Diploma Recognition

Diploma Recognition

Very often, abroad, it is necessary to validate one's diploma for employment in a specialized field. The procedure for recognizing a university degree obtained in a university of another country is called diploma recognition. Additionally, diploma recognition may be required by a university if a person is obtaining a second degree or furthering their qualifications.

According to the agreement signed in Warsaw on May 10, 1974, between the Polish People's Republic and the former USSR regarding the equivalence of education documents, diplomas obtained during that time were considered equivalent and did not require diploma recognition. However, since June 20, 2006, diploma recognition has been necessary.

To have a diploma recognized, documents must be submitted to the higher education institution authorized to confer academic degrees.

List of documents required for diploma recognition:

• Diploma and its copy;
• High school diploma;
• Documents allowing assessment of study results (usually, a diploma supplement with grades);
• Application for diploma recognition.

*All documents must be translated into Polish.

The procedure itself is fee-based, regardless of the outcome, and each university has the right to set its price for diploma recognition.

Diploma recognition in Poland can be done remotely, or additional exams, practice, or interviews may be required to confirm one's level of knowledge. It all depends on the educational institution and the specialization of the submitted documents.

The process typically takes 3 months. However, this period may be extended due to document translations, insufficiency, or the need to take exams. For instance, to validate a nursing diploma, approximately a year of internship in a Polish clinic is required. Therefore, diploma recognition for certain specialties may take over a year.

Owners of diplomas obtained in EU countries, Switzerland, and/or EFTA or EOG countries, or a diploma obtained in their home country that grants the right to internship, are exempt from diploma recognition. Individuals wishing to pursue postgraduate or second-level education in Poland may also be exempt. In any case, the decision on exemption is made by the academic council of the institution to which the documents are submitted.

If a diploma fails recognition, an appeal can be submitted to the rector of the higher education institution. There are no established deadlines for submitting appeals.