The Letter of Intent was signed by the UK and Mexican Governments in the presence of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico. It seeks to establish a bilateral recognition of academic studies in each country.

This initiative leads on from a British Council organised workshop in August 2014, in which UK NARIC presented the UK approach to international qualification recognition and there were early discussions between Mexico and the UK on the scope of a potential recognition agreement.

The agreement will enable up to 170,000 students to use their qualifications in either country to extend their studies, conduct research or take up graduate level employment.

John Bramwell, British Council Director of Education in the Americas, said “This agreement is the first vital step to opening the door so that by the end of 2015, highly skilled people can get their qualifications properly accepted in both countries. For example, the Energy industry is deregulating in Mexico, leaving a skills gap that UK qualified graduates and technicians could fill – but at present cannot. And the UK is not able to take qualified and experienced Mexican graduates, technicians and managers into UK employment as their awards are not recognised here.

“This agreement starts the process of releasing these barriers, and unlocks the door to freedom of employment, advanced studies and mobility between the two countries that has up to now been prohibited by law. It’s a huge opportunity for both countries and will create huge benefits.” Bramwell added.

“Where bilateral recognition agreements can help to improve access to both further study and employment opportunities for UK graduates, it opens up new international markets for UK providers” said Paul Norris, Deputy Managing Director, UK NARIC. “UK NARIC is therefore pleased to be able to positively contribute to this important initiative”.

More information about the Letter of Intent can be found on the British Council website.