Is IGNOU degree valid in USA?

May 24, 2021May 24, 2021 Abhi

USA is one of the best career destinations in the world. From a very handsome package to a very satisfying lifestyle, many reasons are tempting an Indian student to look for a better career opportunity in the United States.

It may seem easy to apply for the jobs if the aspirant is from a regular classroom program. But if you are one from open universities, the table turns around immediately. In this context, IGNOU is India’s biggest Open University.

So, if your dream is to visit the United States for higher studies or get better job opportunities, you must be thinking – Is Ignou degree valid in USA?

Will I be eligible to apply for an MBA in the USA with an IGNOU degree?

Table of Contents

Is IGNOU Degree valid in USA for MBA?

Indira Gandhi National Open University, also known as IGNOU, is the largest university in the world. It has more than 7 million registered students, which is a huge number. Let’s look at its credibility –

Recognitions

1.) It is recognised by the UGC ( University Grants Commission of India ), making it a central University in India. The affiliation provided by DEC ( Distance Education commission ) empowers it to provide certified degrees to the students.

2.) Meanwhile, AICTE too recognises a Masters degree granted by the IGNOU.

3.) NAAC accredits IGNOU with the highest grade of A++. Also, the AIU ( a.k.a. Association of Indian Universities) recognises degrees granted by IGNOU as similar to the degrees conferred by its regular classroom university counterparts.

With such a robust and credible degree, YES, a student with an Undergraduate Degree from IGNOU is very much eligible to apply for higher studies in many foreign countries.

So, Is IGNOU Degree valid in USA for MBA – The answer is Yes.

But again, as you must be aware that IGNOU is an OPEN University, one must read the eligibility criteria of the UNIVERSITY they are applying for in the USA. Many universities in India themselves demand regular classroom programs.

The same goes with several foreign university entrance exams/processes too. A few universities demand work experience in relevant fields for admission in their MBA programs. Thus, these points too must be cleared in advance with the institutions.

Is IGNOU degree valid in USA for PG courses in the technical stream?

The education programs offered by IGNOU are-

Program	Courses Offered
Certificate Courses	CAFE, CCP, CDM, CES, CFN, CFS, CHCWM, CHR, CIB, CIG, CIS, CIT, CNCC, COF, CPF, CPLT, CRD, CTE, CTPM, CTS, CWHM, PGCAP.
Diploma Courses	ADWRE, DAFE, DCE, DCYP, DDT, DECE, DFPT, DIPP, DMT, DNHE, DPVCPO, DTS, DVAPFV, DWED, DWM, PGDDE, PGDDM, PGDESD, PGDFSQM, PGDHHM, PGDIBO, PGDIPR, PGDLPO, PGDMCH, PGDPM, PGDRD, PGJMC.
Degree Courses (UG)	BBA Retail Management, BA, B.A.Psychology, BCA, BCOM, BEd, BLIS, BPP, BSC, BSCN (PB), BSW, BTCM, BTME, BTS, BTWRE
Master Degree Courses (PG)	IMADE, MA(EDU), MADE, MAH, MARD, MCA, MCOM, MEC, MED, MEG, MHD, MLIS, MP, MPA, MPS, MSC(DFSM), MSO, MSW, MTM, MPhil.
Phd.	Respective streams.

One can easily determine from the above list that IGNOU provides an extensive and versatile education program recognised by UGC and AICTE.

But looking at the list, it is to be noted that IGNOU doesn’t provide technical diplomas/degrees in streams like Engineering, Pharmacy etc.

Thus, it can be inferred very easily that the IGNOU degree is not valid in the USA for PG courses in technical streams.

Is IGNOU Degree valid in USA for JOB Opportunity?

Well, the most enquired question from someone applying for courses in IGNOU – ” Is IGNOU Degree valid in the USA or other foreign countries ? “

Two or three decades ago, the answer would have been a direct NO. But with several recognitions from government-led organisations in India and other countries, IGNOU has emerged as the leader in OPEN education worldwide.

So, Is IGNOU Degree valid in USA for JOB Opportunity- Yes with some exceptions !!

That’s a bit complex.

With a degree from IGNOU, an aspirant is very much eligible to apply for jobs in many Organisations/Companies in the USA. But as we mentioned above, many organisations require a regular classroom degree program.

Also, in the USA, an IT Engineer/ Computer Science Engineer is supposed to get more exposure in IT/Software industries than any BCA or MCA guy.

But again, the ball game changes 360 degrees if a person holds some experience after completion of BBA/BCA/MCA etc.

Thus, one must enquire comprehensively in advance before applying for the job.

But rest be assured that the degrees/ certificates/ diplomas granted by the IGNOU are well-recognised worldwide.

Conclusion

Higher education and Job opportunity in USA after a degree from Ignou — Is Ignou Degree valid in foreign countries for higher studies and jobs ?

So, the answer to the query – Is IGNOU Degree valid in USA for higher education/jobs, is Yes but with some exceptions where there is a specific demand for a degree from a regular classroom program.

But one must remember that just being eligible for a job is just a small step towards your dream. Having a thorough knowledge of the stream and getting some experience in the field post-degree will help in cementing your position for that open vacancy.

Also, you must enquire well in advance about the work permit, extensions in duration and validity in other cities. This will provide you with an opportunity to settle at your favourite location in the USA.