recognition of foreign higher (university) education
Recognition of foreign higher (university) education concerns only university education of its parts. It is indicated by Articles 89 and 90 of the Act No 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions and on Amendment to Other Acts (the Higher Education Act). It is provided by accredited universities that provide a similar study program. In the case of a bilateral agreement on mutual recognition of document equity, the recognition authority is represented by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Bilateral agreements were signed with Hungary (No 92/2005 Coll. I.T.), Poland (No 104/2006 Coll., I. T), Slovakia (No 33/1973 Coll., I. T.), Slovenia (No 52/2000 Coll., I. T.) - considered valid for Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and some of the successor states of ex-Soviet Union (123/1973 Coll.) The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports also decides when necessary in situations to identify a university with a similar study program. The result of the recognition process is a certified university diploma.
A recognized foreign university diploma can also prove a qualification for the performance of an unregulated occupation. It doesn't approve the performance of regulated occupation. A regulated occupation or profession is such a profession that needs to follow specific legal regulations. These regulations indicate requirements that have to be met by the applicant or otherwise he/she can not perform the profession or activity (qualification requirements, integrity, medical fitness etc.). Among these professions belong most healthcare professions, the legal profession, the auditing profession, etc. More information about regulated professions can be found here.
Sources of law:
- Act No 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions and on Amendment to Other Acts (the Higher Education Act)
- Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (Lisbon Recognition Convention) No 60/2000 Coll. of International Treaties)
- Act No. 500/2004 Coll., the Code of Administrative Procedure
- Bilateral agreements on legal assistance (see the list) and Hague Convention
