Recognition and assessment of qualifications obtained abroad

Pepper the Fox knows that many internationals embark on their big professional journey abroad together with their partners and families. For many family members, the initial period in the new country is often quite difficult. You hardly know anyone, your partner is away at work in the new company during the day, children are in kindergarten and/or school and you yourself now have to find other ways to integrate in Austria.

Our Pepper has now thought about how he can support the relatives of our customers in their first (professional) steps in Austria too and has therefore dealt with the topic of recognition and assessment of foreign qualifications and titles in Austria...

First, a brief overview of the related terms:

In order to be allowed to work and/or study in Austria, in some cases an official recognition of the academic title or any degrees and certificates acquired abroad is required.

In the case of official recognition, a distinction is made between nostrification at university level, nostrification at school level, professional recognition and recognition of other professional qualifications or recognition for (further) studies in Austria.

As a rule, the respective universities, universities of applied sciences or teacher training colleges or the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research are responsible for these.

The form of recognition depends on the type of certificate/degree in question. In any case, it is compared with the Austrian equivalent. Subsequently, the respective recognition determines the legal relevance for employment and/or studies.

Due to different EU agreements, EU citizens often require hardly any official recognition. However, qualifications for regulated professions must be recognized in the course of a fast-track procedure ("EU professional recognition").

In contrast to recognition, the assessment of qualifications and certificates obtained abroad has no legal relevance.

Assessments are basically evaluations of the comparability of foreign degrees and certificates with those issued in Austria. These may be relevant for you if there is no need for nostrification at university level in your case. They can be very helpful when entering the Austrian job market, as they can make it easier for potential employers to assess your knowledge.

ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA is responsible for assessments in Austria.

And last but not least...

Official recognition without proof

The new Recognition and Assessment Act is intended to bring relief here: Persons entitled to asylum and subsidiary protection, as well as displaced persons who, through no fault of their own, are unable to provide proof of education (e.g. certificates), have the opportunity to obtain support from Austrian advice centers.

In principle, there is a whole range of employment opportunities for our customers' partners in Austria: Gainful employment (depending on work authorization), voluntary work, involvement in kindergartens and schools, training and further education, etc.

If you as a relative need support on your (professional) path in Austria, don't worry, we won't leave you out in the rain... feel free to contact our RANDOS Consultants.

Don’t worry – be relocAIDed…