← Back to all posts

UK ENIC Statement of Comparability: What It Is, Who Asks for It, and How Filipinos Apply

NewsOtherGeneral

By iStart Editorial Team·Published October 22, 2026

UK ENIC Statement of Comparability: What It Is, Who Asks for It, and How Filipinos Apply

A UK employer, university or teacher-training course wants to compare your Philippine degree with a UK one.

What the certificate is

A Statement of Comparability is, in UK ENIC's words, "a certificate that shows how international qualifications compare to the UK education systems."

It names each qualification, its awarding school, a UK qualification comparison where one applies, and a reference number, but no grades, subjects or English level. It "should be treated as guidance": the employer or institution decides, and may still ask for your original transcripts. For other countries, see how credential recognition works.

Who asks for one, and when you do not need it

UK ENIC says the certificate gives context for UK jobs, study and professional registration, and that employers, colleges, universities and professional bodies can verify it. Check first whether the organisation asking needs one.

The service covers an international qualification "recognised nationally at a specific level within the country's education system", here the Philippine education system. Professional licences are "typically not eligible" unless formally recognised at an educational level. A UK qualification needs the UK Qualification Reference Statement. It is also "not suitable" for proving your English to the Home Office for a visa; UK ENIC points to the Qualification and Language Service instead (working in the UK).

A table showing when the UK ENIC Statement of Comparability fits: a Philippine qualification recognised nationally at a level is covered, a professional licence is typically not eligible, a UK qualification needs the UK Qualification Reference Statement, and proving English for a visa points to the Qualification and Language Service.

The documents you upload

You apply through an online account, uploading clear colour photos of:

  • final certificates, up to four (your high school qualification is recommended)
  • transcripts signed and dated by the awarding institution (your transcript of records)
  • certified translations of anything not in English (check the Translation Waiver Service first)
  • proof of identity, such as your passport
  • proof of any name change, such as a marriage certificate (getting PSA copies)

Documents must come from the awarding institution, not an affiliate college.

What it costs and how long it takes

As published on 12 October 2026, the certificate costs £69.60, paid when you apply. The fee buys the eligibility check and is not refunded once the review starts. If you disagree with the result, you can ask for a reassessment.

Processing can take 15 working days from complete documents and full payment, and restarts if more is needed. An optional Fast Track Service is quicker. "We will never call you to ask for additional payments," the service says, so a call asking for money did not come from UK ENIC.

A comparison, not a verdict on your school

The certificate grades neither your school nor you; it translates your degree for a UK reader. It records your studies, not what you have done since, so keep building the work and skills it cannot show.

Before You Pay the Fee

  • Asked for by the organisation you are applying to
  • Not the UK Qualification Reference Statement (UK qualifications only)
  • Not for proving English for a visa
  • Documents photographed, all four corners visible

The Questions Filipinos Ask Us Most

Does it expire? No: there is no expiry date, the service says.

Sources