Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about studying a Qualifications Scotland qualification at Siam University.

Frequently Asked Questions Resources & Guidance

Yes. The SQA Advanced Diploma is awarded by Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA) regardless of where in the world it is studied. The qualification on your certificate is identical to one earned in Scotland — it is assessed to the same standard, externally verified, and carries the same SCQF level and credit points. Note: Siam University International College offers the SQA Advanced Diploma (SCQF Level 8) only.

Qualifications Scotland is a new awarding body, established under the Education (Scotland) Act 2025, which replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) as Scotland's national awarding body from 1 February 2026. The qualifications do not change. Their names, SCQF level, credit points and the standards behind them all stay exactly the same. You'll graduate with an SQA Advanced Diploma or SQA Advanced Certificate, awarded by Qualifications Scotland.

The SQA Advanced Diploma (SCQF Level 8, 240 credit points) is specifically designed to enable advanced entry into Year 3 of a bachelor's degree. At Siam University, qualified graduates can proceed into the BBA. For overseas universities, the qualification has been independently evaluated by UK ENIC, WES and ACEI. However, the final decision on credit transfer and entry level always rests with the receiving institution and may vary by country and programme.

All Qualifications Scotland programmes at International College (ICO), Siam University are taught and assessed entirely in English. This is a requirement of the qualification and is part of what makes the award internationally portable. Students whose first language is not English may need to demonstrate proficiency (typically IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) at the point of application.

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Business takes 2 years (4 semesters) of full-time study. The programme carries 29 Qualifications Scotland credits (224 SCQF credit points) across SCQF Levels 7 and 8, comprising 22 course units. All students begin at Semester 1 — it is not possible to join the programme part-way through. Contact us for current intake dates and timetabling information.

Yes — this is one of the strongest advantages of studying with us. Graduates of the SQA Advanced Diploma in Business who meet the entry requirements of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at Siam University can apply for advanced entry. This means staying on the same campus, with the same support network, without interrupting your studies or relocating.

The SQA Advanced Diploma is benchmarked on the SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework), cross-referenced to the RQF, CQFW and EQF, and has been independently evaluated by UK ENIC, WES and ACEI. Recognition in your specific home country depends on that country's own qualification recognition body. We recommend checking with the relevant national body before applying. Contact us and we can provide supporting documentation to assist your enquiry.

Entry is based on qualifications comparable to SCQF Level 5 or 6, or an equivalent qualification recognised by Siam University. SCQF Level 6 examples: Thai Matthayom 6 (M.6), A-Levels, Baccalauréat, US High School Diploma, Abitur. SCQF Level 5 examples: GCSEs (Grades 4–9), GCE O/L, Thai Matthayom 5. English proficiency (typically IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) is required for non-native speakers. See the full country-by-country table on the Admissions page.

No. All students must enrol from Semester 1. There is no lateral entry or lateral exit — it is not possible to join the programme in Semester 2, 3, or 4, or to receive credit for prior study that would allow you to skip part of the programme. This ensures every graduate meets the full award standard. Students may, however, withdraw from the programme at any time without penalty to their prior study record.

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Resources & Guidance

Verifying your qualification, international recognition, careers, and what comes after graduation.

Verify a Qualification

If you're a student or graduate and need a copy of your certificate, or an employer or institution checking whether a certificate is genuine, here's where to go:

Students & Graduates

Lost your certificate or need a replacement copy? Order one directly from Qualifications Scotland.

Order a replacement certificate

Or contact us directly and we can help confirm your record with the centre.

Employers & Institutions

To confirm a graduate's certificate is genuine, contact Qualifications Scotland directly, or contact our centre (No. 3029864) to confirm enrolment or completion.

Contact Qualifications Scotland

International Recognition

The SQA Advanced Diploma is benchmarked on the SCQF and independently evaluated by these bodies — see the About page for the full framework explanation.

UK ENIC

UK recognition & comparability statements

enic.org.uk
WES

Credential evaluation for the US & Canada

wes.org
ACEI

Foreign credential evaluation

acei-global.org

Careers & Further Study

The SQA Advanced Diploma (SCQF Level 8) is recognised by employers as a higher education qualification, equivalent to the first two years of a university degree. For job-search and career support, Siam University's International College can help directly. If you're applying for a job or further study overseas, a UK ENIC or WES evaluation letter (see above) is usually what an employer or institution abroad will ask for to confirm your qualification's level.

ICO Siam University

Staying in Thailand vs. Working Abroad

Staying in Thailand: working after graduation requires a work permit from Thailand's Department of Employment, arranged through your employer. The Department of Employment's e-Work Permit system has current requirements and application steps.

e-Work Permit — Department of Employment

Working or studying abroad: each country's immigration process is separate from the qualification itself. Start with a UK ENIC or WES evaluation letter (above) to confirm how your qualification compares in the country you're applying to, then check that country's own immigration authority for visa/work requirements.

Note: This section links to official sources for guidance only — Siam University is not an immigration or career consultancy. Work permit, visa, and immigration decisions rest with the relevant government authority, and job outcomes depend on the employer. For qualification-specific questions, contact us directly.
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Our team can help with anything specific to your qualification or enrolment at Siam University.

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