Information on the ENIC-NARIC network

The NARIC network provides information concerning the recognition of diplomas and periods of study undertaken in other European countries as well as advice on foreign academic diplomas in the country where the NARIC is established.

The NARIC network (National Recognition Information Centres) was created in 1984, with national centres to provide authoritative advice to anyone travelling abroad for the purposes of work or further education, but also to higher education institutions, students, advisers, parents, teachers and prospective employers.

The NARIC network covers the EU Member States, the EEA and the EU candidate countries. The status and scope of work of individual centres differs from country to country. In most countries, higher education institutions are autonomous, taking their own decisions on the admission of foreign students, as well as any exemptions for students on the basis of education undertaken abroad. As a result, most NARIC do not take binding decisions but offer information on international education systems and qualifications.

The European Commission supports the activities of the NARIC network through the exchange of information and experience between countries, the identification of good practices, the comparative analysis of systems and policies in this field, and the discussion and analysis of matters of common educational policy interest.

The Commission promotes close co-operation between the NARIC network members by:

Organising an annual network meeting (December, in Brussels), regular meetings of the heads of centres and working groups on common issues; and
Granting financial assistance for projects promoting recognition at national or international level.

How can the NARIC network help you?

Individual centres provide information about the procedures for recognition in your home country. If your question is outside of their scope of work, NARIC staff will point you to the relevant authorities. This is the case, for example, for regulated professions such as architects or dentists. NARIC centres also provide information about foreign education systems and the recognition of foreign diplomas.