Recognising a Foreign Degree and Professional Qualification in Austria: Nostrifizierung in 2026

If you earned your qualification abroad and want to work in Austria, you may need to clarify whether it is accepted here. One form of recognition for higher-education qualifications is Nostrifizierung. This guide explains what to know in 2026.

What is Nostrifizierung?

Nostrifizierung is the recognition of a higher-education qualification obtained abroad. During the process, an Austrian institution determines that completing the foreign studies is equivalent to completing a domestic Austrian programme.

The process can apply to the following Austrian qualifications:

• Bachelor
• Master
• Diplom
• Doktorat
• PhD

Nostrifizierung specifically concerns higher-education qualifications from universities, universities of applied sciences and other higher-education institutions. Recognition of vocational or secondary-level professional qualifications is handled separately under the subject of foreign qualifications (Ausländische Qualifikationen).

Who decides on recognition?

Nostrifizierung is not decided by a central authority. The decision is made by the higher-education institution (Hochschule) whose programme is used to compare your foreign degree with an Austrian qualification.

In practice, you apply to an Austrian university or other higher-education institution offering a programme similar to your qualification. The institution examines the documents you submit and compares the foreign and Austrian programmes.

Which documents are required?

You must provide the following documents for the application:

1. Passport (Reisepass)
2. Proof of the status of the foreign university, university of applied sciences or other higher-education institution, confirming that it is a recognised higher-education institution
3. The most detailed study records available, such as the curriculum (Studienplan), study book (Studienbuch), study guide (Studienführer), examination certificates (Prüfungszeugnisse), academic papers (wissenschaftliche Arbeiten) and final certificates (Abschlussbescheinigungen)
4. The document confirming the qualification and award of the academic degree, namely the diploma (Urkunde)
5. A description of the intended professional activity, meaning the type of work you plan to perform in Austria

The more detailed your study documentation, the more thoroughly the institution can compare the foreign and Austrian programmes.

Originals, copies and translations

The documents must be submitted in the following form:

• Diploma (Verleihungsurkunde): always in the original
• Other documents: originals or certified copies (beglaubigte Abschrift)
• Documents in a foreign language: together with a certified translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung)
• Documents in English: no translation is required

Documents that are not in German or English require a certified translation. If a document, such as a diploma supplement, was issued in English, it does not need to be translated.

Where can you find further information?

The information on Nostrifizierung is provided under the higher education subject area and was updated in January and February 2026.

The work and profession subject area contains separate information on foreign qualifications (Ausländische Qualifikationen). This section is intended for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who want to live and work in Austria. It also provides contact points (Anlaufstellen) for foreign qualifications and overviews related to employment and housing. It was updated on 1 January 2026.

Why deal with recognition before applying for jobs?

Clarifying recognition can help employers understand your qualification more easily. Referring to the Austrian equivalent in your application can make your documents clearer.

For guidance on presenting your education to an Austrian employer, see the guide to preparing an Austrian German-language CV.

If you are currently unemployed and in contact with the Austrian Public Employment Service, the guide to reporting unemployment to AMS may also be useful.

Frequently asked questions

Does everything have to be translated into German?

Documents in a language other than German or English require a certified translation. English-language documents are the exception and do not need to be translated.

Can I submit only a copy of my diploma?

No. The diploma (Verleihungsurkunde) must always be presented in the original. Certified copies are accepted for the other documents.

Which Austrian institution should I contact?

Contact the higher-education institution that offers an Austrian programme similar to your qualification. The relevant Hochschule makes the Nostrifizierung decision.

How much does Nostrifizierung cost and how long does it take?

The information on Nostrifizierung does not provide details about the cost or processing time. Contact the responsible Austrian institution for this information.

Practical steps

1. Identify an Austrian Hochschule with a programme comparable to your qualification.
2. Contact the institution and confirm its application requirements.
3. Collect your passport, proof of the foreign institution’s status, detailed study records, diploma and description of your intended professional activity.
4. Prepare the diploma in its original form and the other documents as originals or certified copies.
5. Arrange certified translations for documents that are not in German or English.
6. Submit the application to the relevant institution and ask about the cost and processing time.
7. Once recognition is clarified, refer to the Austrian equivalent in your job applications where appropriate.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at

This article is based on information available online and does not constitute advice. Use it at your own responsibility. If you need professional advice, contact a lawyer, legal professional, healthcare professional, employment-law or labour-market specialist, or another relevant professional.