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Diplomas, certificates, references

Recognition of professional and academic qualifications

The government of the country of destination is responsible for the recognition of Swiss professional and academic qualifications (apprenticeship papers, university degrees, diplomas, etc.).

Swiss qualifications are normally recognised in EU and EFTA member states. Switzerland is working closely with the EU within the scope of the bilateral agreement on the free movement of persons and is participating in the European system for the recognition of professional and academic qualifications. Check whether the profession you will be exercising in the corresponding EU/EFTA country is regulated by getting in touch directly with the relevant authority or the official bureau for the recognition of professional and academic qualifications in the country concerned.

EU contacts for recognition of professional and academic qualifications

ENIC–NARIC.net: Gateway to recognition of academic and professional qualifications (en)

If you will be working in a country outside the EU/EFTA, you should ask the relevant authority in the country concerned about the conditions and recognition procedure. In some cases, the local Swiss representation may be able to assist you.

The authorities responsible for the recognition of professional and academic qualifications often ask for a certificate from the relevant authority in Switzerland. Normally this certificate provides information about the education level in Switzerland. For citizens of the EU/EFTA, detailed certification of professional activities or experience can also be issued upon request of the foreign authorities. For further information, please contact the Federal State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

SERI contact point

Translation of diplomas and references

When applying for a job abroad, it is normally necessary to have your diplomas and references translated into the official language of the country concerned (or into English). If you need a translation of a professional baccalaureate, university degree or college of technology diploma, contact the school or university that issued it.

Links

Certification and recognition of qualifications for educational professions: Swiss Conference of Cantonal Directors of Education

Certification and recognition of qualifications for healthcare professions: Swiss Red Cross: Health Care Professions (de)

Certification and recognition of university degrees: Rector’s Conference of Swiss Universities (swissuniversities)

EU contacts for recognition of professional and academic qualifications

ENIC–NARIC.net: Gateway to recognition of academic and professional qualifications (en)

Swiss representations

SERI contact point

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Last update 23.10.2019