Recognition of University Diplomas

The procedure for recognizing a university diploma issued in the country of origin varies depending on the purpose for which you need this recognition.

• If case you want to recognize your university diploma for the purpose of continuing your studies in higher education, it is the Academic Council of the university where you apply which carries out the recognition process.
• In case you want to recognize your university diploma for the purpose of working a non-regulated profession (all professions apart from those in the field of architecture, engineering, medicine, security, law, public administration, transport and technology), you might not need such a recognition. For the non-regulated professions, recognition of diplomas is not a condition for starting a job, but could facilitate access to the labour market. You need to check with your (potential) employer if there is a requirement for recognition of diplomas.

In the latter case, the recognition is carried out by the National Centre for Information and Documentation. You have to submit your original diploma, together with a translated copy by a certified translator. Legalization for refugees and humanitarian status holders is not required.

NB: In case you do not have the original diploma for higher education on you, you can request the issuance of an Information Card for Competed Education Degree in view to facilitating access to employment. It is not legally binding and cannot be used for the purposes of continuing with higher education studies. It can be, however, accepted by employers for the purposes of employment. The Card is issued by the National Centre for Information and Documentation.

• In case you need to recognize your university diploma for the purpose of working a regulated profession (in the field of architecture, engineering, medicine, security, law, public administration, transport and technology), refer to the National Centre for Information and Documentation, which would inform you on the responsible body for the recognition (depending on the field of your studies and specialization). The address is 52A Dr. G.M. Dimitrov Blvd., Sofia or http://nacid.bg/bg/.

Validation and Recognition of Professional Qualifications

Validation of professional skills is a procedure that certifies that the skills a person has in a specific profession comply with the state educational requirements. The aim is facilitated access to further professional training and to the labour market.

The above validation is only possible for a number of professions which are included in an official list of professions which is adopted annually. The list includes various professions in diverse professional fields.

The validation can take place in professional schools, high schools, art schools, sports schools, professional colleges, centres for professional qualification which provide training in the profession that needs to be validated.

There are educational requirements for the applicants who need to have a recognized diploma of at least 4^th grade, or a certificate for successful conclusion of an official literacy course. If such is not available, you need to first validate your previous education knowledge as per the procedure listed in section VI. Education, point 5.

Recognition of professional skills is a recognition of the right to practice a particular profession on the territory of Bulgaria. It is required only for regulated professions (in the field of architecture, engineering, medicine, security, law, public administration, transport and technology). The National Centre for Information and Documentation would inform you on the responsible body for the recognition depending on your profession.