Convalidate university studies in Austria

• hi
  I studied in a University in Spain and got my diploma in 1998, in Spanish called "Diplomatura". Does anybody know how I can convalidate this in Austria? I suppose it would be equivalent to the Bakk.
  Thanks in advance!

  24 Mar 2009, 09:50 JD

Risposte

• Convalidate university studies in Austria = Nostrification

  Hi
  
  The process is not easy. It's called "Nostrification" in Austria. Essentially, you have to contact a university in Austria, and they check out the credentials, and then accept or reject the diploma. You may only apply to one university. If you contact any of the foreign student offices at the University, they will point you in the right direction.
  
  But it is a nightmare of red tape, (so much so, that, although I have a Masters' degree, I just gave up) and is not cheap. In addition to the degree, you have to supply details of every course that you studied - including study plans, exams rules, etc. (I finished my degrees 15-20 years ago - like I really have access to that sort of information). Then it has to be matched to a qualification that is offered at the University. No match-no qualification. And if it is 'short,' (i.e. different), you will have to make up courses. (Like find yourself back in a first-year class)
  
  Make no mistake, if I were to design a system that does NOT recognise foreign qualifications, I would use the Austrian system as a model.
  
  For example, I wanted to teach at high school level (Gymnasium, it's called). They (University of Salzburg) told me that, as a foreigner, to teach at Gymnasium level, I had to have the equivalent of NINE university semesters (i.e. 4.5 years) in at least two subjects. Now, in most countries, 9 semesters is into a Masters degree, and as there is no such thing as half a Masters degree, that means you have to have TWO Masters degrees to teach at high school! No wonder they are short of teachers in Austria.
  
  If anyone else here has had a better experience, though I'd like to know.

  Bob 08 Giu 2009, 12:47 - Denuncia