Recognition of Foreign Academic Qualifications in Cyprus
For foreign nationals seeking employment or further education in the Republic of Cyprus, the formal recognition of degrees obtained outside the country is often a mandatory requirement. This process ensures that a foreign qualification is comparable to the standards of the Cypriot higher education system. The competent authority for this procedure is the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, commonly known as KYSATS.
Recognition is particularly critical for individuals aiming to work in the public sector, apply for specific regulated professions, or enroll in postgraduate programs at local universities. While private employers may sometimes accept original documents without formal state recognition, having an official certificate from KYSATS provides legal certainty regarding the level and quality of the degree.
Types of Recognition
KYSATS provides two primary types of recognition, depending on the applicant's needs and the nature of their previous studies:
- Equivalence (Isostimia): This confirms that the degree was awarded by a recognized/accredited institution and is of a comparable level to a Cypriot degree (e.g., a Bachelor's degree). It does not specify a particular subject match.
- Equivalence and Correspondence (Antistoixia): This confirms both the level of the degree and that the subject matter is substantially similar to a specific degree offered by public universities in Cyprus. This is often required for professional registration in fields like engineering or teaching.
The evaluation is based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and the duration of the study program. For a degree to be recognized, the awarding institution must be recognized by the competent national authorities of the country in which it operates.
Regulated Professions and Professional Bodies
Academic recognition by KYSATS is a prerequisite for academic purposes, but for "regulated professions," an additional step is required. If a profession is regulated by law (e.g., doctors, nurses, architects, lawyers), the applicant must apply to the relevant professional body or board.
- ETEK (Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber): For engineers, architects, and surveyors.
- Cyprus Medical Council: For medical practitioners.
- Cyprus Nursing and Midwifery Council: For healthcare professionals.
In these cases, KYSATS provides the academic foundation, while the professional body evaluates the right to practice.
Application Procedure and Requirements
The application process for 2025/2026 is primarily conducted through the official KYSATS website. Applicants must submit a digital application accompanied by scanned copies of original documents. Physical verification may be requested at a later stage.
Necessary Documentation
The following documents are typically required for a standard recognition application:
- A completed application form.
- Certified copy of the degree/diploma (with an Apostille stamp if the country is a member of the Hague Convention).
- Official transcripts (Diploma Supplement) detailing all subjects, grades, and ECTS credits.
- Secondary school leaving certificate.
- Certified translations into Greek or English if the original documents are in another language.
- A copy of a valid passport or ID.
Processing Fees
The fees for recognition are non-refundable and must be paid upon submission of the application. As of 2025/2026, the standard fee structure is as follows:
- Application for Equivalence: 50 EUR ($53 USD, Jan 2026).
- Application for Equivalence and Correspondence: 100 EUR ($106 USD, Jan 2026).
- Issuance of a replacement certificate: 20 EUR ($21 USD, Jan 2026).
The timeframe for a decision varies depending on the complexity of the case and the responsiveness of the awarding institution, typically ranging from 3 to 6 months.
Special Cases and Exemptions
Degrees obtained from public universities in Greece or institutions listed under specific EU directives may undergo a simplified or automatic recognition process in certain contexts. However, for most third-country nationals (non-EU), the full KYSATS evaluation is mandatory.
Note: Recognition of "distance learning" degrees is subject to specific criteria. The institution must be recognized as a university in its home country, and the specific program of study must be accredited for distance delivery.
For more information on the status of specific foreign institutions, applicants are encouraged to consult the ENIC-NARIC network, which provides data on global higher education systems.
