Recognition (Nostrification) of Diplomas and Certificates in Armenia and Abroad: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Recognition or nostrification of diplomas and certificates is the process of official confirmation of the equivalence of educational documents obtained in one country to those of another. This process is necessary for continuing education, employment, and other purposes related to the recognition of qualifications.
The company Business Liga provides professional support for the nostrification process, both for Armenian documents for foreign states and for foreign diplomas and certificates in Armenia.
What is Nostrification and When is it Necessary?
Nostrification (from Latin nostrificatio — “recognition as one’s own”) is a procedure during which a state authority verifies the authenticity of a foreign educational document and its compliance with national educational standards.
When is Nostrification Required?
✔ Moving abroad – for studying, working, or migration.
✔ Continuing education – admission to college, university, or postgraduate studies.
✔ Employment – especially in fields requiring confirmed qualifications (medicine, law, engineering).
✔ Licensing – for official permission to conduct professional activities in another country.
Where is Nostrification Conducted?
Recognition of Armenian Documents Abroad
In each country, the procedure for recognizing educational documents is regulated by local laws. In most cases, the following is required:
- Apostille or consular legalization.
- Translation into the language of the destination country.
- Submission of documents to the Ministry of Education or another authorized body.
Example: To recognize a diploma in Germany, an assessment from ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) is required. In the USA, an assessment from private agencies (WES, ECE, etc.) may be required.
Recognition of Foreign Diplomas in Armenia
In Armenia, nostrification is carried out by the National Center for Professional Education and Quality (ANQA). The following is required:
- Application.
- Original document and its notarized translation.
- Documents confirming the study program (upon request).
Which Documents are Subject to Nostrification?
✔ Secondary school certificate
✔ Higher education diploma (Bachelor, Master, Doctor)
✔ Professional development certificates
✔ Course certificates, if confirmation of qualification level is required
How Does the Nostrification Process Work in Armenia?
- Submitting an application to the Ministry of Education or ANQA.
- Verification of the authenticity of the diploma or certificate.
- Analysis of the curriculum, comparing hours and subjects.
- Making a decision on recognition or the need for additional exams.
- Issuance of a recognition certificate (or a refusal with an explanation of reasons).
Timing and Cost of Nostrification
Processing time depends on the country and the complexity of the procedure.
- Armenia: from 2 weeks to 1 month.
- Europe/USA: from 4 weeks to 3 months.
The cost includes state fees, translations, notarization, and intermediary services if required.
Special Cases and Difficulties
1. What to do if the diploma is lost?
It is necessary to restore the document at the educational institution or obtain an official certificate of its issuance.
2. What to do if the diploma is not recognized?
Some countries require passing additional exams or retraining courses.
3. Can a diploma be recognized without an apostille?
In a number of countries, recognition is impossible without an apostille or consular legalization.
How Do We Help?
The company Business Liga provides a full range of services for diploma recognition:
✔ Consultations on the requirements of different countries.
✔ Translation and notarization of documents.
✔ Preparation and submission of applications to state authorities.
✔ Process monitoring and assistance in resolving potential refusals.
✔ Obtaining legalized educational documents without your presence.
We work with educational documents from various countries and help our clients complete the diploma recognition process quickly and without unnecessary complications.
📞 Contact us right now to get a consultation!
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