Recognition of qualifications and studies

Those moving to Austria to work generally need to have their qualifications from educational institutions in other countries recognised. How this is achieved (and how quick/easy the process is) depends on the country your qualifications are from.

• If you studied in an EU or EEA country there is a general assumption of equivalence with Austrian qualifications. Your qualifications may be automatically recognised.

• If your qualifications are from a third country they must be validated (or “nostrified”).

• A small number of third countries have bilateral agreements with Austria to recognise qualifications.

Working in Austria have produced an excellent, comprehensive and well-written guide to recognition of qualifications. Essential reading in all three cases above:

https://www.workinaustria.com/en/living-working/competency-assessment

Teachers

The Austrian government’s Unternehmensservice Portal provides information (in German but your browser will translate it) for getting qualifications gained in the EU/EEA/Swizerland recognised. You apply to the relevant authority in your Bundesland. Links to application forms can be found at the bottom of the document.

https://www.usp.gv.at/BARL/lehrpersonen-an-allgemeinbildenden-pflichtschulen-anerkennung.html

Further information

See also: https://www.wien.gv.at/english/living-working/nostrification.html