Recognition of Foreign Diplomas in Georgia (NCEQE)

If you are bringing a qualification to Georgia, or you plan to use a Georgian qualification abroad, one institution plays a central role: the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE). It is the competent authority responsible for recognising foreign educational qualifications in Georgia and for verifying Georgian educational documents. Understanding what the NCEQE does—and what it does not decide—will help you avoid many common misunderstandings.

What the NCEQE does

The National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) recognises education obtained abroad. As part of the recognition procedure, it verifies the authenticity of foreign educational documents and assesses how the qualification, or the learning outcomes achieved, correspond to the Georgian qualifications framework.

The NCEQE also verifies educational documents issued in Georgia where verification is required. If those documents are intended for use abroad, they may additionally need to be apostilled or legalised by the competent Georgian authorities, depending on the requirements of the destination country.

Bringing a foreign qualification to Georgia

One of the most common reasons international applicants require recognition is university admission. A foreign secondary school qualification is generally required for admission to a bachelor’s programme, while a previously awarded university degree is typically required for admission to a master’s programme.

Recognition may take several weeks and is often a prerequisite for enrolment. For that reason, it is advisable to begin the process as early as possible. The admission process is explained in more detail in our Admissions and Enrolment Guide.

Using a Georgian qualification abroad

Graduating from a Georgian university is only one step if you intend to continue your studies or practise your profession in another country.

Before a Georgian educational document can be used abroad, it may need to be verified and, where required, apostilled or legalised in accordance with the applicable international or national procedures. Whether the qualification is ultimately recognised is determined exclusively by the education authorities, universities or professional licensing bodies of the destination country.

In other words, Georgia can verify the authenticity of its educational documents, but it cannot require another country to recognise the qualification.

Academic recognition and professional licensing

It is important to distinguish academic recognition from professional licensing.

Recognition confirms the level or equivalence of an educational qualification. It does not by itself grant the right to practise a regulated profession.

Professions such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture and law are subject to separate licensing or professional admission requirements, which vary from one country to another. A recognised academic qualification is often only one of several conditions that must be satisfied before professional registration is granted.

If you intend to enter a regulated profession, always verify the licensing requirements of the country where you plan to work. For medical graduates, our Studying Medicine in Georgia guide explains this distinction in greater detail.

Practical tips

Begin the recognition process as early as possible if it is required for admission or employment.

Prepare the original educational documents together with any certified translations required by the receiving institution or authority. Check whether your country requires an apostille or consular legalisation, and keep copies of every certified document submitted during the process.

A little preparation at the beginning can save considerable time later, particularly where recognition is a prerequisite for university enrolment or another legal procedure.

Frequently asked questions

Who recognises foreign diplomas in Georgia?

The National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE). It verifies the authenticity of a foreign educational document and establishes how the qualification or learning outcomes compare with Georgian qualifications.

When do I need recognition of a foreign qualification?

Most commonly to enrol at a Georgian university with a foreign school certificate or degree, and in some cases for employment or further regulated steps that require a recognised qualification.

How do I use my Georgian diploma in another country?

The NCEQE legalises or apostilles Georgian educational documents so they are valid abroad. Whether the foreign country then accepts your Georgian qualification depends on that country's authorities or professional bodies.

What is the difference between apostille and legalisation?

Both make a public document valid internationally. An apostille is used between countries party to the Apostille Convention; consular legalisation is used for other countries. The NCEQE handles these for Georgian educational documents.

Does recognition guarantee I can work in a regulated profession?

No. Academic recognition is separate from professional licensing. Regulated professions — medicine, law and others — have their own licensing bodies and exams that decide the right to practise.