In brief

• The recognition of a foreign diploma in France depends on your project (studies or work) and the nature of the targeted profession.
• The Enic-Naric Center issues a comparability certificate, which is useful but has no mandatory legal value for employers or unregulated institutions.
• For regulated professions and sports education, specific procedures apply depending on the origin of the diploma (EU or non-EU).
• The comparability certificate costs €120, except for asylum seekers or refugees.

Who can take the steps

This procedure concerns anyone wishing to have a diploma obtained abroad recognized, regardless of nationality. The criteria vary depending on whether you wish to study or work in France.

Steps

1. To study in France

The procedure differs depending on the context of your studies.

General case (outside European program) Each higher education institution defines its own admission criteria based on your previous background and the requirements of the program. Recognition is granted by the host institution upon your application for enrollment.

The institution may request a comparability certificate. This certificate, issued by the Enic-Naric Center, compares your foreign diploma to a French level of education. It has no legal value and is not mandatory; the final decision rests with the institution.

European programs (e.g., Erasmus+) If you are coming as part of an organized mobility (Erasmus+ program or bilateral exchange), the recognition of your diplomas is usually provided for in the exchange agreement or through the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Check with the international relations office of your university or school.

2. To work in France

The criteria depend on the nature of the profession.

Non-regulated profession It is your future employer who evaluates your qualifications. They may require a comparability certificate from the Enic-Naric Center to verify the level of education.

Regulated profession There are two types of regulated professions:

• Liberal professions and ministerial offices (lawyer, justice commissioner, architect, doctor, etc.).
• Commercial and artisanal professions (mechanic, hairdresser, etc.).

The procedure varies depending on the profession and the origin of the diploma (European Union or not). You must inquire with the Enic-Naric center to know the exact steps.

Sports education diplomas

• Diploma obtained in an EU member country: You must request recognition of your qualifications online on TREQUE to obtain the professional sports educator card. This request is free of charge.
• Diploma obtained in a non-EU member country: An equivalence request is necessary via the TREQUE platform.

Documents

To obtain a comparability certificate from the Enic-Naric Center, you must provide documents related to your foreign diploma. Only a diploma recognized by the issuing country can be the subject of this certificate. Only degree programs are taken into account. Diplomas that only certify language knowledge or allow the practice of a regulated profession are not covered by this specific certificate.

Cost

The issuance of the comparability certificate by the Enic-Naric Center is chargeable. The cost is set at €120. Payment is made online at the time of the request.

Exemption: The issuance is free for asylum seekers and refugees.

For the recognition of sports educator qualifications obtained in the EU via TREQUE, the request is free.

Deadlines

The Enic-Naric Center must respond to your request for a comparability certificate within a maximum of 4 months after payment.

Once the diplomas have been reviewed, the certificate will be sent to you by email.

Pitfalls to avoid

• Confusing certificate and equivalence: The comparability certificate has no legal value. It constitutes an opinion on the evaluation of the diploma. For regulated professions, it is not always sufficient; official recognition or equivalence may be required.
• Forgetting the origin of the diploma: Ensure that your diploma is recognized by the country that issued it. Otherwise, no certificate will be produced.
• Mixing procedures: Do not request a comparability certificate for a regulated profession if a specific recognition procedure (such as for sports educators or doctors) exists. Inquire with the Enic-Naric center.
• Ignoring deadlines: Plan your request early enough, as processing can take up to 4 months.

Official source

The information contained in this guide is extracted exclusively from the official sheet "Getting a diploma obtained abroad recognized in France" updated on April 17, 2025, on service-public.fr.