FAQ

  1. In which cases do I need to apply for recognition of a degree title at DOATAP?

You will have to apply at DOATAP if you need the academic equivalence of a degree awarded by a foreign University (see also question no 2). The recognition of professional qualifications or of the professional equivalence of degrees is a responsibility of the Independent Department for the Implementation of EU Legislation (ATEEN) of the Hellenic Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.

  1. In which cases I do NOT need to apply at DOATAP?

Under Law 4957/2022 which came in force on 21st-7-2022, applying at DOATAP for the recognition of academic equivalence of a degree has been abolished for the following cases:

a.for admission to a second or 3rd cycle study program at national universities (and, by analogy, for participation of a 1st cycle degree holder in qualifying exams for another first cycle study program),

b.for applying for a Teaching and Research Staff position at a national university or a permanent researcher position at a public Research Center (RC) supervised by the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation,

c.for applying for an Associate Teaching Staff position at the Hellenic Open University (HOU),

d.for filling a postdoctoral researcher position in national and European research programs.

3.In which other cases do I contact DOATAP?

You may contact DOATAP if you require:

  • Information on the Hellenic educational system
  • Information on issues regarding higher education at international and European level
  • Information on years of study abroad for holders of recognized degrees for use in the counting of fictitious years in managing a retirement
  • Certification for the inclusion of a foreign Institution in the National Registry of Foreign Recognized Higher Education Institutions (for use in receiving allowances, continuing insurance, working in the private sector, etc.)
  • Information on the level of study for a national degree holder who wishes either to work or pursue further studies abroad (EQF, NQF)
  1. I have studied abroad, and I wish to participate in a call of the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection (ASEP), where an Academic Equivalence Act is required. Should I apply at DOATAP?

Yes. If you wish to participate in a Public Sector call, where an Academic Equivalence Act is required, an individual application must be submitted at the electronic platform e-doatap.doatap.gr.

  1. I have just completed my studies at a foreign university, and I wish to undertake a graduate study program at a Hellenic university. Do I have to wait, firstly, DOATAP to issue an Academic Equivalence Act of my degree title?

No. If you wish to continue your studies in Greece, universities and research centers (RC) supervised by the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation are now responsible for the assessment of your degree(s).  For this purpose, universities and RCs examine whether the awarding Institution is included in the National Registry of Foreign Recognized Institutes and whether the title type is included in the National Registry of Foreign Recognized Academic Title Types of foreign recognized institutions listed on the DOATAP website.

  1. I hold an academic degree awarded by a foreign university, after studying at a partner college/branch of that university based in Greece. Should I apply at DOATAP for an academic equivalence of my degree?

No. The recognition of degrees, after completing or partially undertaking studies in a foreign educational institution’s branch in Greece, is not in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 of the Hellenic Constitution. In this case, you can contact ATEEN of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs (https://www.minedu.gov.gr/aei-9/nomothesia-aei/298-uncategorised/26691) which is responsible for the professional recognition of qualifications and the recognition of the professional equivalence of formal higher education degrees.

  1. The University at which I studied is not included in the National Registry of Foreign Recognized Higher Education Institutions. Does this mean my degree will not be recognized?

The National Registry of Foreign Recognized Higher Education Institutes is constantly being enriched. If your Institution or/and degree are not listed in the National Registries, you can submit a relevant request. If DOATAP has already decided not to include the aforesaid Institution or/and degree in the Registry, you will be informed accordingly. If the inclusion of the aforesaid Institution or/and degree in the Registry has not yet been decided, then DOATAP’s Board of Directors will examine whether the prerequisites of article 304 of Law 4957/2022 are fulfilled, and with its decision the aforesaid Institution or/and degree will be included or not in National Registries, respectively.

  1. Which national University Department’s degrees will my foreign 1st cycle degree be academically equivalent to?

It is up to the applicant to choose the national University Department to whose degrees his/her foreign 1st cycle degree will be evaluated for its academic equivalence, by locating the most relevant study program as listed in eDoatap platform.

  1. I possess a master’s/doctorate degree title in Educational Sciences. Can you grant me a relevant certificate for awarding additional points in the appointment of teachers?

Yes, under the Law 4957/2022, and the addition of sub-paragraph ι in the paragraph 5, “the chairman of the Board of Directors has the responsibilities” of the article 301 of the Law 4957/2022, according to which and upon recommendation of the Head of the Recognition Department, he certifies, either on the Act of recognition or on a separate document, that the subjects of master’s/doctorate degrees’ titles granted by foreign institutions fall within Educational Sciences “.

  1. Based on Law 4957/2022, I intend to apply for an academic equivalence towards a degree of a five-year program study in Greece (e.g., engineering sciences, geotechnical sciences, visual arts, music/theatrical studies, etc.). What choices do I have?

You may submit an application

a.for the evaluation of the academic equivalence of a three- or four-year 1st cycle degree, which will be assessed by an evaluator for possibly assigning compensatory measures that may include performing a thesis at a Hellenic university and/or successful exams on certain courses. In this case, Master’s degree can be submitted separately.

or

b. for the evaluation of the academic equivalence of a three-year or four-year 1st cycle degree while co-submitting a 2nd cycle degree. In this case, the latter cannot be submitted separately for recognition.

4.I wish to enroll in a graduate/undergraduate distance learning program. Are foreign distance learning programs academically recognized?

Yes, as long as the provisions of the Law 4957/2022 are met. According to the latter, in order for a degree title to be recognized, all studies (i.e. teaching and learning process, evaluation, promotion and graduation terms) must have been carried out in recognized foreign educational institutions, unless part of them have been carried out in a Hellenic Public Institution. The last passage is exclusively understood as for studies that firstly took place in a Hellenic public university and then continued as a transfer to a foreign institution.

  1. How do I apply for an academic recognition of a degree obtained abroad?

The application is submitted exclusively online, via eDoatap platform. Applications sent by post, e-mail or by any other means other than eDoatap platform will not be accepted.

  1. What supporting documents are needed for the recognition of my Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctorate degree?

Required supporting documents for the recognition of foreign academic degrees are listed on eDoatap platform under Documents .

  1. My foreign University informed me that upon completion of my studies, it delivered all required supporting documents to DOATAP. Do I need to do something more?

Yes. As the deliverance of supporting documents by the foreign institution to DOATAP does not constitute a request for recognition of a foreign degree title, if you wish to follow such a procedure (except for the cases defined in the article 304, paragraph 4 of the Law 4957/2022, see question no 2), you should submit an individual request via eDoatap platform.

  1. Is the Certificate of Place of Study also mandatory under the Law 4957/2022?

It is mandatory only if the degree title has been awarded by an Institution included in the list of foreign Institutions awarding degrees through a franchise agreement with private entities in Greece, under the article 307. In this case, in addition to the other supporting documents specified, a “Certificate of Place of Study” (issued and sent by the foreign university) is also required.

A “Certificate of Place of Study” is also required for that part of studies taken place at an Institution included in the above list.

Be aware that when a foreign institution certifies as place of study (in whole or in part) facilities of a private institution in Greece, recognition of academic equivalence is not feasible.

  1. Supporting documents make a reference to Apostille stamp (Hague stamp). How is this stamp granted?

The international Apostille stamp (or Hague stamp) certifies the authenticity of signatures appearing on a document and is issued by an administrative authority of the issuing country, if this country has ratified the relevant convention.

  1. For which supporting documents do I need to submit an official translation?

If supporting documents are not issued in Greek, English or French, you should attach in your application an official translation of:

  1. Degree title, certified according to The Hague Convention (Apostille)
  2. Transcript of record (i.e. detailed courses’ scores) certified according to The Hague Convention (Apostille)
  3. Certificate of Place of Study (if necessary), certified according to The Hague Convention (Apostille)

The official translation is made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs [link: Register of Certified Translators] or by the local Hellenic Consular Authorities, or by a graduate translator of the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation, and Interpreting of the Ionian University or by a lawyer in Greece who certifies that this is a translation of a specific document.

  1. I studied one year at the university A and then transferred to continue my studies at the university B. Do I need supporting documents from both universities?

Supporting documents are required from each institution, where part of the studies have taken place.

  1. In my application for the recognition of my 1st cycle degree, DOATAP asks me to define in relation to which Hellenic University department my academic equivalence will be examined. Does it matter which Department I choose?

No. The choice of the Department is indicative, if there are more than one similar Departments across the country, e.g., Physics Departments. Academic equivalence is not provided for a specific Department, e.g., Physics Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), but for all Physics Departments of Greece. In eDoatap, the distinction, e.g., between Physics Department of AUTH, University of Ioannina etc., is made for purely technical reasons. Usually, the applicants choose by geographical criteria, taking into consideration that if they are assigned compensatory measures, they can be examined at a University which is closest to their place of residence. If in a scientific discipline there is only one Department operating in the country, e.g., Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, its selection is mandatory.

  1. Can I request a prioritization of my application?

For reasons of equality and equal treatment, the order of priority is not violated. Accelerating retrieve of an application is only granted when there is undue delay on the part of DOATAP.

  1. I need a grade correspondence of my degree grade. What should I do?

If a Recognition Act has been issued under the Law 4957/2022, you do not need to submit a separate application, nor pay a separate fee. By decision of DOATAP Board of Directors (n. 15 of 22 July 2022), grade correspondence of the grade of 1st or 2nd cycle degrees appears in the Recognition Act of Academic Equivalence.

However, if a Recognition Act has been issued under Law 3328/2005, before the 21st of July 2022, a certificate of grade correspondence is issued following a relevant application of the person concerned and a proof of fee payment.  (see next question)

Pending applications for grade correspondence concerning past Acts will be processed as in the past without a refund.

  1. An Equivalence or an Equivalence & Correspondence Act of my degree title has been issued under the Law 3328/2005. How do I apply for a certificate of grade correspondence?

In order to receive a certificate of grade correspondence for your degree grade after the issuance of a Recognition Act under Law 3328/2005, you should submit a request to the following e-mail address protocol@doatap.gr, accompanied by a proof of payment of the amount of €30.72 and a copy of DOATAP’s Recognition Act.  

The application has been uploaded on the website www.doatap.gr/Information/Application Forms. Information on the methods of payment of the above amount is posted on the website www.doatap.gr/Information/Fees.

  1. How do I apply to get copies of my file documents?

In order to receive copies of file documents kept by DOATAP, you should submit a relevant request to the e-mail addresses protocol@doatap.gr and paralavi@doatap.gr, accompanied by a proof of payment of the amount of €20.48 and relevant information on your degree title.

The application is uploaded on the website www.doatap.gr/Information/Application Forms. Information on the methods of payment of the above amount is posted on the website www.doatap.gr/Information/Fees.

  1. How do I apply for an Institution Recognition certificate to proceed with the recognition of my previous work experience?

To receive an Institution Recognition certificate, you should submit a relevant request indicating the reason you are submitting it for, to the email address protocol@doatap.gr, accompanied by proof of payment of the amount of €20.48.

The application is uploaded on the website www.doatap.gr/Information/Application forms. Information on the methods of payment of the above amount is posted on the website www.doatap.gr/Information/Fees.

  1. I have submitted a reevaluation request under Law 3328/2005. Will it be considered?

No. According to the article 480 of the Law 4957/2022, pending reevaluation requests (under Law 3328/2005) are archived and those interested can apply for a fee refund. There are cases where they can be submitted as a new application with the same fee. Before submitting a new application, it is recommended to contact Information Directorate of DOATAP for further clarifications on the eligibility of your application.

  1. I have submitted a request for Equivalence under Law 3328/2005. Will it be considered?

No. Equivalence has been abolished under the new Law 4957/2022. Thus, you have two options:

  1. Withdraw your application, if you are exclusively interested in continuing your studies in Greece or being appointed to a Teaching and Research Staff position in a Hellenic university or in a Postdoctoral position in national or European research program. In this case, you will be refunded the application fee as long as you submit a relevant application.
  2. Re-apply for recognition of Academic Equivalence with the same fee in case you need it for any other purpose.

Be aware that under Law 4957/2022, equivalence to the degrees of former Technological Educational Institutes (TEI) has been abolished. From now on, a three-year degree is examined for its academic equivalence towards a degree awarded by Hellenic Higher Education Institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, Higher Schools of Fine Arts, Higher Schools of Pedagogical and Technological Education).  It is possible that compensatory measures will be assigned. The limit in the number of courses assigned has been abolished as well.

  1. I have applied for the co-evaluation of two degrees under Law 3328/2005. Will my application be considered?

The co-evaluation of degrees has been abolished by the new Law 4957/2022, except for academic equivalence towards five-year degrees/diplomas awarded by national Universities (e.g., Engineering Sciences, Geotechnical Sciences, Visual Arts, Music/Theatrical studies, etc.).  In any other case, the application is returned to the applicant to submit two separate applications:  one for the 1st cycle degree and a second one for the 2nd cycle degree, using the same fees. (For information on 5-year studies, see the next question.)

Note that Equivalence to the degrees of former Technological Educational Institutes (TEI) has been abolished. From now on, a three-year degree is examined for its Academic Equivalence towards a degree awarded by Hellenic Higher Education Institutions with a possible assignment of compensatory measures.

  1. I have applied under Law 3328/2005 for the Equivalence & Correspondence towards a Greek 5-year study degree (e.g., Engineering Sciences, Geotechnical Sciences, Visual Arts, Music/Theatrical studies, etc.). What options do I have under Law 4957/2022?

There are three alternatives:

  1. Proceed with the evaluation of the Academic Equivalence in accordance with the provisions of Law 4957/2022.
  2. Apply for the evaluation of the Academic Equivalence of a three or four-year 1st cycle degree, which will be assessed by an evaluator for possibly assigning compensatory measures that may include a thesis at a Hellenic university and/or successful exams on certain courses. In this case, Master’s degree can be submitted separately for recognition.
  3. Apply for the evaluation of the academic of a three or four-year 1st cycle degree while co-submitting a 2nd cycle degree. In this case, the latter cannot be submitted separately for recognition.
  1. How long does the recognition process last?

For new applications submitted from November 2022 onwards, the expected completion time is between 1 and 2 months, provided that the file is complete and without particular problems. Τhis applies to all scientific disciplines and types of titles.

  1. How can I see the progress of my application on your website?

For applications submitted on paper before the 20th of May 2019, information on the progress of the recognition process is provided by our organization’s website via the online process. For this purpose, only the protocol number of your individual file and your date of birth are needed.

For applications submitted online via eDoatap platform, the progress is monitored through the platform.

  1. While observing the progress of my application on eDoatap, I noticed that instead of moving to the next stage, my application went back to a previous one. Should I be worried?

No. Sometimes, an application is indeed returned to a previous stage, due to either technical or substantive reasons (e.g., because it was not assigned to the competent evaluator, or the evaluator requested additional information etc.). If additional information is needed from the applicants, they are notified immediately. In any other case, application will resume as soon as DOATAP’s internal procedures are in place.

  1. Will I need to take exams on additional courses?

After the examination of your study program, you may be assigned compensatory measures for the academic equivalence of your 1st cycle degree. These may include a written examination or an internship or the elaboration of a thesis or a combination of them.

The compensatory measures are defined by the President of DOATAP, following a written justified proposition of the Evaluator, and in accordance to the article 310 of the Law 4957/2022.

  1. Which University Department do I need to apply to in order to be examined in the courses charged to me as compensatory measures?

You must contact a national University Department/School, related to the subject and the specialty referred in the decision of the President of DOATAP Board of Directors. You will need to request your participation in the subsequent examination periods. The choice of the University (provided that it includes the corresponding Department) is up to you. In any case, the compensatory measures should be completed in the same Department/School and Institution.

  1. Compensatory measures include an internship. What should I do?

You must contact a national University Department Greece related to the subject and specialty mentioned in the decision of the President of DOATAP Board of Directors. The choice of the University (provided that it includes the corresponding Department) is up to you.

  1. I successfully completed the compensatory measures. What should I do next?

Once you have successfully completed the compensatory measures, you will need to re-apply on the eDoatap platform with the same supporting documents and initial application fee, also attaching the certificate of results.  In the applicant comments section, you must indicate that you have successfully completed the compensatory measures. Then, you will finalize the application’s submission.  Afterwards, you must inform the relevant Department of DOATAP via email (protocol_A@doatap.gr & proelegxos@doatap.gr), that you submitted a request for recognition having completed compensatory measures.

  1. I possess a 1st cycle degree in Medicine/Dentistry from a foreign University. I wish to obtain a professional license. Should I participate in DOATAP exams in order to receive an academic recognition of my degree title?

If your studies took place in an EU country and your degree was awarded after the country joined the EU, you do not have to participate in exams. To get a professional license, contact directly the competent services of the Ministry of Health and the respective Medical/Dental Associations. Additionally, if you wish to continue your studies at graduate level in a Hellenic University, you do not need to apply to DOATAP for the academic recognition of your degree, pursuant to the article 304 of the Law 4957/2022.

However, if your academic degree in Medicine/Dentistry was awarded by a recognized University of a third country outside the EU (or of an EU country before the country joined the EU), to obtain a professional license, first it is necessary to be examined in the courses specified by DOATAP on a case-by-case basis, to receive the Academic Equivalence of your degree. If you wish to continue your studies at a graduate level, you do not need to apply for the academic recognition of your degree, pursuant to the article 304 of the Law 4957/2022.

In any case, the academic recognition of foreign Medical/Dentistry degrees (for cases other than those foreseen in the article 304 of the Law 4957/2022) is not an automatic process. On the contrary, you need to submit a relevant application to DOATAP.

  1. How will I be notified when the recognition process is complete?

If you submitted your application online through eDoatap platform, you will be notified of the completion of the process by e-mail in real time. In parallel, you can be informed through eDoatap platform. Sometimes the application may return to an earlier stage in the online process for technical or substantive reasons. In these cases, you do not need to contact DOATAP, unless you are asked to.

If you have submitted your application on paper (before the 20th of May 2019) and if you have knowledge of your application’s Protocol Number and year of submission, you can receive appropriate information via online application process (link). If you have registered a phone number and/or email, you will be informed by our respective departments by email or SMS once recognition process of your degree has been completed.

  1. How will I receive my Recognition Act for an application submitted through the eDoatap platform? Will it be delivered to my address?

Recognition Acts are not delivered. You can download, save and print final Recognition Acts, with the digital signature of the President of DOATAP, through eDoatap platform. The Act bearing President’s digital signature can be digitally circulated to every third party. You do not need to visit DOATAP offices.

  1. How can I collect the Recognition Act that has been issued for application submitted before the 20th of May 2019 (i.e., for applications not submitted through eDoatap platform)?

You can collect your Recognition Act (or any other related document) in person.  Alternatively, it can be collected by a third party (or a courier company) who has been authorized by you in written.

  1. I have lost my Recognition Act. How can I receive it again?

The Recognition Act for an application submitted through the eDoatap platform remains uploaded on eDoatap platform. From there, you can download it as many times as needed.

If you need a copy of your Recognition Act that has been issued for applications submitted before the 20th of May 2019 and you have already received it, you can submit a request to the email address protocol@doatap.gr, accompanied by proof of payment of the amount of €20.48. You will then be informed to visit DOATAP offices to receive copies of your Recognition Act.

  1. Why the grade correspondence issued by DOATAP is not the same grade as the one listed on my degree?

The calculation of the grade correspondence may present deviations from the grade indicated on the foreign degree, due to the different grading systems adopted by each country. More information on calculating the grade equivalent of a foreign university degree title can be found in the field “Calculation of the grade correspondence of a foreign university degree”. (link)

  1. I received a negative decision from DOATAP. May I apply for a reevaluation?

An application for reevaluation of a decision issued in accordance with the Law 4957/2022 can be submitted within 60 days from the date of receipt of the relevant decision. To submit your request, you will need to submit a new application, through eDoatap platform, specifically stating that it concerns a reevaluation.  As “other document”, you should complete and upload the application for reevaluation (found on “application forms”) and any new evidence and/or arguments you consider necessary to support your request.  As receipt of payment, you will upload the payment receipt of the (new) required fee (found on “reevaluation fee”).

Then, in accordance with the Law 4957/2022, your application will be examined by a three-member Special Reappraisal Committee, consisting of three (3) evaluators of the same or related specializations chosen from the Register of Evaluators. Committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to DOATAP Board of Directors. The latter is responsible to decide on the reappraisal and appropriately inform the person concerned within 3 months.

If you need any further information, you may contact DOATAP (https://www.doatap.gr/home_english/contact/)

  1. What steps does a University or Research Center (RC) in Greece need to take in order to assess an application in accordance with the provisions of article 304, paragraph 4 of the Law 4957/2022 (continuation of studies, etc.)?

Firstly, the national University/RC must examine whether the foreign Institution that has awarded the degree is included in the National Registry of Recognized Foreign Higher Education Institutions. (link)

Secondly, the national University/RC must examine whether the degree type is included in the National Registry of Degree Types of Recognized Institutions. (link).

If the answer to both of the above questions is positive:

  • the national University/RC examines whether the foreign Institution is also included in the List of foreign Institutions that award degrees organized through a franchise agreement with private entities in Greece (link).
  • If included, the national University/RC must also request a “Certificate of Place of Study” directly from the foreign institution. When the foreign Institution certifies as a place of study (in whole or in part) facilities of a private institution in Greece, the application will not be accepted. When it certifies exclusively as a place of study its facilities abroad, the application is accepted for consideration. A sample form of a Place of Study Certificate is uploaded on DOATAP’s website.
  • If it is not included, the application is accepted for consideration.

If the answer to at least one of the above two questions is negative:

  • the national University/RC submits to DOATAP a request for inclusion of the Institution and/or the degree type of the title in the respective Registry. If the conditions of the Law 4925/2022 are met, DOATAP takes the decision to include the Institution and/or the degree type in the respective Registry.
  1. Whom should I contact to confirm the authenticity of Recognition acts?

To confirm the authenticity of documents issued by DOATAP, entities can send their requests to the e-mail address gnisiotita@doatap.gr.

  • “Higher education” is the education provided by educational institutions operating in Greece or abroad as recognized institutions of higher education.
  • “Recognized educational Institution” is the foreign higher education Institution which is recognized by the competent authorities of the host country, and organizes study programs of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cycle of higher education, or at least one of the three, awarding relevant degrees.
  • “Degree “ is the academic title which certifies that its holder has successfully completed a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cycle study program of higher education.
  • “First Cycle Degree” is the academic title awarded by a recognized higher education Institution, after the successful completion of a 1st cycle higher education study program. It leads to 2nd and/or 3rd cycle studies in the country of award.
  • “Second Cycle Degree” is the academic title awarded by a recognized higher education Institution to degree holders, after the successful completion of a higher education 2nd cycle program. It can lead to a 3rd cycle studies in the awarding country.
  • “Third Cycle Degree” is the academic title awarded by recognized educational Institutions to degree holders upon successful completion of a 3rd cycle study program.
  • “Academic equivalence” is a certification stating that the degree awarded by a foreign recognized higher education institution leads to the acquisition of comparable academic qualifications with a degree awarded by a Greek Higher Education Institution.
  • “First cycle study program” is a study program that leads to the acquisition of a degree at level six (6) of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Qualification Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA). It corresponds to a minimum of 180 units of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) or their equivalent in third country credit systems.
  • “Second cycle study program” is a study program that leads to the acquisition of a qualification at level seven (7) of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Qualification Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA). It corresponds to a minimum of sixty (60) credits of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) or their equivalent in third country credit systems.
  • “Third cycle study program” is a study program that leads to the acquisition of a qualification at level eight (8) of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Qualification Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA).
  • “Distance-learning education programs (first, second and third cycle)” are study programs offered in whole or in part by distance, from Institutions based abroad, with or without technological support or a combination of both.
  • “Recognized Validation or Certification Authority” is an Authority – member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR), as well as any Authority officially recognized in the awarding country as a higher education validation or certification authority.
  • “Central Contact Point” for the academic recognition of degrees is the authority of each country responsible for providing information related to the academic recognition of titles awarded.