Some diplomas and professional or academic titles obtained abroad are legally recognised in Poland and entitle to further education or employment in the same way as diplomas issued by Polish universities, while others may be recognised as:
- Equivalent to a relevant Polish diploma and professional or academic title on the basis of an international agreement defining equivalence,
- or, in the absence of such an agreement, by means of a nostrification procedure.
A person whose diploma has been recognised as equivalent to a Polish diploma and title may use the corresponding Polish title.
In special cases (e.g. in the case of refugees), the completion of studies at a certain level abroad may be confirmed through an appropriate procedure, even if the applicant does not have a diploma.
The NAWA website has a special section where you can find information on foreign diplomas and check the specific procedure for the recognition of various diplomas and degrees (link at the bottom of the page).
Legal basis:
Act of July 18, 2018 on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2024 item 1571).
Additional information:
Government information website for foreigner
National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)- homepage
NAWA – programmes for foreigners:
NAWA – Nostrification of diplomas
Information current as of: .
The editorial staff of the portal makes every effort to ensure that the content presented complies with the law, is up-to-date (as of the date of publication, indicated on each subpage) and is useful to users. We note that the content published on the website is for informational purposes only and presents the essence of the issues raised in a general manner. They do not constitute advice or legal opinions in individual cases and should not be the sole basis for decisions on the resolution of specific legal problems. Individual legal advice should be sought from qualified professionals.