Complete your PhD in your own country.
Where you complete your PhD and where you hold the degree are two different matters. The second question is always answered by the country in which you hold the degree, based on criteria that are similar everywhere.
The same criteria are assessed everywhere: whether the awarding university is state-recognised and whether a standard academic procedure has been followed. Only the name of the relevant authority differs. In Germany, these are the anabin and the ZAB; in Turkey, the YÖK; in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Education; in the United Arab Emirates, the MOHESR; and within Europe, the national ENIC-NARIC authority.
The common denominator
Over 50 countries have signed the Lisbon Recognition Convention. Its guiding principle is comparability rather than equivalence: a qualification is recognised if no significant difference to the host country’s own system can be demonstrated. This shifts the burden of proof onto the assessing body and makes procedures more predictable.
In practical terms, this means that a degree from a recognised European university, awarded through a standard procedure, is generally transferable within the signatory states. What remains is the formalities, which can be time-consuming depending on the country.
The relevant authorities
The names may differ, but the issues remain the same. This overview lists the bodies that our prospective students most frequently enquire about.
What you should prepare
From the very start, gather everything each authority requires: your degree certificate, academic transcript, proof of the programme and supervision, and certified translations. If you only start gathering these after your degree has been awarded, you will lose months, and some documents can be difficult to obtain years later.
Also, clarify at an early stage whether your country requires a chain of authentication, i.e. an apostille or legalisation. In several countries, this is a prerequisite for the assessment process to even begin.
How long it takes and what it costs
Processing times range from a few weeks to several months. The biggest factor is the completeness of the documents, not the authority itself. An incomplete application regularly results in the whole process having to be repeated from the start.
Costs are mainly incurred for translations and certifications, and to some extent for fees charged by the examining authority. In Turkey, the Denklik procedure is free of charge; in other countries, it is not.
What we do and what we do not do
During the initial consultation, we will identify the relevant authority for your country and the criteria it assesses, and we will ensure that the two crucial points are met: a university listed in anabin with an ‘H+’ rating and a standard academic procedure.
What we do not do: guarantee recognition. No reputable organisation can do this, as the decision lies with the relevant authority in your country. Anyone who offers such a guarantee is making a promise they are not authorised to make.
Frequently asked questions.
Will my German or Swiss doctoral degree be recognised in my country?+
This is decided by the recognition authority in your country. They will assess the recognition of the higher education institution and the procedure. During the initial consultation, we will identify the relevant authority for you.
What is ENIC-NARIC?+
A network of national information centres for the recognition of higher education qualifications, supported by the Council of Europe, UNESCO and the EU.
How long does the recognition process take?+
Depending on the country and the completeness of the documents, it can take from a few weeks to several months. Having a complete set of documents is the biggest factor in terms of time.
Do I need certified translations?+
Generally speaking, yes, provided the documents are not in an official language of the destination country or in English. An Apostille is often required as well.
What is the difference between recognition and title usage?+
Recognition assesses the qualification, whilst the right to use the title regulates how you may use the title in everyday life. The rules for both may vary from country to country.
Does Ascendius guarantee recognition?+
No, and no one can do so with any credibility. We ensure that the two verified criteria are met: a recognised university and a standard procedure.
Related.
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