Nostrification of diplomas and school certificates in Czechia: where to apply, the CZK 3,000 fee, deadlines and exams

Updated: 13 November 2026

To work in your field, enrol in a master’s programme or prove your education for a residence permit, a foreign diploma often has to be recognised in Czechia — nostrified. The procedure differs for higher and secondary education. Here are both.

When you need nostrification

• A job where the law or the employer requires a certain level of education.
• Admission to a Czech university (school certificate) or further studies.
• EU Blue Card or employee card — the Ministry of the Interior may require recognition if in doubt.
• Regulated professions — recognition of education is the first step.

Higher education: recognition by a university

1. Choose a public university offering a programme in the same field (economics, engineering, law, etc.).
2. Apply with your diploma and diploma supplement (or another document describing the study content).
3. Documents not in Czech, Slovak or English need an official Czech translation.
4. Fee CZK 3,000; decision within 30 days. Appeals go to the Ministry of Education (MŠMT).

The result is a decision and a certificate (osvědčení) giving your diploma the same validity as a Czech one.

Secondary education: nostrification of a school certificate

1. Apply to the regional office (krajský úřad) where you live (in Prague, the City Hall).
2. School certificate (original or certified copy) and a transcript listing subjects and hours.
3. Verification: apostille or superlegalisation unless a treaty applies (not needed for Ukraine).
4. Translation into Czech by a Czech sworn translator.
5. Fee CZK 3,000.

If the content partly differs, nostrification exams in 1–5 subjects are ordered at a designated school. Foreigners do not sit the Czech language and literature exam. Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and Germany have a simplified equivalence procedure.

Regulated professions

Doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and other regulated professions must, after academic recognition, also obtain professional recognition from the relevant ministry — often with a qualification exam and a Czech language check.

Common mistakes

• Applying to a university without a programme in your field — the application will be rejected.
• Translation not made by a Czech sworn translator.
• No transcript of subjects and hours — the content cannot be compared.
• Expecting nostrification alone to let you practise as a doctor — professional recognition is also required.

Sources

• Portál veřejné správy — akademické uznání zahraničního vzdělání vysokou školou
• Portál veřejné správy — nostrifikace zahraničního vysvědčení
• MZV ČR — uznávání rovnocennosti zahraničního vzdělávání

This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Check the current rules before making a decision, or contact us.