How to get a French diploma recognized abroad?

Verified 10 June 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

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In Europe

You can get your French diploma recognized to study or work abroad.

To study
General case

If you want to study in a country of the European Economic Area (EEA), you must address your future host institution (university or higher education). He'll recognize your French degree. It will establish the level of education and the conditions of enrollment. The hotel may ask you to contact the Enic-Naric centre in your host country.

Every country in the worldEEE: titleContent has its Enic-Naric center. These centers provide information on the procedures for the recognition of diplomas and the procedures to be followed in the various countries.

Exchange program (example: Erasmus)

If you are going to study as part of an organized mobility (Erasmus+ program or bilateral exchange, for example), the recognition of your diplomas is normally provided for in the exchange agreement. It may also be provided for under European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Check with your university or school's international relations office.

To work

Professional recognition is different for regulated profession in the host country.

The database of regulated professions by country in Europe can help you find out whether or not the profession is regulated in the country in which you want to work.

Regulated Profession

If your profession is regulated in your host country, you will need to obtain recognition of your professional qualifications (whether or not the profession is regulated in France).

Depending on your profession, you will be covered by one of the following 3 plans:

  • Automatic recognition of your training title
  • Automatic recognition of your professional experience
  • General system for the recognition of qualifications

FYI  

a few regulated professions (lawyer, insurance broker, independent commercial agent, freight or passenger carrier...) fall under specific regulations. The steps to be able to exercise these professions are unique.

In any case, ask the appropriate contact point on the spot for the following information:

  • Know where to apply for recognition of your professional qualifications
  • Know the procedure to be followed, the time limits for examining your application, the documents to be provided, the possible remedies in case of refusal and the linguistic knowledge required to exercise
Non-regulated profession

Where the profession is not subject to regulation in the host State, recognition of the diploma and professional level shall be the responsibility of the employer.

If your profession is regulated in France but not in your host country, you will be able to practice it freely, without steps.

In a non-European country

The recognition of French diplomas to study or work in another country is done on a case by case basis.

Inquire directly with the university, the college of the regulated profession or the company of the host country.