The evaluation of Indian degrees by institutions of higher education in Nova Scotia

Abstract

This study was undertaken primarily to survey the policies of the universities in Nova Scotia regarding the evaluation of Indian degrees for purposes of admission and to make some specific recommendations. Questionnaires were sent to the following: (a) the admissions officers of six universities in the province, (b) Indian faculty members at Nova Scotian universities, and (c) Indian immigrants living in Nova Scotia. The returns revealed that: 1. At present there appear to be no well-defined policies concerning the admission of Indian university graduates; 2. The majority of Indian professors felt that holders of Indian Bachelor’s degrees in the first or second division (class) should be admitted to a Master’s degree programme. However, there was no consensus regarding degree holders in the third division; 3. A large majority of the responding immigrants equated Indian certificates, diplomas, and degrees with similar credentials obtainable in Nova Scotia, and felt that all desirous candidates should be given the opportunity to further their education. Recommendations based on the questionnaire results and on studies of Indian university education include the following: 1. Applicants with Bachelor’s degrees in arts, science, or commerce in their first or second division should be admissible to a two-year Master’s degree programme, although the candidates should be encouraged to register in the final year of an undergraduate Honours programme; 2. Those applicants who hold degrees in the third division and reside in Nova Scotia should, upon formal screening and recommendation of a member of the faculty, be admitted to the final year of an undergraduate degree programme.