Application for academic recognition of foreign higher education diplomas

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Summary:

To obtain the academic recognition in Luxembourg of your higher education diploma obtained abroad, you are required to register the diploma in the register of formal higher education qualifications of the Ministry for Research and Higher Education.

Registration in the register of formal higher education qualifications is the normal procedure for academic recognition of foreign higher education diplomas.

This registration:

  • confers the right to carry an academic title; and
  • provides information on the corresponding level in the Luxembourg Qualifications Framework (Cadre luxembourgeois des qualifications - CLQ). It should be noted that the CLQ is aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) .

Academic recognition applies solely to the formal qualification or academic degree. It does not include recognition of the content of the studies and therefore does not confer entitlement to exercise a profession. Further information on entering a regulated profession is available on the information pages on:

National diplomas: diplomas awarded by the University of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg advanced technician's certificate (brevet de technicien supérieur luxembourgeois – BTS), and diplomas awarded by private specialised higher education institutions accredited in Luxembourg for accredited training courses are automatically recognised. If you hold such a diploma, you are exempt from the application for entry in the register of formal higher education qualifications.

Diplomas from the Benelux countries and the Baltic States: in accordance with Benelux decisions M(2015)3 and M(2018)1, and the treaty of 14 September 2021 on the automatic recognition of higher education qualifications, some higher education diplomas awarded in Belgium , the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are also automatically recognised. If you hold such a diploma, you are exempt from the application for entry in the register of formal higher education qualifications.

Who is concerned

You can apply for recognition of your foreign higher education qualification if you wish to:

  • carry an academic title; and
  • demonstrate, for job-seeking purposes, the academic level of a diploma earned abroad.

Registration in the register may also be required to pursue academic study if you wish to enrol in a study programme at a higher level than that of the diploma held.

Prerequisites

A higher education diploma can be registered in the register of certificates if the following criteria are met:

  • it is a final diploma of successful completion of a higher education study cycle;
  • the diploma has been granted according to the laws and regulations on higher education in the State where the diploma was awarded.

Costs

Your applications for registration in the register of formal higher education qualifications is subject to the payment of a EUR 75 fee per diploma.

Payment is to be made by credit card on the platform, at the end of the process, and is mandatory to complete the request.

Note: a refusal of entry in the register of formal higher education qualifications does not entitle to a refund of the fee.

How to proceed

Submitting the application

You can submit your application via MyGuichet.lu with or without authentication using a LuxTrust product (Smartcard, Token, etc.) or an electronic identity card (eID).

After the application is submitted, all subsequent communication, including notifications of changes in the application's processing status, will be sent by email.

The application can also be submitted by post (see the MESR website).

In order to speed up the processing of your application, you must ensure that:

  • all required information has been provided; and
  • all supporting documents have been enclosed with the application:

Supporting documents

You must also enclose with your application:

  • a copy of the final diploma to be entered in the register of formal higher education;
  • a copy of the diploma supplement or, if not available, a copy of the academic transcript;
  • your academic and professional curriculum vitae (CV);
  • a copy of an identity document;
  • a copy of the valid residence permit issued by a member State of the European Union (applies to applicants who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union, of a member state of the European Economic Area or of the Swiss Confederation).

Translations of documents

The documents must be accompanied by a sworn translation into English, French, German or Luxembourgish, if the original language is different.

Application processing time

In principle, the average processing time is between 4 and 6 weeks after receipt of the complete file. The indicated duration may vary according to the period of the year and depending on the number of requests to be processed simultaneously.

The need for further research and exchange with foreign authorities may also affect the duration.

The decision is sent to you by post in the form of a ministerial decree.

Appeals

In the event of refusal of registration in the register of formal higher education qualifications, the means of appeal are explained in the letter, but are also available here.

Requesting duplicates

You can request a duplicate of the decree against the payment of a EUR 10 fee. Applications can be sent by post or email (registre@mesr.etat.lu) to the Ministry for Research and Higher Education, and must contain:

  • a copy of an identity document; and
  • proof of payment of the fee (the terms of payment by bank transfer are identical to those which apply to application files sent by post)

Online services and forms

Who to contact

  • Ministry for Research and Higher Education

    Address:
    18-20, montée de la Pétrusse L-2327 Luxembourg Luxembourg
    B.P. L-2915
    Closed ⋅ Opens Monday at 7.45
    Saturday:
    Closed
    Sunday:
    Closed
    Monday:
    7.45 to 16.30
    Tuesday:
    7.45 to 16.30
    Wednesday:
    7.45 to 16.30
    Thursday:
    7.45 to 16.30
    Friday:
    7.45 to 16.30
    Reception: Monday to Friday from 7.45 to 16.30

Related procedures and links

Procedures

Links

Further information

Legal references

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