Recognition of diplomas of secondary education

General information

Newcomers who wish to start or continue their studies, work, or take up a certain type of profession in the Grand Duchy may, depending on their needs, ask for:

• recognition of the level of study reached (without obtaining a final diploma),
• recognition of the equivalence of a diploma (school-leaving type),
• recognition of the level of study reached, the equivalence of a diploma, and the equivalence of vocational qualifications.

The Department for the Recognition of Diplomas at the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (ministère de l'Éducation nationale, de l’Enfance et de la Jeunesse - MENJE) is responsible for recognising diplomas/certificates/school reports in classical, general and vocational secondary education. An attestation of the level of study reached may be issued for an incomplete cycle of studies.

Recognition of the level of study reached without obtaining a final diploma

Under certain conditions, equivalence may be requested for diplomas, school-leaving certificates, school reports and certificates in general and vocational secondary education obtained abroad.

Recognition of the level of study reached applies to:

• children of compulsory school age who arrive in the Grand Duchy without having completed a full cycle of study for which a diploma is awarded in their country of origin and wishing to join the Grand Duchy's schooling system;
• children and adults who arrive in the Grand Duchy without having completed a full cycle of study for which a diploma is awarded in their country of origin and wishing to resume or complete the cycle of studies;
• adults who want to know the level of their studies in the Grand Duchy and who wish to work or complete their training and/or take up an apprenticeship for adults.

More information on the recognition of the level of study reached

Recognition of the equivalence of a secondary school-leaving type diploma

Under certain conditions, equivalence may be requested for certificates/diplomas in classical, general and vocational secondary education obtained abroad.

So-called academic recognition of a diploma applies to:

• holders of a secondary school-leaving type diploma who wish to undertake higher or university studies in the Grand Duchy;
• holders of a secondary school-leaving type diploma who wish to enter the labour market;
• holders of other diplomas in general, technical or vocational secondary education.

More information on the recognition of diplomas

Recognition of equivalence for access to certain professions

Under certain conditions, equivalence may be requested for diplomas, school-leaving certificates, school reports and certificates in general and vocational secondary education obtained abroad.

The Department for the Recognition of Diplomas determines the recognition of equivalence of levels of study, diplomas and vocational qualifications in relation to the diplomas required in the Grand Duchy for access to:

• certain liberal professions, commercial occupations and skilled crafts;
• the health professions;
• and the socio-educational professions (qualified social education worker, carer).

More information on the recognition of equivalence

How to request recognition of equivalence

All requests for the recognition of diplomas/certificates/school reports must be sent by post to the Department for the Recognition of Diplomas at the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (MENJE); only requests that are complete will be considered.

An administrative tax is charged for requests for equivalence. Proof of payment of the tax must be sent with the request.

More information on the recognition of a level of study reached, a diploma or a vocational qualification