Jordan Diploma Attestation & Degree Equivalency

Using a U.S. Degree or Diploma in Jordan

Jordan has one of the most educated workforces in the region, and many Jordanians study in the United States before returning home. Others are American professionals hired by Jordanian universities, schools, hospitals and companies. In both cases, the U.S. diploma has to be legalized by the Embassy of Jordan and, for many purposes, assessed for equivalency by the Jordanian authorities before it is fully recognized.

University degrees and equivalency

Jordan’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research recognizes foreign degrees through an equivalency process. It looks at whether the U.S. institution is accredited and recognized, the program and its duration, and the period the student actually spent studying at the institution. Degrees earned mainly online or through programs that do not meet residency expectations may face difficulties, so check with the ministry before relying on them. Equivalency is generally required for public-sector employment, academic appointments and further study in Jordan.

School certificates

Students returning to Jordan with a U.S. high school diploma usually need an equivalency from the Ministry of Education, which compares it with the Jordanian secondary certificate, the Tawjihi, to determine eligibility for Jordanian universities. The ministry typically wants transcripts covering the final years of school as well as the diploma, and may look at the subjects studied.

Professional licensing and employment

Engineers, doctors, pharmacists, lawyers and other professionals generally need membership or licensing from the relevant Jordanian association or council, which will ask for the legalized degree and, in many cases, the ministry’s equivalency. Employers sponsoring foreign staff for work permits also ask for legalized qualifications.

Preparing and legalizing the diploma

Originals are rarely sent abroad. Instead, the university or school registrar provides a certified copy or a degree verification letter signed before a notary; in some states a notary may certify a copy of the diploma directly. The notarized document is authenticated by the Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of State, then legalized by the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, D.C., in about a week. Jordan does not accept apostilles. Diplomas are ordered under Case 3, personal documents; send the transcript at the same time, since the ministry usually wants both.