The Recognition of Foreign Education is a process of verifying that the education level which you have completed abroad is equal to the education level required for studying at a university in the Czech Republic. In this process, your Diploma/Graduation Certificate and the Transcript of Records are assessed by Czech institutions, and at the end of the process, a Nostrification/Recognition Certificate is issued to you.
The Recognition of Foreign Education is an indispensable requirement for admission to the studies at UCT Prague.
Contact details:
Applicants for a study at UCT Prague please contact admissions@vscht.cz (Chemical Programmes) or business.admission@vscht.cz (School of Business) for guidance if needed.
Explanatory notes:
- Recognition of Previous Education / Nostrification = process of verifying that the education level which you have completed abroad is equal to the education level required for studying at a university in the Czech Republic. This process is done in the Czech Republic by Czech institutions.
- Authentication: Apostille / Superlegalization = Apostille or Superlegalization is a process of verification that the signatures and stamps on the document are genuine. This process is a mandatory requirement in case of certain countries, and the documents are incomplete without this verification. This process is done in the country where the documents have been issued.
- Verified (notary-certified / true) Copy = An official certified copy identical to the original. It is verified by a notary or by an official authority in your country and confirmed with an official stamp.
In the Czech Republic, the verified copies are issued by a notary (the notary makes an official copy of a document and then stamps it, which proves the authenticity of the document).
Please learn what the process is like in your country. UCT Prague needs to receive official true copies of the Diploma and Transcripts of Records which are exactly the same as the originals.
These true copies should be also firmly attached to a translation to English/Czech (if the document isn’t issued in English), and they should be also firmly attached to an Apostille/Superlegalization clause (issued by an authority in your country and/or a Czech embassy).
Why is a verified copy required? UCT Prague must keep the documents archived for 45 years; therefore, if you send us an original document, we cannot return it back to you. Do not provide the originals of your documents to anyone as you may need them for other matters during your life.
A Short Overview of the Process
You can submit the online application without uploading a Certificate of Recognition, however, when filling in the online application, you must choose a method of recognition based on where your Diploma / Graduation Certificate and Transcript of Records have been issued.
In the online application you will find these options:
- I have a diploma issued by a school in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland or Hungary = choose this option if your Graduation Certificate / Diploma has been issued in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland or Hungary
- I have a European Baccalaureate Diploma = choose this option if you have received a European Baccalaureate diploma
- I have a diploma and DON'T have a Nostrification Certificate = choose this option if you haven't got a Nostrification Certificate from a Czech institution yet.
If you choose this option, your documents will be assessed by UCT Prague and if complying with the requirements, the Certificate of Recognition of Previous Foreign Education will be issued as a part of the admission process. - I have a Nostrification Certificate issued in the Czech Republic and a diploma = choose this option if you have gone through the process of Nostrification, and you have already received an official Certificate of Nostrification from Prague City Hall or a similar official Czech authority
Regardless of which option you choose, you will need to deliver a verified copy of your Diploma and Transcript of Records to UCT Prague AS SOON AS POSSIBLE after you receive your Letter of Acceptance, however, by August 31 at the latest.
Timeline
Please see the details below in the table
| by March–August |
Provide a scan of a verified (true) copy of the Diploma/Graduation Certificate and Transcript of Records with Apostille/Superlegalization and translation
Students from certain countries need to have the Apostille/Superlegalization ready when applying for a visa/residence permit |
| AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, however, by August 31 at the latest |
Send a paper version of a verified (true) copy of the Diploma/Graduation Certificate and Transcript of Records with Apostille/Superlegalization and translation to UCT Prague by a delivery service for the Recognition of the previous foreign education process
If you have received a Nostrification Certificate from another Czech institution: Provide a verified copy of the Nostrification Certificate to UCT Prague by a delivery service
You will be guided by an admission officer on where to send the documents to |
If you haven't graduated yet by the time of applying and you are going to graduate in May/June/July, you can submit the online application, and proceed with the below-stated steps as soon as possible after graduation. You will be guided by the admission officer on how to proceed.
Do you have any questions regarding the process? Don't hesitate to contact us at admissions@vscht.cz (Chemical Programmes) or business.admission@vscht.cz (School of Business).
Quick Menu:
- You are applying to Bachelor, Master or PhD degree studies
- You are not applying to UCT, you just need a Recognition Certificate
APPLICANTS INTENDING TO STUDY AT UCT PRAGUE
When filling in the online application for the studies, you need to choose one of the below-stated options of the Recognition of Foreign Education.
The documents must be delivered to UCT Prague AS SOON AS POSSIBLE after you receive your Letter of Acceptance, however, by August 31 at the latest.
A) A diploma issued by a school in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland or Hungary
The Recognition of Graduation Certificates / Diplomas issued in the following countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, and Hungary is proceeded automatically without any further administrative proceedings.
Per the requirements of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, a verified copy of a Graduation Certificate / Diploma and Transcript of Records with a translation to the Czech language has to be provided to UCT Prague.
B) A European Baccalaureate Diploma
European Baccalaureate diplomas issued by International high schools are recognized without any further administrative proceedings.
As per the requirements of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, a verified copy of a Graduation Certificate and Transcript of Records with a translation to the Czech language has to be provided to UCT Prague.
C) I have a diploma, and I DON'T have a Nostrification Certificate
As UCT Prague is a holder of institutional accreditation, the Recognition of Previous Foreign Education can be conducted as a part of the admission procedure. The Recognition Certificate issued within this process is valid at UCT Prague only and it cannot be used for admission procedures at other institutions.
Accepted Graduation Certificates/Diplomas: International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma), Cambridge International A Level Certificate, other Graduation Certificates and Diplomas issued by accredited schools/universities worldwide
Fee: CZK 800,-
Validity: Only at UCT Prague
*Note that procedures may differ from country to country. In certain countries, the Apostille/Superlegalization is issued only on original documents; in other countries, the Apostille/Superlegalization can be issued on a verified copy too. Therefore the sequence of steps may differ from country to country.
- Authenticate the stamps and signatures on the verified copy of the Graduation Certificate / Diploma and the Transcript of Records
Authentication of Documents (Click to open)
In accordance with section 90, subsection 3 of Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions, UCT Prague requires authentication of signatures and stamps on the documents. The authentication must be provided in the country where the documents have been issued!
The authentication requirements differ according to the international treaties applying to the country where the original document was issued.
The authentication methods are:
- Authentication is not required for documents issued in countries that are parties to a relevant international agreement abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents
- Apostille – For members of the Hague Convention the legalization proceeds by Apostille – a unified form of authentication of documents issued by the competent administrative body of the state in which the document was issued
- Legalization/super-legalization – Unless the international agreement sets otherwise, the authenticity of signatures and stamps on the document must be verified by two bodies:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country, where the institution which issued the document is based
- Respective representative office of the Czech Republic (e.g. Embassy / Consulate) in the country where the institution which issued the document is based
- Make a verified (true) copy of the Graduation Certificate / Diploma and of the Transcript of Records (the copy must be identical to the original and confirmed by a notary or any other official authority in your country)
- If the Graduation Certificate / Diploma and the Transcript of Records are not issued in the English language, make a certified translation to the English or Czech language by a certified (court) translator
(Note that some Embassies may require translation to the Czech language.) - Ask the certified translator to firmly attach the translation to the verified copy of the Certificate and the Transcript of Records
- Send a scan of the verified copy of the Graduation Certificate / Diploma and Transcript of Records with the authentication (Apostille/Superlegalization), and with the translation to the Czech or English language to the email admissions@vscht.cz / mundus@vscht.cz (IMATEC) for confirmation whether they are correct.
This means:
* A verified copy (true copy) of the diploma issued in your language + a verified copy of the transcript of records - Pay the fee of CZK 800,- Payment information with a unique code is provided in your online application
- Once confirmed by UCT Prague that the documents are correct:
1. Upload the scan to your online application to the section Proof of Education
2. Send the verified copy of the Graduation Certificate /Diploma and Transcript of Records with the translation to the Czech or English language with the authentication (Apostille/Superlegalization) by a delivery company to the address:
Department of International Relations
VŠCHT – University of Chemistry and Technology Prague
Technická 5 (street)
Prague 6 – Dejvice (city, district)
166 28 (postal code)
Czech Republic
We advise sending the documents by a delivery company only after confirmation by UCT Prague that your documents are correct, it will save you time and money!
Note (click to open)
You may be asked to submit the following documents if necessary:
- Certified written power of attorney, if submitted by a person other than the graduate,
- Certified copy of a Marriage Certificate or a Judgment of Divorce or another document in case of a change of the name indicated on the Diploma,
- Confirmation of the relevant secondary school abroad or any other authorized body in the respective country on the fact that the secondary school leaver of the foreign secondary school concerned is in the given country entitled to apply for a bachelor's degree programme.
The Recognition fee of CZK 800,- is non-refundable, it cannot be waived or reduced.
D) I have a Nostrification Certificate issued in the Czech Republic and a diploma
The General Recognition of Foreign Secondary Education ("Nostrification”) is regulated by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and provided by the educational departments of regional authorities. In the case of Prague, the competent authority is Prague City Hall (Magistrát hl. m. Prahy).
If you have already undergone the process of Nostrification conducted by a competent authority in the Czech Republic, upload a scan of the Nostrification Certificate along with your diploma when submitting the application and provide a verified copy (paper version) of the Nostrification Certificate to UCT Prague as soon as possible.
INFORMATION ON THE NOSTRIFICATION PROCESS
The information about the process is to be found here:
- https://skoly.praha.eu/87436_RECOGNITION-OF-FOREIGN-EDUCATION
- https://nostrifikace.mkc.cz/en/uznavani-pro-studium/nostrifikace
The applicant generally needs to be in the Czech Republic to apply in person and the process of recognition takes a few months. If the curriculum and scope of education at a foreign school partly differ, the Regional Authority may order the applicant to sit a recognition examination.
Contact Details
Mgr. Martin Fučík
Prague City Hall, Department of Education
Jungmannova 29/35, 111 21 Praha 1
martin.fucik@cityofprague.cz
APPLICANTS FOR RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN UNIVERSITY EDUCATION ONLY
(No studies at UCT intended)
The Recognition of a Foreign Bachelor's or Master's Diploma can be processed by UCT Prague if the degree programme completed abroad has a similar curriculum as a degree programme accredited at UCT Prague.
If the curriculum differs, you are advised to inquire which other (HEI) provides a study programme corresponding to your prior education in order to apply for the Recognition at that institution.
Fee: CZK 3.000,-
Validity: At all universities in the Czech Republic
Please note:
According to the administrative code, the applicant cannot require the recognition of the same higher education qualification from multiple public HEIs simultaneously. If the request is rejected by a university, the applicant can submit it to another HEI only after the rejection has become legally effective (i.e. after 15 days from receipt of the decision).
In case of doubts, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the CR appoint the respective university to assess the qualification or makes the decision itself. The Ministry acts as an appellate body for rejected applications.
HOW TO PROCEED?
- Before submitting an application, it is necessary to make sure that UCT Prague is authorized to process such an application, see Programmes catalogue, or please contact business.admission@vscht.cz (School of Business applicants)
- Print and sign the Application Form >
- Make a verified (true) copy of the Diploma and Diploma supplement (the copy must be identical to the original and confirmed by a Notary Public or another official authority in your country)
- Authenticate the stamps and signatures on the verified copy of the Diploma and the Diploma Supplement
Authentication of Documents
In accordance with section 90, subsection 3 of Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions, UCT Prague requires authentication of signatures and stamps on the documents. The authentication must be provided in the country where the documents have been issued!
The authentication requirements differ according to the international treaties applying to the country where the original document was issued.
The authentication methods are:
- Authentication is not required for documents issued in countries that are parties to a relevant international agreement abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents
- Apostille – For members of the Hague Convention the legalization proceeds by Apostille – a unified form of authentication of documents issued by the competent administrative body of the state in which the document was issued
- Legalization/super-legalization – Unless the international agreement sets otherwise, the authenticity of signatures and stamps on the document must be verified by two bodies:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country, where the institution which issued the document is based
- Respective representative office of the Czech Republic (e.g. Embassy / Consulate) in the country where the institution which issued the document is based
- If the Diploma and the Diploma Supplement are not issued in the English language, make a certified translation to the English or Czech language by a certified (court) translator
(Note that some Embassies may require translation to the Czech language.) - Ask the certified translator to firmly attach the translation to the verified copy of the Diploma and the Diploma Supplement
- Pay the fee of CZK 3.000,- in accordance with the section 90a of Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions
Payment Information
Recognition Fee
CZK 3.000,-
Recipient Information
University of Chemistry and Technology Prague,
Technická 5, Prague 6, 166 28, Czech RepublicBank Name
ČSOB, Banskobystrická 11, Prague 6
Account Number
130197294/0300
IBAN
CZ58 0300 0000 0001 3019 7294
SWIFT Code
CEKO CZ PP
Remittance Information
VS: 963826059
SS: Date of birth in the format of DDMMYY
Information: Full name as it appears in the passport/identity card
The full payment of CZK 3000,- shall be transferred to the UCT Prague bank account. Any bank charges shall be covered by the applicant.
- Send the Application Form and the verified copy of the Diploma and the Diploma Supplement with the translation to the Czech or English language with the authentication (Apostille/Superlegalization)
The documents shall be sent to the address:
Mrs. Petra Linhartová
Department of Education and Human Sciences, Secretariat and Study Department, Records office
VŠCHT – University of Chemistry and Technology Prague
Technická 5, 1
66 28 Prague 6 – Dejvice
Czech Republic
e-mail: petra1.linhartova@vscht.cz
tel.: 220 443 062; 220 443 818
APPLICATION PROCESSING TIME
The deadlines for the proceedings are set by the general rules of administrative procedures, i.e. 30 days since the delivery. In complex cases, the deadline can be extended by 30 more days. An applicant will receive information on the result of the assessment via email.
More Information
If it is found during the recognition proceeding that it is not within the scope of the rector’s responsibility to make a decision on the request for recognition of foreign higher education, e.g. because UCT Prague does not provide a similar study programme, the fee is not charged, and, if already paid, will be returned to the applicant.
There is no refund of the fee if the recognition proceeding is discontinued due to a deficient application (absence of documents necessary for assessing the application), and the applicant’s failure to remove the deficiency upon request.
There is no refund of the fee in case of rejection of the application due to substantial differences between the compared study programmes.
In case the purpose of the recognition is not further study, the equality of the education will be assessed in accordance with the Agreement – if substantial differences between the compared study programmes are found, the rector may reject the application.
APPEAL PROCEDURE
Applicants are entitled to submit an appeal within 15 days of receiving the decision. The appeal is submitted to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic through the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (or, in general terms, through the institution that has issued the decision). The university will either allow the appeal in full or passes it on to the Czech Ministry of Education no later than 30 days upon receipt of the appeal. The Ministry will then issue a final decision.
Legislations governing the recognition of foreign education and qualifications
- Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region signed on April 11, 1997, in Lisbon; published in the Czech language in Collection of International Agreements No. 60/2000 Coll.
- International Agreements on mutual recognition of documents on education
- International Agreements on the authentication of public documents
- Act. No. 111/1998 Coll. on Higher Education Institutions and on Amendment to Other Acts, as amended - § 48, § 89, § 90, § 105, § 106
- Act No. 500/2004 Coll. on Administrative Procedure
