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The recognition of French qualifications abroad - Q&As

7735 Views 1 Liked Posted on: 08 September 2021

Are you a student, business owner, or recent graduate? Are you planning on studying abroad?

Before anything, you will need to get your French qualifications recognised abroad. A very important step in this process is having your qualifications translated by a sworn translator.

The qualification and credentials that you have obtained abroad and the French qualifications issued by the Department of National Education and Higher Education, and Research or credentials issued by the Department for Work and Pensions, do not currently possess any legal equivalence, which is why they are not recognised anywhere else in the world.

1. Are your French qualifications automatically recognised outside of the European Union?

No, your French qualifications are not automatically recognised outside of the European Union. You will have to go to the NARIC and ENIC centres, which provide information on the academic and professional recognition of qualifications, so that your qualifications can be recognised. These centres provide certificates that recognise your qualifications, which will allow you to prove and have your level of qualification recognised abroad. But in fact, thanks to a sworn translator, the translation of your qualifications will have an official status.

2. What are the necessary requirements to have your qualifications recognised in terms of your studies?

The ENIC/NARIC centres take multiple criteria into consideration when having your qualifications recognised, for example, the duration of study, the placement of the qualification on an international level, ECTS credits, the prerequisites for entering a training programme, the certifying components (personal knowledge, skills), or even your professional output / academic results. Once again, the work of the sworn translator is meticulous in terms of quality, because they will make sure that they use the exact terminology in the translation of your qualifications and your application will stand out. The translation of your qualifications will therefore be recognised.

3. What are ECTS credits and do they facilitate the recognition of your qualifications in Europe?

Yes, the ECTS credit system does facilitate and validate the recognition of your qualifications in Europe. ECTS “European Credit Transfer System” is the European System in place for transferring and accumulating credits. They are credits which allow students to validate their exams, (tests, internships, or dissertations) and to have their work taken into account for the whole semester of the current year. Once the student receives their credits, they are permanent and the most important thing for the recognition of the qualifications is that they are transferable in all European Higher Education Institutions. In the European Credit System, 60 credits represents one year of study.

Also, in order for a student to get a Bachelor’s Degree, they will be required to pass 180 credits in 6 semesters.

In order for a student to get a Master’s Degree, they will be required to pass 120 credits in 4 semesters after their Bachelor’s Degree.

In order to get a PhD, which will open so many doors, you will have to pass 420 credits.

4. Getting your qualifications recognised - is it a plausible option for students who are considering studying abroad? For example, Erasmus programs?

In terms of the Erasmus Program, having your qualifications recognised is only an option if the exchange agreements have been signed by both partner universities. Thanks to the European Credit Transfer System, that was originally put in place to facilitate academic recognition and to allow French students, as well as others, to continue their studies freely, in any European country.

5. Why should you consider hiring a sworn translator for the translation of your qualifications, CV, or recommendation letter?

You should definitely hire a sworn translator for the translation of your qualifications, as you will be provided with an official translation, with unparalleled quality. Be careful when it comes to using non-official translations of your qualifications, because one incorrect term could result in your application being rejected. Sworn translators possess a vast knowledge and mastery of their working language(s), which is all expertly put to use in the translation of your qualifications or transcripts. They are able to translate using the exact terminology required for the translations. It is a very meticulous and scrupulous process. For example, if a sworn translator using the incorrect terminology for the equivalence of a “Licence” in the United States, the translation will not be valid. You can easily avoid this by simply using a sworn translator.

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