Recognition of qualifications, validation of prior learning

Are you planning to continue your studies or pursue a career in Luxembourg? You may need to submit certain certificates, diplomas, certificates of completion, or school transcripts. These documents may be subject to equivalency recognition by the Luxembourg government.

Regardless of your level of education or the qualifications you obtained abroad, find out here what steps to take to have your diplomas recognized in Luxembourg.

Recognition of Diplomas in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, not all foreign diplomas are automatically recognized. Recognition may be required if you wish to continue your education or enter certain regulated professions.

Conditions for the recognition of diplomas

Recognition of equivalence depends on the type of diploma and the country of origin.

International Baccalaureate (IBO) Diploma

The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma is considered equivalent to the Luxembourg secondary school diploma. To be recognized, it must meet the criteria defined by the International Baccalaureate Organization, particularly regarding exams, languages studied, and duration of schooling.

Diploma from a country that is a signatory to the Paris or Lisbon Conventions

Certificates and diplomas from countries that have signed the Council of Europe conventions (Paris or Lisbon) may be recognized in Luxembourg.

To be eligible, the diploma must:

• Certify a course of study of at least 12 consecutive years
• Grant access to higher education in the country of origin

Examples of relevant diplomas:

• The Baccalaureate: A high school diploma granting access to higher education.
• The Maturité: A certificate issued in certain countries (Albania, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Italy) upon completion of secondary school.

These conditions do not automatically guarantee recognition: each application is reviewed individually.

Signatory countries to the conventions

Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, the United Kingdom, Russia, San Marino, the Holy See (Vatican), Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine.

Degree from a non-signatory country

Degrees from non-signatory countries must meet the same requirements as those from signatory countries, as well as other specific criteria as applicable. Only the Degree Recognition Service of the Ministry of Education can decide on recognition.

Cost of diploma recognition

The application is subject to a fee of €75. If an adaptation internship or a supplementary exam is required, an additional fee of €300 is charged. A duplicate can be obtained for €10.

Payment is madeto the Administration of Registration, Domains, and VAT and must be included with the application. Payment does not guarantee acceptance of the application.

Learn more about diploma recognition on guichet.lu

Steps for recognition

Degrees from signatory countries

The application must include:

• A copy of a valid ID
• A written statement of the reason for the request
• CV detailing educational background, place and date of birth
• Transcripts from the last two years or proof of enrollment
• Any diplomas
• Proof of payment of the fee

Documents must be written in Luxembourgish, French, German, or English. Otherwise, they must be translated by a certified translator in Luxembourg (details on translation).

Send the application by mail to the MEN’s Office of Academic Credential Recognition. A response is typically provided within 2 to 6 weeks.

Degrees from non-signatory countries

The application must include the items listed above, plus:

• Certificate of residence in an EU country
• Diploma certifying at least three years of higher education (if applicable)
• Proof of proficiency in one of Luxembourg’s official languages

If the application is incomplete, you have three years to submit the missing documents.

Recognition of educational qualifications

This procedure applies to individuals who have not yet obtained their final diploma and wish to:

• Enter the Luxembourg education system
• Resume a course of study
• Enroll in adult education

The fee is €75, free for the primary level. The procedures and documents are similar to those for the recognition of diplomas. More info at guichet.lu

Recognition for access to certain professions

Certain certificates or diplomas may be recognized for access to regulated professions (professional, social-educational, commercial, and craft-based). The process involves a fee and is subject to the same conditions as for diplomas and educational levels.

Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE)

VAE allows you to validate professional or non-professional experience and obtain a certification recognized in Luxembourg. It facilitates career advancement, job changes, and access to employment. It can also reduce the duration of a vocational training program or a master’s degree in management.

Learn more about VAE.