According to the new rules with effective from 8th november 2006 in this category you can score the following points in the educational category:

PhD : 50
Master's (e.g. MBA, MA) : 35
Graduate degree (e.g. BA or BSc) : 30

Qualifications have to be to the recognised British standard of Bachelors, Masters or PhD (as validated by the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) current database) to be awarded the respective points for each level of qualification.

Vocational and professional qualifications can also score points in this area if satisfactory independent evidence is produced to show that the qualification is equivalent to an applicable level British academic qualification. This will be validated, where possible, by reference to the NARIC current database. It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the qualification equates to a UK academic qualification. However, NARIC are not always able to verify professional qualifications, so if you already have evidence from NARIC that the qualification equates to an appropriate British level academic qualification please submit it with your application.

Points will only be scored where evidence is provided that the individual has been awarded the relevant academic or professional qualification from an accredited institution.

What are Accredited Institution?

A place of study that is recognised as an institution of higher education by NARIC ( National Academic Recognition Information Centre). Professional bodies must be recognised by the equivalent UK regulatory authority.