Scottish qualifications recognised in Indian education system

Wednesday 17 September 2025

Students in India will gain clearer access to globally recognised qualifications following a comprehensive benchmarking of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Advanced programmes within India's education system.

The benchmarking report, conducted by global education experts ECCTIS, establishes direct equivalency between SQA Advanced qualifications and India's National Skills Qualification Framework. SQA Advanced Certificates align with NSQF Level 4.5, whilst SQA Advanced Diplomas match Level 5.0.

The initiative provides Indian students with transparent pathways to acquire industry-relevant skills in high-demand fields including Business, Software Development, Electronic Engineering, and Hospitality Management. Students completing SQA Advanced Diplomas can progress to third-year entry at partner universities across North America, Europe, and Asia, enabling degree completion within three years.

For India, this partnership bridges the gap between domestic education standards and international qualifications. The alignment supports the country's National Education Policy 2020 emphasis on skills development and flexible learning pathways, helping cultivate an industry-ready workforce that enhances economic growth.

The credit-based structure allows students to complete a one-year SQA Advanced Certificate before progressing to the two-year SQA Advanced Diploma, developing both specialist expertise and transferable skills for direct employment or further academic study.

"Achieving an SQA Advanced Diploma is an excellent way for learners to develop expertise in their chosen field," said Margaret Curran, International Regional Manager at SQA. "This benchmarking work in India means that local students can embark on the first two years of a degree programme in their home country, with clear pathways to complete a third year at one of SQA's progression partner universities."

Gillian Hepburn, Head of International at SQA, added: "Our international partners recognise the value we offer, which allows Scotland, as an outward-looking nation, to contribute to and benefit from the international community. This aligns perfectly with the Scottish Government's international strategy, promoting Scottish education and Scotland worldwide."

The benchmarking reinforces Scotland's commitment to international education partnerships whilst providing Indian students enhanced opportunities for career progression and global mobility.

More information about SQA Advanced Certificates and Diplomas, and a copy of the benchmarking report, can be found here.