Recognition (Nostrification) of Diplomas and Certificates in Armenia and Abroad: Frequently Asked Questions
Recognition or nostrification of diplomas and certificates is the process of officially confirming the equivalence of educational documents obtained in one country for use in 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 in foreign countries and for foreign diplomas and certificates in Armenia.
What is nostrification and when is it required?
Nostrification (from Latin nostrificatio — “recognition as one’s own”) is a procedure in 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 verified qualifications (medicine, law, engineering).
✔ Licensing – for official permission to practice a profession in another country.
Where is nostrification conducted?
Recognition of Armenian documents abroad
In each country, the recognition process for educational documents is governed 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 evaluation by ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) is required. In the U.S., evaluations by private agencies (WES, ECE, etc.) may be necessary.
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?
✔ High school diploma
✔ Higher education diploma (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral)
✔ Professional development certificates
✔ Course certificates, if qualification level verification is required
How does the nostrification process work in Armenia?
- Submission of an application to the Ministry of Education or ANQA.
- Verification of authenticity of the diploma or certificate.
- Analysis of the study program, comparison of hours and subjects.
- Decision on recognition or the need for additional exams.
- Issuance of a recognition certificate (or refusal with an explanation).
Processing time and cost of nostrification
The processing time depends on the country and the complexity of the procedure.
- Armenia: from 2 weeks to 1 month.
- Europe/U.S.: from 4 weeks to 3 months.
The cost includes government fees, translations, notarization, and intermediary services if required.
Special cases and challenges
1. What to do if the diploma is lost?
You must 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 additional exams or retraining courses.
3. Can a diploma be recognized without an apostille?
In some countries, recognition is impossible without an apostille or consular legalization.
How do we help?
The company Business Liga provides a full range of diploma recognition services:
✔ Consultations on the requirements of different countries.
✔ Translation and notarization of documents.
✔ Preparation and submission of applications to government authorities.
✔ Process monitoring and assistance in resolving potential rejections.
✔ 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 now to get a consultation!