How to Validate Your Ukrainian Diploma in Poland: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Validate Your Ukrainian Diploma in Poland: A Step-by-Step Guide

Having your diploma recognised will allow you to work in your profession and earn a higher salary. Here is a concise, practical overview of what you need to do.

1. Determine which procedure applies to you

There are two options in Poland:

✔ Diploma recognition (prosty tryb)

– A simple and fast option. – Applies to specialist/master's degrees obtained before 19 June 2006. – Handled by NAWA. – Free of charge.

✔ Nostrification (pełna nostryfikacja)

– A thorough review of the study programme. – Required for degrees obtained after 20 June 2006 or for work in regulated professions (medicine, dentistry, nursing, etc.). – Conducted by Polish universities. – The procedure is paid.

2. Use the Kwalifikator system

To find out which path applies to you:

➡ Go to the Kwalifikator system The system will automatically indicate whether recognition is sufficient or nostrification is required. It takes into account:

• the country where the diploma was issued
• the level of education
• the date of graduation
• the field of study

3. If your diploma was issued before 19.06.2006 — you can have it recognised free of charge through NAWA

Required documents:

• Original diploma + supplement
• Previous document (school-leaving certificate / bachelor's diploma)
• Passport or other identity document
• Certificate of name change (if applicable)
• PESEL UKR (temporary protection)

Important: documents in Ukrainian or English do not need to be translated.

Submission: online Processing time: ~60 days

4. If nostrification is required — submit documents to a Polish university

This applies to all degrees:

• issued after 20.06.2006
• or if you wish to work in a regulated profession (doctor, nurse, teacher, engineer, etc.).

Steps:

Step 1. Application to the Ministry of Science (MNiSW)

Submit:

• an application
• the original and a copy of the diploma + supplement
• a certified translation (sworn translator or consulate)

After approximately 3 weeks, the ministry will issue a certificate confirming that your diploma requires nostrification.

Step 2. Submission of documents to a university

The university must hold a scientific category of A+, A or B+ in your field of study.

You will need to submit:

• a nostrification application
• the certificate from the ministry
• diploma + supplements (original, copies, translation)
• previous diploma/school certificate with translation
• documents regarding the duration of studies and subjects completed
• a CV in Polish
• a declaration that nostrification has not been carried out previously

If the study programmes differ, the university may require:

• additional examinations
• completion of an internship

Processing time: from 90 days Cost: set by the university (individually)

5. Medical specialisations — a separate procedure

For doctors, dentists and nurses, an extended review is required:

• assessment of practical training
• possible additional examinations or residency
• submission of documents to a medical university

6. Important information about your Ukrainian university's accreditation

If your institution had strong accreditation or featured in international rankings — the procedure will be smoother and faster. If there was no accreditation — having your diploma recognised may be more difficult.

In brief: what to do right now

1. Go to Kwalifikator → find out what is needed: recognition or nostrification.
2. If your diploma is from before 2006 → submit an online application to NAWA.
3. If it is more recent or in a medical field → submit documents to MNiSW and to a Polish university.
4. Prepare the required documents (some without translation).
5. Wait for the decision.

How to find work in Poland with Gremi Personal?

Gremi Personal is a Polish international HR company that helps Ukrainians find legal employment — including work in their profession (after diploma validation).

How we work

1. We find the right job for you. We take into account your preferences, experience and circumstances.
2. We help with documents, insurance and visas. We are with you at every step.
3. We arrange relocation and accommodation. Everything — without unnecessary stress.
4. Your coordinator is always there. They will help you settle in, find answers and feel confident.
5. We take care of you continuously. We are always available — even after you have started work.