In Italy, foreign educational qualifications — whether academic degrees, high school diplomas or professional titles — do not automatically have legal value. This affects both highly qualified professionals and people with more basic educational backgrounds. Without formal recognition, previous studies are often ignored, and access to qualified jobs, training, or further education becomes difficult.
Understanding how recognition works is a key step to avoid being trapped in low-skilled employment and to make informed choices about work and study in Italy.
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What to Do to Convert My Foreign Degree
If you obtained a university degree outside Italy, you must apply for recognition to use it formally. Recognition is handled mainly by Italian universities, under the rules set by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR).
There are two main forms:
- Academic recognition (equipollenza)
This is a full recognition that declares your degree equivalent to an Italian one. It is usually required to continue studying or to access public-sector jobs. Universities evaluate your programme, duration of studies, and course content. Recognition is decided case by case and is not automatic. - Recognition for a specific purpose (equivalenza)
This allows you to use your degree for a specific goal (for example, a public competition or a particular job). It does not fully convert your degree but can still be useful in practice.
Even people with strong academic backgrounds should be aware that Italian institutions focus on formal procedures, not on work experience alone.
Recognition of a Foreign High School Diploma
The recognition of a foreign high school diploma is especially important for those who want to:
- enrol in an Italian university,
- access certain vocational or technical training programmes,
- demonstrate a minimum level of education to employers or institutions.
Recognition is usually requested from:
- an Italian university, for university admission, or
- the Provincial School Office (Ufficio Scolastico Provinciale).
Authorities verify whether the diploma allows access to higher education in the country where it was issued and whether the length of schooling is comparable to the Italian system.
Here, nationality and residence status are decisive. EU citizens generally have broader access.
Non-EU citizens may need a long-term residence permit or a protected status (such as refugee or subsidiary protection) to complete recognition procedures. Without recognition, access to higher education in Italy is usually not possible.
What If I Am a Professional?
If you want to work in a regulated profession (such as healthcare, engineering, teaching, or technical professions), recognition of your qualification is mandatory. You must apply to the competent Italian authority or Ministry for that profession.
The authority may:
- fully recognise your qualification,
- require additional training,
- ask you to pass an aptitude test or complete an adaptation period.
For non-regulated professions, recognition is not legally required, but it remains important. Without it, employers may classify you as unqualified, regardless of your actual skills.
This affects both professionals and workers with vocational or technical training obtained abroad.
How Long Does It Take?
Recognition procedures take time. Academic recognition and professional recognition often require several months, depending on the institution and the complexity of the case. Delays are common.
Because of this, recognition should be started as early as possible, even while working in a temporary or low-skilled job.
What Documents Do I Need?
Requirements vary, but usually include:
- your original diploma or certificate,
- certified Italian translations,
- transcripts or lists of subjects studied,
- a “Declaration of Value” from the Italian consulate (or equivalent documentation),
- proof of identity, nationality, and residence permit.
For non-EU citizens, the type of residence permit can determine whether recognition is possible and for which purposes.
Who Should I Write To?
- For university degrees: the Italian university offering a similar programme
- For high school diplomas: the university or Provincial School Office
- For regulated professions: the relevant Ministry or professional body
- For guidance and document evaluation: CIMEA
Why Nationality and Residence Status Matter
In Italy, recognition is not only about education. Nationality and residence permit status strongly influence access to recognition procedures. EU citizens and long-term residents generally have more options. Non-EU citizens with temporary permits may face limits, even with strong qualifications.
Without recognition, many people — both highly educated and less qualified — are pushed into low-skilled work. Starting the recognition process is therefore an important step toward better jobs, further education, and fairer treatment in the Italian labour market.
