Recognition of your secondary school graduation diploma

The conditions to acquire the recognition vary according to your diploma. International Baccalaureate Diplomas are considered equivalent to the Luxembourg secondary school leaving diploma if they meet the criteria set by the International Baccalaureate Organisation in Geneva and other conditions such as the length of schooling and languages studied.  

Diplomas from countries that have signed the can be recognised in Luxembourg, provided that they result from at least 12 consecutive years of successful education and give access to higher education or university studies in the country of origin. However, pay attention to the fact that even if these two conditions are fulfilled, the recognition is not automatic, but decided on a case-by-case basis.  

For diplomas from third countries (that haven’t signed the Paris or the Lisbon Convention), equivalency to a Luxembourg secondary school leaving diploma is subject to the same criteria as for countries that have signed the Paris or the Lisbon Convention plus other specific conditions. The recognition is also decided on a case-by-case basis.

To apply for recognition of secondary school graduation diploma, you must pay a tax (€75 to €125 depending on the diploma) and send the application form--with all the necessary documents--to the Diploma Recognition Department of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (28, rue Aldringen L-1118 Luxembourg).

Recognition of your level of education

You didn’t obtain your final diploma, certificate or other school-leaving credentials in your country of origin? In that case, you can ask for recognition of your education qualifications if you can provide copies of record cards for the past two school years or a certificate of attendance signed by the head of school. To apply, you have to pay a fee (€75) and send your application form with all the necessary documents to the Diploma Recognition Department. Once you have acquired the recognition, you can enter Luxembourg education, resume or finish your studies or follow adult education.   

Recognition of your higher education diplomas

To carry an academic title or access certain professions, you must record your higher education degree or diploma with the register of academic qualifications. If you have obtained your diploma in Belgium or in the Netherlands, the registration is automatic. The application procedure is more or less similar to the others: you must pay a fee (€75 per diploma) and send by post to the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (18-20, montée de la Pétrusse L-2327 Luxembourg) the application form with the copy of your degree or diploma in English, French or German, your professional and academic CV, proof of payment of the fee and a copy of a residence permit if you come outside EU/EEA  or Switzerland.

Recognition of your qualifications to access professions      

To access some professions, including certain liberal professions and professions in the commercial and craft sector, healthcare professions and socio-educational professions (specialist teacher, carer), you will need to get your experience and qualifications recognised before applying for a .

The recognition of equivalence of diplomas or professional qualifications is not granted automatically (except for midwifery and nursing qualifications in any EU country), but conducted on a case-by-case basis. If you obtained your qualifications outside the EU, you would need to show your formal qualification with at least three years’ experience. To apply, you must pay a fee (€75) and submit to the Diploma Recognition Department an application form relating specifically to the craft, commercial, socio-educational, liberal or health profession, together with documents such as a CV in Europass format and copy of diplomas.

You can find more information and download application forms on the site.    

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