Obtain a French diploma equivalence abroad
There is no legal principle of equivalence between a foreign title or diploma and a national title or diploma in France.
However, the Treaty on European Union provides:
- the right to exercise an activity, whether salaried or self-employed;
- and the right to training for young people and students in the countries of the European Union and the signatory countries of the agreement on the European Economic Area.
Academic recognition:
A student can choose to go on individual or organized mobility to follow or continue his studies in another Member State of the European Union. He has access to various exchange programs: SOCRATES, LEONARDO…
In this case, the recognition of diplomas is generally provided for in exchange agreements, or by application of the European credit system (ECTS).
There is also a convention drawn up by the Council of Europe and UNESCO, adopted in Lisbon on 11 April 1997, which clarifies the recognition of skills acquired in European higher education.
Professional recognition:
Professional recognition varies depending on whether the intended profession is regulated or not in the host State. Regulated professions are subject to the possession of training certificates issued in this state. In the absence of regulations in the host State, the assessment of the diploma and the professional level is submitted to the employer.
If the worker is unable to have his qualifications recognised, he can appeal to the information centers of the host country. The European information centers provide information on academic and professional recognition for each host country. The list of these centers can be consulted on the website www.enic-naric.net
For countries that do not have information centres, contact the French embassy there.
Have a foreign diploma recognized in France
There is no legal equivalence, but there are comparability certificates. They are obtained when the diploma has been obtained abroad.
The comparability certificate compares the degree to its equivalents in the French system. It can then be presented to an employer to:
- justify their skills;
- be used in a contest;
- or to access training.