Government simplifies recognition of study documents and qualifications obtained abroad

The Government has approved the Regulation on the recognition and academic and professional equivalence of study documents and qualifications obtained abroad. The initiative aims to simplify and streamline recognition procedures for studies and qualifications for several categories of beneficiaries who wish to continue their studies or gain employment in the Republic of Moldova.

“The draft aims to update certain provisions and facilitate the automatic recognition of study documents from general education for access to the next level of studies, to ensure the recognition of partial studies and qualifications in order to harness the educational pathways completed in different education systems, to valorize prior experience and learning, including competencies acquired in formal, non-formal and informal contexts, and to strengthen trust and stimulate the process of internationalizing higher education,” Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun said.

Regarding refugees and displaced persons, the Regulation promotes the recognition of their study periods and qualifications. Individuals who benefit from international protection on the territory of the Republic of Moldova and who cannot prove that they hold study documents or the qualifications obtained, or only hold them partially, will be able to apply on the Council of Europe platform to obtain the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees.

The initiative also promotes the recognition of study documents and qualifications obtained under cross-border programmes jointly organized by accredited higher education institutions from the Republic of Moldova and from abroad.

By approving the Regulation, the authorities seek to increase academic and professional mobility, facilitate the reintegration of citizens returning from the diaspora, and strengthen the compatibility of the national education system with the European Education Area.