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Manavta
22 August, 2025
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In India, distance and online education were popular even before online education was a trend. Indira Gandhi National Open University, also known as IGNOU, is widely known for its distance & online education model. It is also the world’s largest university in terms of student enrollment, year on year. A degree earned from IGNOU is recognised across the nation.
Its credibility and prestige are top-notch. However, many individuals often worry about, “Is IGNOU degree recognised by employers abroad?” To resolve this doubt, let us dive into this blog. It aims to provide you with a clear understanding of IGNOU’s degree recognition and value in India and abroad. But, first off, let us begin with an understanding:
Popularly known as IGNOU, the university was established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament. Initially, it began with only two programmes, Diploma in Distance Education & Diploma in Management in 1987. Originally started with a strength of nearly 4,528 students, it is now known as the largest university in the world, enrolling 3 Million+ students in India and abroad.
IGNOU has 21 Schools of Studies, dedicated to offering a variety of courses across disciplines. Moreover, the university has 67 regional centres, nearly 2,000 learned support centres, and 20 institutions outside India. IGNOU ensures quality and recognised education globally. It has prestigious recognitions and accreditations from the government of India. Let us discuss it in detail below.
Indira Gandhi National Open University was established by an Act of Parliament. Thus, it is considered to be recognised as a central university in India. Known for distance and online education, IGNOU course degrees hold equal recognition as a regular degree programme. Additionally, it has various esteemed recognitions and accreditations from authorised government statutory bodies. These acknowledgements make IGNOU online and distance degrees widely recognised, globally accepted, legitimate, and credible. Here it goes:
Exploring the recognitions, accreditations, and rankings of IGNOU, it is confirmed that IGNOU is a highly prestigious and renowned university in India. It is also considered the largest university in the world for student enrollment. Many candidates who graduated from IGNOU are known to pursue their higher studies and employment abroad. It indicates that IGNOU degrees are highly regarded among employers globally.
However, the question still remains the same, “Is IGNOU degree valid abroad and recognised by employers?” Well, the answer is — Yes. A degree earned from IGNOU is widely recognised and accepted in foreign countries. However, there are several evaluations that some universities may consider for employment and higher studies abroad. Here is why the IGNOU degree shall be recognised in foreign countries:
Home Country Recognition: Many foreign universities check whether your degree is recognised in your home country and is legitimate. Recognition from UGC, AICTE, and AIU confirms this validation.
Evaluation by Foreign Authorities: Just like AIU evaluates credentials of foreign degrees in India, IGNOU degrees are also evaluated abroad. For instance, if you are applying in Canada or the USA, you need to get your IGNOU degree evaluated by WES. IGNOU online/distance degrees are known to be evaluated and accepted by WES, making them valid in the USA and Canada.
Country-Specific Rules: In certain nations, recognition of your degree may depend on specific regulations. You may also need to obtain an equivalent certificate from the respective country.
IGNOU course degrees are recognised in various nations, especially in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Gulf nations. Here are several top countries where IGNOU degrees are highly recognised and accepted by employers:
Here is the table representing the list of countries that recognise IGNOU degree:
| Country | Country |
|---|---|
| United States of America | UAE |
| United Kingdom | Saudi Arabia |
| Australia | Qatar |
| Canada | Germany |
| New Zealand | France |
|
Note: IGNOU degrees are widely valid and accepted for employment globally. However, their acceptance may vary depending on employer requirements and perspectives. You can have your IGNOU degree evaluated by country-specific associations for assurance. |
Indira Gandhi National Open University is one of the renowned and central universities in India. Its distance and online learning courses are widely recognised across India and abroad. Approval from UGC, AICTE, NCTE, and AIU contributes to its validation and acceptance among employers globally. However, for several nations, the validity of an IGNOU degree may be considered based on certain evaluations and rules. You can get your degree evaluated in advance to ensure its validity among employers in certain nations. It is primarily accepted by the employers of the USA, UK, Canada, and Germany, among others.
Yes, an IGNOU degree is widely recognised and valid for jobs abroad. However, depending on your qualifications, skills, and experience, the employer’s perception may vary.
Yes, IGNOU degrees are recognised and accepted across various nations. It includes the USA, Germany, Canada, Australia, the UK, etc.
Yes, companies across India and worldwide accept IGNOU degrees. Securing a job depends on your qualifications, skills, job roles, and years of work experience.
Yes, IGNOU degrees may be considered valid for Canadian immigration. However, it is recommended to do a thorough credential assessment for assurance.
IGNOU has recognition from top Indian statutory bodies, UGC and AICTE. Thus, they also hold weightage and value in the USA.
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