In Brief
- The recognition of a foreign degree depends on the purpose: studies or work.
- For studies, the final decision rests with the host institution.
- For work, it is the employer who assesses qualifications for non-regulated professions.
- The Enic-Naric Center issues a comparability certificate (costing €120).
- This certificate has no legal value but helps in assessing the level.
Who Can Apply
This procedure is for anyone wishing to have a degree obtained abroad recognized, regardless of nationality. The criteria vary depending on the organization of studies and the intended profession.
Steps
General Case: For Studying
The recognition of the foreign degree is granted by the host institution in France at the time of the enrollment application. Each institution defines its own admission criteria based on prior education and the requirements of the program.
The institution may request a comparability certificate. This is an opinion on the evaluation of the foreign degree, describing its level of study and comparing it to the French level using an analysis grid based on international texts.
Procedure for the Comparability Certificate:
- Verify that the degree is recognized by the issuing country and that it is a degree-awarding program.
- Note: degrees that only certify language proficiency or allow for the practice of a regulated profession are not covered by this specific certificate.
- Apply online on the Enic-Naric Center's website.
- Make the payment online at the time of application.
- Receive the certificate by email after review.
European Programs: For Studying
If you are coming to study as part of an organized mobility (Erasmus+ program or bilateral exchange), the recognition of degrees is usually provided for in the exchange agreement or through the application of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Check with your university or school's international relations office.
Non-Regulated Profession: For Working
It is your future employer who evaluates the qualifications or degrees presented and the professional level. They may require a comparability certificate issued by the Enic-Naric Center. The application process is the same as described for studies (online application, payment, response time).
Regulated Profession: For Working
There are two types of regulated professions:
- Liberal professions and ministerial offices (lawyer, judicial commissioner, architect, doctor, etc.).
- Commercial and artisanal professions (mechanic, hairdresser, etc.).
The procedure differs depending on the profession and whether the degree was obtained in the European Union or not. It is advisable to inquire with the Enic-Naric center to know the specific steps.
Sports Education Degrees
The process varies depending on the origin of the degree (EU or non-EU).
Degree obtained in an EU member country:
Recognition of qualifications is necessary to practice the profession of sports educator in France and obtain the professional card required to work. The application is made online on the TREQUE platform. This application is free.
Degree obtained in a non-EU country:
Specific information for this case is not detailed in the provided excerpt for the continuation of the procedure after the title "You can d".
Documents
To obtain the comparability certificate from the Enic-Naric Center, you must provide proof of your foreign degree. Only a degree recognized by the issuing country is considered. Degree-awarding programs are the only ones concerned.
Cost
- Comparability Certificate (Enic-Naric Center): €120.
- Exemption: Issuance is free for an asylum seeker or refugee.
- Requalification as a Sports Educator (EU): Free via the TREQUE platform.
- Payment for the comparability certificate is made online at the time of application.
Deadlines
- Enic-Naric Center: The center must respond to your request within a maximum of 4 months after payment.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Confusing the comparability certificate with a legal equivalence. The certificate has no legal value and is not mandatory; the final decision on admission or hiring rests with the institution or employer.
- Requesting a comparability certificate for a degree allowing the practice of a regulated profession or for a purely linguistic degree, as these cases are not covered by this specific procedure.
- Forgetting to check if your situation falls under a European program (Erasmus+), where recognition rules are different and provided by agreement.
Official Source
The information contained in this guide comes exclusively from the official sheet updated on April 17, 2025, by the Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister).
Official service-public.fr sheet - Recognizing a degree obtained abroad in France