Introduction

You have a Bachelor's from Tsinghua, a Master's from Fudan, or an engineering degree from Beihang. In China, that's gold. In France, it's… just paper that French HR and universities look at with perplexity until it has been "translated" by the official French body: ENIC-NARIC.

Many Chinese students and professionals underestimate this process. They either postpone it, avoid it, and end up accepting positions below their actual level because they cannot "prove" their degree. This ENIC-NARIC certificate is free and essential. Here’s the complete process for 2026.

ENIC-NARIC: what is it?

ENIC-NARIC France is the National Information Center on the academic and professional recognition of diplomas. It is an offshoot of the International Center for Pedagogical Studies (CIEP), managed by France Éducation International, which is itself linked to the Ministry of National Education.

Its mission: to issue a comparability certificate that establishes the administrative equivalence of your foreign diploma with a level in the French system (CAP, Bac, Bac+2, License/Bac+3, Master/Bac+5, Doctorate/Bac+8).

Important: this is NOT an automatic academic equivalence. A Chinese license recognized as "comparable to the Bac+3 level in France" does not mean that all French universities will accept you for direct enrollment in a Master's program. Each university retains its pedagogical sovereignty. However, the certificate is essential for:

• Applying for a Master's in France via Études en France (Campus France)
• Applying for positions in the French public service
• Recognizing your level for VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience)
• Justifying a level during a managerial recruitment
• Obtaining a residence permit "Talent Passport for qualified employees" (which requires a recognized Bac+5)

Which Chinese diplomas are recognized, which ones pose problems?

All diplomas issued by Chinese universities registered with the Ministry of Education of China are recognizable. ENIC-NARIC France has an operational partnership with the CDGDC (China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center), the Chinese equivalent that certifies the authenticity of diplomas.

Easily recognized in 2026:

• All universities in the 985 program (39 elite universities, including Tsinghua, Peking, Fudan, Shanghai Jiao Tong, Zhejiang, Nankai, etc.)
• Universities in the 211 program (115 universities, including the 985)
• Provincial and municipal universities recognized by the MoE
• Diplomas issued by private institutions accredited by the MoE (verifiable on chsi.com.cn)

Common difficulties:

• "成人教育" diplomas (adult continuing education): recognized, but positioned one level below the initial equivalent diploma. A license from continuing education is positioned as Bac+2 rather than Bac+3.
• Diplomas from distance learning schools ("网络教育"): recognized since 2018, provided that the CDGDC validation report is produced.
• MBAs from unaccredited private schools: not recognized. Check your school against the MoE's accredited list.
• Diplomas from Hong Kong: specific regime, follow British rules (not the continental Chinese system). Must be requested specifically as a "Hong Kong diploma".
• Diplomas from Taiwan: recognized but treated separately. Mention "Taiwanese diploma" in the form.

Required documents and translations

Here’s the precise list for 2026:

1. Scanned original diploma (PDF) — front + back if relevant
2. Complete transcript ("成绩单") of the entire course, scanned in PDF
3. Certified translation in French of the diploma and transcript
4. Valid ID (scanned passport)
5. CV in French (1 to 2 pages)
6. Proof of residence in France (if you already reside in France)

The issue of certified translation: this is the most expensive point. You have two options:

• Sworn translator registered in France: €60 to €120 per document, timeframe 5-15 days. List available on the Paris Court of Appeal website (directory of sworn translator experts).
• Chinese notary + Hague Apostille + French translation: for notarized diplomas in China, the Apostille (since China's accession to the Hague Convention in November 2023) replaces the old double consular legalization. Faster. Total cost: 200-400 RMB in China + 80-120 € for French translation.

Cost-saving tip: many students translate only once, get it certified, and use the same translations throughout their French studies for university applications + job recruitment.

Online submission, step by step

Since 2021, ENIC-NARIC operates entirely online at france-education-international.fr/enic-naric-page/comparer-diplomes.

Steps:

1. Create an account on the platform (email + password)
2. Choose the type of request: "Comparability Certificate" (free) or "Recognition of Studies Certificate" (for incomplete courses)
3. Fill in your identity, nationality, address
4. Upload the documents (PDF, max 5 MB per file)
5. Fill in the diploma: name of the school, exact title in Chinese and pinyin, year of graduation, claimed level
6. Submit — you will immediately receive a file number

Official timeframe: 4 months in 2026. Actual timeframe: 5 to 7 months. Be patient. The busiest periods are May-August (university start) and October-December (public service).

You will receive the certificate by email + postal mail. It’s an official PDF, electronically signed, with a QR code verification number usable by French HR.

How much does it cost in total?

• ENIC-NARIC: free
• Certified translation diploma + transcript: €150-280 (one sworn translator for both documents)
• Apostille in China (if not already notarized): €40-80 equivalent
• Postal fees and copies: €20-30

Realistic total budget: €220-380 for the complete process. It’s an investment that pays off with the first accepted application.

Professional recognition of regulated professions

The ENIC-NARIC certificate is insufficient for regulated professions (doctor, lawyer, architect, nurse, chartered accountant, veterinarian). For these professions, a specific authorization procedure is required:

• Foreign doctors: must pass the EVC (Knowledge Verification Tests), organized by the CNG. Very selective (success rate 25-35%).
• Lawyers: professional aptitude exam before a bar commission, plus a 12-18 month internship in a French firm.
• Architects: diploma recognition by the National Council of the Order of Architects (CNOA) + integration into a French architecture school for 1-2 additional years.
• Nurses: B2 language test + file with the ARS (Regional Health Agency) + 6 to 12 months of adaptive practice in France.

For these professions, ENIC-NARIC is a step but not the only one. Expect 1 to 3 years to fully practice.

In summary

• ENIC-NARIC = essential free certificate for Master's, public service, managerial recruitment
• Actual timeframe: 5 to 7 months, apply early
• Sworn translations: €150-280, to be done only once
• 985/211 diplomas recognized without difficulty; check private schools
• Regulated professions: ENIC-NARIC is not enough, specific pathway required

On Pionra

On Pionra, Chinese and student communities share their feedback on ENIC-NARIC, exchange contacts for affordable sworn translators, and report cases where a school posed problems. Join the conversation at /fr/communautes/cn.

FAQ

My Chinese diploma is still in progress, can I still apply for ENIC-NARIC?

No, ENIC-NARIC only evaluates diplomas that have been obtained. However, you can request a Recognition of Studies Certificate, which describes the level of your partial studies. Useful for applying for a Master's in France during your final year of Bachelor's in China.

How long is the certificate valid?

For life. The certificate pertains to a diploma already obtained, so it cannot "expire". Keep it safe (PDF + paper), you can use it for all your future processes in France.

Can I apply from China, before arriving in France?

Yes. ENIC-NARIC is 100% online and does not require French residency. You can prepare your file during your last year in Beijing, send it the month you obtain your diploma, and arrive in France with the certificate already in process.

My diploma is in traditional or simplified Chinese, does that change anything?

No. ENIC-NARIC accepts both scripts. The French translation, however, must be done by a sworn translator who masters the variant of your diploma. Most sworn translators in Paris work with both scripts.

My French employer does not require ENIC-NARIC, can I skip it?

Tactically yes, but strategically no. Without the certificate, you will not be able to apply for another managerial position in the future, will not be able to apply for a Master's in France if you decide to resume your studies, and will not be able to obtain the qualified employee talent passport if you change your visa. Get it done once and for all.