A foreigner in the Czech Republic may need to go through the so-called nostrification process. When and why? What is necessary for successful graduation?
For what reasons is it necessary to nostrify the diploma?
Nostrification generally means recognition of the validity or equivalence of educational documents. With this step, the Czech Republic confirms that the applicant’s education obtained at a foreign school is equivalent to that which he would have received if he had studied in the country.
This measure is mandatory for students of all countries, with the exception of the Slovak Republic. For example, the nostrification of a diploma from Ukraine is also necessary.
Education at the university level can be confirmed in this way, or high school diplomas and, less often, primary school diplomas are also commonly certified. Attention, this is not about the recognition of expertise and professional competence. This action concerns education only.
Students have their diplomas notarized if they need to continue their studies. This also applies to university students, graduates of foreign universities are interested in starting doctoral studies in the Czech Republic.
In addition, completion of this process may be required if the applicant is entering employment. It can also be here nostrification specifically, only the first step towards the applicant being able to practice his profession. For example, dentists who obtained a university education and subsequently certification outside the EU must still pass an approval exam.
How the nostrification of the diploma takes place
How does nostrification take place? The student should choose a university that provides an accredited study program that is similar to the one he graduated from at his home university.
The entire mechanism in the Czech Republic is not yet unified and remains fully within the competence of individual universities. Attention, currently only public universities are authorized to do this, but not private ones. State schools are also excluded from this process.
In addition, depending on the relevant field, another administrative body can also become the executor of this authority. It can be the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior or the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
Nostrification of a diploma from abroad requires the following documents:
- the original or an officially certified copy of the diploma and the supplement to the diploma
- official translation of the diploma into Czech or English
- in the case of representation by another person, the original or an officially certified copy of the power of attorney
- if this has happened, also an officially certified copy of the marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other proof of name change
- in the case of a person who has been granted this status, the original or an officially certified copy of the decision in the matter of international protection
Recommended attachments to the application further:
- copy of identity card or passport
- changes in the name of the foreign university (if the name of the foreign university in the submitted documents differs from the current name of the school)
- in the case of education in doctoral study programs (Ph.D. and equivalents), CV, list of publications and dissertation (or its annotation and link to it)
Are you interested in processing the nostrification and want to help with the entire process? Get in touch our.
