How to Get Your Degree Recognized for Work in Poland?

If you're planning to work in Poland and hold a degree from another country, one of the first questions you may face is: “Do I need to get my degree recognized in Poland?” In many professions—especially regulated ones like law, medicine, or education—the answer is yes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of getting your foreign degree recognized in Poland, known as nostrification, and explain when it’s necessary, how to apply, and what documents you’ll need.

 

Who Needs to Have Their Degree Recognized in Poland?

Degree recognition is not always mandatory, but it is required in certain cases, especially for:

• Regulated professions (e.g., doctors, lawyers, architects, teachers, engineers)
• Public sector jobs or any position requiring a Polish academic equivalent
• Continuing studies at a Polish university (e.g., applying for PhD or postgraduate programs)

For many private-sector jobs, particularly in international companies or IT roles, recognition may not be required. However, having your degree officially recognized can improve your job prospects and simplify visa or residence applications.

 

Types of Recognition

There are two main processes depending on the level of your education:

1. Nostrification

This applies to non-EU degrees and is a formal process to compare your degree with a corresponding Polish degree.

2. Automatic Recognition (EU Degrees)

If your degree was earned in an EU, EEA country, or OECD partner country (in some cases), Poland may automatically recognize it under international agreements.

For example, degrees from countries like Germany, France, the UK (with some exceptions post-Brexit), and the USA may qualify for simpler recognition procedures.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Degree Recognition in Poland

Step 1: Identify Whether Recognition is Needed

Check with:

• Your employer
• The professional licensing body (e.g., Polish Medical Chamber, Bar Association)
• The university (if applying for further study)

They will confirm whether nostrification is necessary and what type of recognition you need.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

The following documents are typically required:

• Original diploma or degree certificate
• Official transcript or diploma supplement
• Translations of documents into Polish (done by a sworn translator)
• Proof of accreditation of your foreign university
• Copy of passport or ID
• Application form (provided by the university or institution handling nostrification)

Note: Originals and certified copies may be requested. Always check the specific requirements of the institution where you apply.

Step 3: Choose a Recognizing Institution

For higher education degrees, recognition is handled by public Polish universities that offer programs in a similar field. You’ll need to contact the appropriate faculty or department.

For secondary education certificates (for university admission), contact the Kuratorium Oświaty (Regional Board of Education).

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You will need to:

• Fill out the application form
• Pay the processing fee (usually between 300–1000 PLN)
• Submit all required documents
• Possibly attend an interview or be asked to provide additional materials (e.g., course syllabi)

Step 5: Await the Decision

The nostrification process usually takes 1 to 3 months, depending on the complexity of your case and the institution's workload. If your degree is not considered equivalent, the institution may ask you to take additional exams or complete supplementary coursework.

 

Recognition for Regulated Professions

If you plan to work in a regulated profession, you’ll also need professional recognition in addition to academic recognition. This involves:

• Submitting documents to the relevant professional authority
• Passing language proficiency tests (in some cases)
• Completing practical training or exams

For example:

• Medical professionals apply through the Ministry of Health and must meet specific licensing criteria.
• Teachers must apply through the Ministry of Education or local educational boards.

 

Tips and Common Challenges

• Start early: The process can take time, especially if additional documentation is required.
• Have certified translations ready: Only translations by a Polish sworn translator are accepted.
• Double-check institution requirements: Different universities may ask for different documents.
• Be ready for partial recognition: Some degrees may be recognized as equivalent to only part of a Polish degree, requiring additional coursework.
• Language barrier: While some institutions offer assistance in English, most of the process is conducted in Polish.

Conclusion

Getting your degree recognized in Poland may seem complex, but it is a well-established process that thousands of professionals and students go through every year. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or professional licensing, understanding the nostrification process will help you plan more effectively and avoid delays.

Make sure to consult with the recognizing authority or university directly for specific guidance and requirements based on your field.