Recognition of a foreign degree in Algeria: the procedure step by step

A master's degree from France, an engineering degree from Canada, a European baccalaureate: to continue studying, apply for a job or enrol a child in Algeria, a foreign qualification often has to be formally recognised. Without recognition, the file is refused or left pending.

Why recognition matters

It officially sets the level of your qualification against the Algerian system. Universities, public employers and many private employers ask for it, as do administrations for certain benefits.

The main steps (indicative)

1. Identify the competent body: depending on the level (secondary or higher), recognition is handled by the Ministry of National Education or the Ministry of Higher Education. Part of the procedure is now available online through the administration's digital services.
2. Gather the file: copy of the degree, transcripts, enrolment certificate or course programme, ID, translation into Arabic or French as required.
3. Have the documents authenticated: apostille or legalisation depending on the issuing country, to be checked before filing.
4. File and follow up the request, then collect the recognition certificate.

Mistakes that block files

• A missing or untranslated transcript.
• A forgotten or expired authentication.
• A degree from an institution not recognised in its home country.
• Filing too late: recognition must be obtained before enrolment or application, not after.

Timelines and costs

Timelines depend on the time of year, the start of the academic year being the busiest: allow several weeks, even a few months (indicative). Fees are limited, but translations and authentications have a cost.

Our advice

Start the request as soon as a return or relocation project takes shape, and keep all your transcripts. In our Schooling pack, we prepare the recognition file together with the enrolment to avoid back-and-forth.