state. INC Official Website
Pharmacy	Requires licensure	Graduates must register with the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and may need to pass additional examinations to practice. PCI Official Website
Psychology	Requires additional qualifications	To practice as a clinical psychologist, one must obtain a license from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), which typically requires completing an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology from an RCI-recognized institution. RCI Official Website
Teaching	Requires certification	To teach in schools, candidates must pass the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). CTET Official Website

🇲🇾 Malaysia

Here is some information on the recognition of Australian degrees in Malaysia for regulated professions:

Profession	Recognition Status	Notes
Accounting	Not automatically recognised	To practise as a Chartered Accountant in Malaysia, one must register with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) and may need to complete additional examinations or training. MIA Official Website
Architecture	Requires registration	Graduates must register with the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) to practise. This involves meeting specific educational criteria and may require passing additional examinations. LAM Official Website
Engineering	Partially recognised	Malaysia is a signatory to the Washington Accord, which facilitates mutual recognition of accredited engineering degrees. However, registration with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is required to practise. BEM Official Website
Law	Not directly recognised	The Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) does not automatically recognise foreign law degrees. Graduates must pass the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) examination to practise law in Malaysia. LPQB Official Website
Medicine	Requires licensure examination	Foreign medical graduates must have qualifications from recognised institutions listed in the Second Schedule of the Medical Act and pass the Medical Qualifying Examination to practise in Malaysia. Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)
Nursing & Midwifery	Requires registration	To practise, graduates must register with the Malaysian Nursing Board and may need to fulfil additional requirements depending on the state. Malaysian Nursing Board
Pharmacy	Requires licensure	Graduates must pass the Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination and register with the Pharmacy Board Malaysia to practise. Pharmacy Board Malaysia
Psychology	Requires additional qualifications	To practise as a clinical psychologist, one must obtain a licence from the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council, which typically requires completing a recognised postgraduate programme. Allied Health Professions Council
Teaching	Requires certification	To teach in public schools, candidates must obtain a teaching qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education and may need to pass additional assessments. Ministry of Education Malaysia

🇸🇬 Singapore

Most Australian degrees are recognised in Singapore, but there are extra steps for these regulated professions:

Profession	Recognition Status	Notes
Accounting	Partially recognised	To practise as a Chartered Accountant in Singapore, one must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and may need to complete the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ). ACRA Official Website
Architecture	Requires registration	Graduates must register with the Board of Architects Singapore to practise. This involves meeting specific educational criteria and may require passing additional examinations. Board of Architects Singapore
Engineering	Partially recognised	Singapore is a signatory to the Washington Accord, which facilitates mutual recognition of accredited engineering degrees. However, registration with the Professional Engineers Board (PEB) is required to practise. PEB Official Website
Law	Not directly recognised	The Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE) recognises certain foreign law degrees. Graduates must pass Part A of the Singapore Bar Examinations and fulfil other requirements to practise law in Singapore. SILE Official Website
Medicine	Requires licensure examination	Foreign medical graduates must have qualifications from recognised institutions listed by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) and pass the necessary examinations to practise in Singapore. SMC Official Website
Nursing & Midwifery	Requires registration	To practise, graduates must register with the Singapore Nursing Board and may need to fulfil additional requirements depending on the area of specialisation. Singapore Nursing Board
Pharmacy	Requires licensure	Graduates must pass the Competency Examination and register with the Singapore Pharmacy Council to practise. Singapore Pharmacy Council
Psychology	Requires additional qualifications	To practise as a clinical psychologist, one must obtain a licence from the Singapore Register of Psychologists, which typically requires completing a recognised postgraduate programme. Singapore Psychological Society
Teaching	Requires certification	To teach in public schools, candidates must obtain a teaching qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education and may need to pass additional assessments. Ministry of Education Singapore

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Let’s have a look at some regulated professions in the U.K that might need extra examination or study for you to be recognised as fully qualified with your Australian degree.

Profession	Recognition Status	Notes
Accounting	Not automatically recognised	To practise as a chartered accountant, graduates typically need to join a UK accounting body such as ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW and pass additional exams. ACCA Global
Architecture	Recognised with registration	Australian degrees from accredited schools are often recognised, but graduates must register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and may need to pass the UK-specific Professional Practice Exam. ARB UK
Engineering	Recognised via Washington Accord	Australian engineering degrees are recognised. For Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, graduates must register with the UK Engineering Council. Engineering Council UK
Law	Partially recognised	Australian law degrees are recognised, but graduates must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) to practise. SQE Info
Medicine	Recognised with conditions	Most Australian MBBS/MD degrees are accepted. Graduates must pass the PLAB exam unless exempt and complete Foundation Year 1 (F1). GMC Registration
Nursing & Midwifery	Recognised with extra steps	Graduates must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), prove clinical hours, and pass CBT and OSCE assessments. NMC UK
Pharmacy	Requires UK registration steps	Graduates must register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and may need to pass local assessments or a conversion course. GPhC UK
Psychology	Partially recognised	Graduates typically need to join the British Psychological Society (BPS) and may require further UK-accredited study or supervised practice. BPS Info
Teaching	Recognised with application	Many Australian teaching qualifications are accepted for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), but registration with the UK Teaching Regulation Agency is required. QTS for Overseas Teachers

🇺🇸 United States

Here are the main degrees that have extra steps for recognition in the U.S.

Profession	Recognition Status	Notes
Accounting	Requires state certification	Must complete 150 credit hours, pass CPA exam, and often gain supervised work experience. NASBA CPA Exam
Architecture	Requires licensure	Must complete NCARB certification, supervised experience, and pass ARE. NCARB Certification
Engineering	Recognised via Washington Accord	Additional steps include FE and PE exams and state board approval. NCEES Licensure
Law	Not directly recognised	In some states (e.g., NY, CA), foreign-trained lawyers can sit the bar after earning an LLM. NY Bar Foreign Legal Education
Medicine	Recognised with significant steps	Must pass USMLE Steps 1–3, obtain ECFMG certification, and complete U.S. residency. ECFMG Certification
Nursing & Midwifery	Not automatically recognised	Must pass NCLEX and meet clinical hour requirements. NCLEX Exams
Pharmacy	Requires extensive validation	Must pass FPGEE, TOEFL, and undergo internship. NABP Foreign Pharmacy Certification
Psychology	Partially recognised	Requires further study (usually doctorate) and passing state licensure exams.
Teaching	Requires credential evaluation	Often needs passing Praxis exams and state-specific training. NASDTEC Interstate Agreement

Always check the local requirements of your target country for your specific degree before enrolling.

4. Studying in Australia as a Launchpad

Many international students choose Australia not just for its lifestyle and education, but because of the global recognition of its degrees. You can use your Australian qualification to:

• Apply for master’s or PhD programs overseas.
• Qualify for international graduate job schemes.
• Migrate permanently or temporarily under skilled migration programs (Australia’s included).

And if you’re an Australian student wanting to work overseas, a well-chosen honours, master’s, or research degree can help open international doors.