Planning to study or work in Slovakia with a Ukrainian certificate or diploma? Previously, you had to go through a complex nostrification process, prepare many documents, and wait for months. But now, everything has changed! Thanks to a new digital system introduced from March 1, 2025, recognition of secondary or higher education has become much simpler. In this article, we will explain how to easily recognize secondary or higher education without unnecessary hassle. (This applies to NON-regulated professions, for example, in marketing or IT, which do not require special licenses, unlike regulated professions). Let's break it down:
- Regulated professions are jobs that require special qualifications defined by law (doctors, teachers, etc.). You can find the list in the database of regulated professions. To work in such professions, you need to have your diploma and qualifications recognized through SUDV or another authority.
- If you need to recognize a specific field of study (for example, that your economics diploma matches the Slovak one) – this is recognition by field of study (študijný odbor), which requires checking the study program at a university or ministry.
What is an "uznávacia doložka"?
An "uznávacia doložka" is an official certificate from the Ministry of Education of Slovakia that confirms the level of your education (secondary or higher). It is needed for:- Admission to schools or universities in Slovakia.
- Working in non-regulated professions, meaning those that do not require special licenses (e.g., marketing, IT, management).
How to recognize a certificate or diploma: step-by-step plan
Thanks to the new digital portal, the process of recognizing education has become as simple as possible. Here's what you need to do:Step 1. Find your qualification on the website
Go to the website of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic. Select Doložka o uznaní stupňa vzdelania (Certificate of Recognition of Education Level), and choose the country. Then, find your qualification – it could be secondary education (certificate) or higher education (bachelor's or master's diploma).Step 2. Download the certificate
Download the official certificate (uznávacia doložka) in PDF format from the database. It will contain a QR code that confirms its validity. This document will be your main proof for the university or employer.Step 3. Prepare your documents
To have your education recognized, you will also need:- A certified copy of your certificate or diploma: Contact a notary to make an official copy.
- Official translation into Slovak: All documents (certificate, diploma, transcript of grades) must be translated by an official translator. We have explained in detail how to find a sworn translator in this article.
- Diploma supplement or transcript of grades: Universities or employers may require this document to check your academic results. It also needs to be translated into Slovak.
Step 4. Submit your documents
Depending on your purpose – study or work – documents are submitted differently:- For admission to a university or school:
- Where to submit: To the admission office of the educational institution.
- How to submit:
- In print: Print the "uznávacia doložka" with the QR code, add certified copies of the diploma/certificate, the translation, and the transcript of grades. Submit in person or by mail to the university's address.
- Electronically: Send the PDF file of the certificate and scanned copies of the documents through the university's electronic system.
- For work in non-regulated professions:
- Where to submit: To the employer who requires confirmation of your education.
- How to submit: Send the documents in printed or electronic form – depending on the employer's requirements.
