Recognition Of Qualification

The Slovak Republic has its own legal regulations governing the recognition of educational qualifications awarded abroad. It is also bound by international agreements (especially those of the European Union and European Economic Area) and bilateral agreements to which it has acceded or which it has concluded with regard to qualifications acquired in another state.

The term of recognition of diplomas means recognition of a diploma, issued by a foreign higher education institution or other authorized body according to the regulations of the respective State as equivalent to a diploma issued by a higher education institution in the Slovak Republic.

The key points when arranging recognition of a diploma are the type of activity to be carried out in Slovakia (academic studies including PhD studies or employment purposes) and the state where the diploma was issued.

The recognition of degrees of the 1st and the 2nd level (Bachelor and Master) issued by foreign higher education institutions (of Member states or other states except for the states with which there exist a bilateral treaty) falls within the competence of the appropriate higher education institution in Slovakia which provides the same or similar study program.

If the contents of the studies are only partly identical, the higher education institution may invite the applicant to take additional examinations or to complete and defend his/her Bachelor thesis, diploma thesis or dissertation thesis

In case that there is no higher education institution to carry out the study programs identical or related to those stated in the submitted certificate in Slovakia, the recognition of equivalence is issued by the Ministry of Education, Centre for Recognition of Diplomas.

The diplomas issued by a foreign higher education institution or other authorized bodies of the State that has concluded an agreement with the Slovak Republic on mutual recognition of diplomas are equivalent with those issued by a higher education institution in the Slovak Republic, provided that these credentials are covered by the agreement. Decisions on the equivalence of diplomas shall be issued by the Ministry of Education, Centre for Recognition of Diplomas. The decisions made under this Clause refer to the recognition for academic purposes only. (The bilateral treaty has been concluded with the following states: Austria — memorandum, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania.) In all cases the application is submitted to the Centre for Recognition of Diplomas, which either decides on  the recognition of the equivalence itself or issues the recommendation/assessment for or the appropriate higher education institution in Slovakia.

The Slovak Republic has its own legal regulations governing the recognition of educational qualifications awarded abroad. It is also bound by international agreements (especially those of the European Union and European Economic Area) and bilateral agreements to which it has acceded or which it has concluded with regard to qualifications acquired in another state.

The term “recognition of diplomas” means the process of evaluating and validating a diploma issued by a foreign higher education institution or other authorized body according to the regulations of the respective state as equivalent to a diploma issued by a higher education institution in the Slovak Republic. This recognition is essential for individuals seeking academic continuation or professional employment in Slovakia.

Key Considerations for Recognition

The recognition process depends on multiple factors, including the purpose of recognition (academic studies such as PhD programs or employment purposes) and the country where the diploma was issued. This distinction influences the specific authorities responsible for processing applications and the criteria used for evaluation.

Recognition Process

The recognition of degrees of the 1st and 2nd level (Bachelor and Master) issued by foreign higher education institutions (from EU Member States or other states except those with bilateral agreements) falls within the competence of the appropriate higher education institution in Slovakia. The institution handling the recognition must provide the same or a similar study program to ensure comparability of academic content and standards.

If the content of the foreign study program is only partly identical to the Slovak equivalent, the higher education institution may impose additional requirements on the applicant. These may include taking supplementary examinations, completing and defending a Bachelor thesis, diploma thesis, or dissertation thesis. The goal is to ensure that the applicant meets the necessary academic standards set by Slovak institutions.

Special Cases

In cases where no Slovak higher education institution offers an identical or sufficiently related study program, the Ministry of Education, through the Centre for Recognition of Diplomas, takes responsibility for issuing the recognition of equivalence. The Centre for Recognition of Diplomas assesses the academic credentials and determines whether they can be recognized as equivalent to a Slovak diploma.

Furthermore, diplomas issued by foreign higher education institutions or other authorized bodies in states that have concluded an agreement with the Slovak Republic on mutual recognition of diplomas are automatically considered equivalent. This recognition applies to credentials covered by the agreement and is typically processed by the Ministry of Education, Centre for Recognition of Diplomas. Notably, such agreements have been established with countries including Austria (via memorandum), Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.

Application Process

Regardless of the type of recognition required, all applications must be submitted to the Centre for Recognition of Diplomas. The Centre is responsible for either deciding on the recognition of equivalence itself or issuing a recommendation or assessment to the appropriate higher education institution in Slovakia. The assessment process involves verifying the authenticity of the diploma, comparing curricula, and ensuring compliance with Slovak academic and professional standards.

Additional Considerations for Professional Recognition

For individuals seeking professional employment, recognition of their diploma may also involve additional steps beyond academic equivalency. Certain regulated professions, such as medicine, law, and engineering, require further verification by relevant professional bodies. In these cases, applicants may need to provide proof of practical training, professional exams, or additional qualifications.

The process for recognition of foreign qualifications is an essential mechanism for ensuring the integrity and comparability of educational credentials in Slovakia. By adhering to international agreements and national regulations, Slovakia maintains a transparent and structured approach to academic and professional integration for foreign degree holders.