Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) – Earn Your Degree Through Experience
VAE Degree Evaluation: The International Higher Education Consortium Headquarters in Switzerland evaluates VAE Degree Diplomas, Executive Certificates and for candidates, qualified Executives worldwide. Upon completion of the evaluation and after successfully fulfilling all required documentation and conditions, we issue the international VAE degree through our network of partner universities and business schools.
Transform Your Professional Experience into a Recognized Swiss Degree
At SGSB Business School and IHED Business School of Switzerland, we believe that knowledge and expertise gained through professional experience are just as valuable as formal education. Our Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) program allows professionals like you to convert years of work experience into an accredited Swiss degree, empowering your career with globally recognized qualifications.
What is the VAE Degree?
The Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) is a globally recognized process that formally acknowledges professional skills and expertise gained through real-world work experience. It provides a pathway for individuals to convert their career achievements into an accredited academic qualification.
This system is equivalent to:
- Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) in Switzerland and France
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) in the UK
- Credit for Life and Work Experience in the USA
In French, “Validation des Acquis de l’Expérience (VAE)” allows professionals to obtain formal academic recognition for their knowledge and competencies, leading to certifications or academic degrees without the need for traditional classroom study. By bridging the gap between professional experience and academic qualifications, the VAE process empowers individuals to enhance their credentials, advance their careers, and gain international recognition for their expertise.
Germany: Recognition of Prior Learning
In Germany, the process of acknowledging professional competencies gained through non-formal and informal learning is known as the Recognition of Prior Learning. This system allows individuals to have their professional qualifications assessed for equivalence to German standards. The procedure is particularly beneficial for those who have acquired relevant skills either in Germany or abroad but lack formal certification. The validation is conducted by competent bodies such as the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and Chambers of Crafts (HWK), which can certify the professional activities individuals are qualified to perform.
Canada: Foreign Credential Recognition
In Canada, the Foreign Credential Recognition process evaluates the education, skills, and work experience obtained in other countries to determine their equivalence to Canadian standards. This assessment is crucial for newcomers aiming to work in regulated professions, as it ensures that their foreign qualifications meet the necessary requirements. The process involves obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which verifies that a foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is comparable to a Canadian one. This recognition facilitates the integration of internationally trained individuals into the Canadian workforce.
In Switzerland, the Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) is a recognized pathway that allows individuals to obtain formal qualifications by validating their professional and personal experiences. This process is particularly beneficial for adults who have extensive work experience but lack formal certifications.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Professional Experience: Candidates must have a minimum of five years of professional experience, with at least three to four years in the targeted profession.
Procedure:
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Documentation: Candidates compile a comprehensive dossier detailing their acquired competencies and experiences relevant to the desired qualification.
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Assessment: The submitted dossier is evaluated by a panel of experts to determine if the documented experiences meet the required professional standards.
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Outcome: Based on the assessment, candidates may receive full or partial recognition of their competencies. If certain skills are not validated, additional training may be recommended to bridge the gaps.
Available Qualifications:
Through the VAE process, individuals can obtain:
Institutions Offering VAE:
Several Swiss institutions facilitate the VAE process. For instance, the Swiss Graduate School of Business (SGSB) offers VAE programs, enabling professionals to earn recognized degrees based on their work experience.
Benefits:
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Formal Recognition: Transforms practical experience into officially recognized qualifications.
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Career Advancement: Enhances employment opportunities and potential for career progression.
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Lifelong Learning: Encourages continuous professional development without necessitating traditional educational pathways.
The VAE system in Switzerland provides a valuable opportunity for professionals to formalize their skills and advance their careers by leveraging their accumulated experience.
These systems, along with others like the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) in the UK and the Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) in France and Switzerland, provide pathways for professionals to have their experiential learning formally recognized, thereby enhancing their career prospects and educational opportunities.
Institutions Offering VAE in Switzerland
1. Swiss Graduate School of Business (SGSB)
The Swiss Graduate School of Business (SGSB) is a globally recognized institution that offers VAE-based degree programs for professionals seeking to validate their leadership, management, and industry-specific expertise.
Available Programs at SGSB
SGSB grants Swiss-accredited degrees through VAE in fields such as:
- Executive MBA (EMBA) in International Business & Leadership
- DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) in Strategic Management
- PhD in Business & Economics
- Master of Science in International Business & Marketing
Eligibility Criteria at SGSB
- Minimum five years of work experience in a relevant field
- Strong professional achievements and managerial responsibilities
- Completion of a detailed experience dossier to demonstrate competencies
Application Process at SGSB
- Consultation & Guidance: Candidates discuss eligibility with an SGSB advisor
- Submission of Dossier: Applicants compile and present a detailed professional portfolio
- Evaluation & Accreditation: Faculty experts assess the dossier and determine qualification levels
SGSB’s flexible learning and individualized evaluation process make it a top choice for executives and professionals seeking to enhance their academic credentials through VAE.
📍 For more details, visit sgsb.swiss
2. IHED Business School (Institute of Higher Education & Development)
IHED Business School is a premier Swiss institution specializing in business, management, and executive education. It provides a structured VAE pathway for experienced professionals looking to validate their expertise and earn degrees in specialized fields.
Available Programs at IHED
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Leadership & Entrepreneurship
- Doctorate in Management & Organizational Strategy
- MSc in Business Administration & Finance
Key Benefits of VAE at IHED
- Recognition of real-world knowledge without attending full-time classes
- Career acceleration opportunities through an internationally accredited Swiss degree
- Customized evaluation process ensuring the degree aligns with professional expertise
Application Process at IHED
- Candidate Review & Consultation with IHED’s academic advisors
- Preparation & Submission of the VAE Dossier
- Comprehensive Assessment by IHED’s VAE Evaluation Committee
- Award of Degree Based on Professional Experience & Achievements
📍 For further inquiries, visit ihed.swiss
3. University of Geneva (UNIGE)
The University of Geneva (UNIGE) was among the first universities in Switzerland to implement the VAE process, offering professionals an opportunity to obtain recognized Swiss academic degrees based on their career experience.
Participating Faculties at UNIGE
VAE is available through various faculties, including:
- Faculty of Psychology & Educational Sciences (FPSE)
- Faculty of Social Sciences (SdS)
- University Institute for Teacher Education (IUFE)
Eligibility Criteria at UNIGE
- Minimum three years of professional experience relevant to the chosen degree
- Successful submission of a structured experience dossier
- Assessment by a faculty review panel to validate knowledge and competencies
Application Process at UNIGE
- Preliminary Consultation – Candidates discuss eligibility with university advisors
- Submission of Dossier – A portfolio of work experience is submitted
- Evaluation & Certification – A review committee assesses the application and awards academic credits
📍 For more details, visit unige.ch
Why Choose Our VAE Program?
✔ Earn a Prestigious Swiss Degree – Your experience is recognized by SGSB and IHED, leading business schools in Switzerland.
✔ Accredited Global Standards – Equivalent to the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) in the UK and Credit for Life and Work Experience in the USA.
✔ Flexible & Personalized Evaluation – No need to restart your studies; our assessment is tailored to your career history and expertise.
✔ Boost Your Career & Credibility – Strengthen your resume with an internationally accredited academic qualification.
✔ Fast-Track Your Academic Recognition – Gain your degree without following a traditional academic route.
The VAE process bridges the gap between professional experience and academic qualifications, allowing individuals to gain the recognition they deserve in Switzerland and internationally.
Swiss Notarization & Apostille for VAE Degrees and Certificates
When earning a VAE degree or certificate through institutions like SGSB, IHED, or University of Geneva (UNIGE), it’s essential to understand the process of Swiss notarization and the apostille. These official certifications validate the authenticity of your degree and ensure it is recognized internationally.
What is Apostille?
An apostille is an official certification issued by an authorized body, confirming that a document (such as a degree or certificate) is authentic and valid for use in other countries. The Apostille Convention, established by the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) in 1961, allows documents that have been apostilled in one member country to be recognized in any of the other member countries without the need for further authentication.
In simple terms, an apostille is a stamp or certificate attached to a document, verifying that the document is legally valid in countries that are signatories to the Apostille Convention. This is particularly important for documents like VAE degree diplomas and professional certificates, which might need to be presented in other countries for employment, further education, or legal matters.
Why is Apostille Important for Your VAE Degree?
Obtaining an apostille for your VAE degree diploma ensures that your educational qualifications are recognized worldwide. Here’s why it’s essential:
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International Recognition: Countries that are signatories to the Apostille Convention will recognize your Swiss degree without requiring additional verification, saving time and effort.
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Professional Use: If you plan to apply for jobs, promotions, or professional licenses in another country, your apostilled degree will help ensure that your qualifications are accepted by employers and authorities.
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Higher Education Opportunities: If you wish to pursue further studies or apply for academic programs abroad, having an apostilled degree is often a necessary requirement.
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Legal Validity: The apostille provides legal assurance that your degree is legitimate, reducing the chance of it being challenged in foreign jurisdictions.
Swiss Notarization Process for VAE Degrees
Notarization is the process of certifying the authenticity of a document by a Swiss notary public. The Swiss notary verifies that the degree or certificate was issued by the recognized educational institution and that all signatures and seals are valid. After notarization, the apostille can be obtained, which ensures that the document is recognized outside of Switzerland.
Here’s how it works:
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Notarization: The VAE degree or certificate is first notarized by a Swiss notary public, ensuring that it’s authentic and complies with Swiss legal standards.
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Apostille: Once notarized, the document can be apostilled by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The apostille will confirm that the notarized document is recognized by all Apostille Convention member countries.
How to Obtain an Apostille for Your VAE Degree
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Submit Your Degree/Certificate: Present your degree or certificate (notarized) to the Swiss authorities responsible for issuing apostilles. This can often be done through the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) or a designated office in Switzerland.
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Request Apostille: After verification and notarization by the administration department, an apostille will be affixed to your degree or certificate, ensuring its international validity.
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Receive Apostilled Document: Once the apostille is processed, you’ll receive your degree with the official apostille certification attached, ready for international use.
When you earn your VAE degree through institutions like SGSB, IHED, or UNIGE, obtaining Swiss notarization and
Swiss apostille ensures that your qualification is officially recognized across borders. The apostille process guarantees the global legitimacy of your degree, enabling you to use it for professional, academic, or legal purposes in countries around the world.
Having your degree apostilled makes the transition to international career opportunities, advanced education, and even immigration processes much smoother. Don’t miss the chance to validate your Swiss qualifications globally—obtain your apostille today. 🥇🎓🕹️
