Confirmation of a Ukrainian diploma abroad and its nostrification in Ukraine

Due to the war, many Ukrainians were forced to change their place of residence and move to other countries, and the issue of employment becomes one of the most important. In order to work in a specialty obtained in Ukraine, it is necessary to confirm the diploma of education. This means that everyone who plans to work in their profession abroad must go through the procedure of legalization or nostrification of documents. IA “FAKT” has collected information about where Ukrainian diplomas are recognized, how to confirm an education document and what are the features of nostrification of foreign diplomas in Ukraine.
Legalization of diplomas abroad: what you need to know
In order to work in a specialty obtained at a Ukrainian educational institution, the diploma must be legalized. Legalization includes confirmation of the authenticity of documents and their compliance with the requirements of the legislation of the country where the person plans to work. Legalization is also required for foreigners seeking employment in Ukraine. The procedure for legalization of a diploma involves the verification of an educational document in accordance with the legislation of the country where employment is planned.
Legalization of the education diploma must be carried out in cases where the country is not a party to the Lisbon Convention or the Hague Convention. If the country is a party to these agreements, the process is greatly simplified, as Ukrainian diplomas are recognized according to a simplified procedure.
Recognition of Ukrainian diplomas: which countries accept them
Ukrainian diplomas are recognized in many countries of the world thanks to Ukraine’s participation in the Lisbon Convention and the Hague Convention. The Lisbon Convention, to which 55 countries joined, formed the European Network of Academic Recognition Centers (ENIC – NARIC Network). This network helps to understand the issues of recognition and legalization of educational documents. Thanks to the Lisbon Convention, Ukrainian diplomas are recognized in all participating countries, which allows Ukrainians to work in the specialty acquired in the Motherland.
Another important agreement that simplifies the legalization of documents is the Hague Convention. It allows you to use educational documents issued in one country in another country without additional complications. Currently, the agreement is valid in 124 countries of the world. The main requirement for the recognition of Ukrainian diplomas is the presence of an apostille on the document.

What is an apostille and how to get it
An apostille is a special stamp that confirms the authenticity of a signature, seal or stamp on an official document issued in one country for its recognition as valid in another country. In fact, it is an international certificate that certifies the authenticity of the document and the official status of the person who signed it. In Ukraine, an apostille can be obtained from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An apostille on a Ukrainian diploma allows you to get a job in a specialty in member countries of the Hague Convention without the need for additional confirmations. However, it is worth considering that some countries may require a double apostille — on the original document and on its translation.
Which countries do not require an apostille for Ukrainian diplomas
There are a number of countries where Ukrainian diplomas are recognized without the need for an apostille. These include Poland, Moldova, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Romania, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Estonia. This greatly facilitates the employment process for Ukrainians, as there is no need to go through additional document verification procedures.
Ukraine is also negotiating with other countries to simplify the process of recognizing Ukrainian diplomas. For example, an agreement with Moldova on mutual recognition of educational documents and scientific degrees is currently being developed, which will avoid the need for additional confirmations.
Additional legalization of diplomas for countries outside the conventions
If you plan to work in a country that is not a member of the Lisbon or Hague Conventions, you must go through the consular legalization procedure. This is a more complicated and longer process than an apostille. You need to contact the Department of the Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, namely the Department of Apostille, Legalization and Requisition of Documents. It is worth clarifying in advance the requirements of the country where employment is planned, as some states have their own special requirements for the legalization of educational documents, such as a notarized translation with an apostille of the Ministry of Education.
Differences in diploma recognition procedures in different countries
Each country has its own requirements for the process of recognition of diplomas. For example, in Germany, the legalization procedure can last from 6 to 8 months. This is due to the need to conduct checks and compliance of documents with the requirements of the German education system. In some countries, such as France or Italy, the process may be shorter, but requires additional references that confirm the study program.
What documents are required for recognition of Ukrainian diplomas
The list of required documents may vary depending on the country, but in general the following documents are required:
- passport;
- confirmation of residence permit;
- diploma on language proficiency at the required level;
- a statement requesting confirmation of a Ukrainian educational document;
- diploma and its supplement;
- translated and notarized apostille of the diploma and an appendix.
It is worth remembering that each country may have its own additional requirements, such as the provision of academic certificates, transcripts from study programs or assessment results.
Nostrification of foreign diplomas in Ukraine
Nostrification is the process of official recognition of a foreign educational document in Ukraine. If you received a diploma abroad and want to work or continue your studies in Ukraine, you need to go through the Nostrification procedure. This confirms that your diploma meets Ukrainian education standards and can be used for employment or further education.
The nostrification procedure requires submission of the following documents:
- the original of a foreign diploma and its supplement;
- notarized translation of documents into Ukrainian;
- application for the recognition of a foreign educational document;
- a document confirming the payment of the administrative fee.
The process of nostrification can take from several weeks to several months, depending on the scope of checks and availability of all necessary documents.
Where to get advice on the recognition of diplomas
For additional information and consultations on the recognition of Ukrainian diplomas abroad, you can contact the National Information Center for Academic Mobility by phone:
- 044 484 64 25, 050 957 45 75 — National Information Center of Academic Mobility;
- 044 279 79 61 — Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
Therefore, legalization and recognition of diplomas is a necessary step for those who want to continue their career or study outside of Ukraine. It is worth carefully preparing for this process in order to avoid possible difficulties and to quickly adapt to new conditions of work or study.