How can foreigners validate their diploma in Russia?
Which diplomas are recognized by Russia and why do you need to validate your foreign diploma? Let's take a closer look.
Why do you need to validate your diploma?
You need to validate your foreign diploma if you plan to continue your studies at a Russian university (for master's, postgraduate or residency programs) or if you plan to find work in a field that requires your specific qualifications. This is especially true in fields such as medicine or education, where having a recognized diploma is a mandatory condition for employment.
In official documents, this recognition is called nostrification – essentially, it’s an examination that determines the equivalence of your diploma to a Russian one, thereby giving you the legal right to study and work in Russia.
Which diplomas does Russia recognize?
The University of Vienna
Russia automatically recognizes diplomas from a large number of foreign universities, colleges and higher education institutions. According to the latest changes, this list already includes 384 foreign universities and research organizations from 36 countries. Among them are Sorbonne University, the University of Vienna, Oxford and other well-known institutions. You can view the full list here (as well as the 2025 amendments).
Alternatively, you can check whether your degree and your university are on this list using the online form on the National Accreditation Agency’s (Rosakkredagentstvo) website.
Russia also automatically recognizes USSR diplomas issued before May 15, 1992.
How does diploma recognition work in Russia?
Starting in 2023, applications for diploma recognition in Russia must be submitted through the official website of ‘Rosakkredagentstvo’ (‘Russian Accreditation Agency’). It’s available in Russian, English, Chinese and other languages:
- Prepare a notarized translation of your passport and a copy of the original (if you already have a Russian passport, only the copy is needed).
- Some diplomas require legalization (an apostille for countries party to the 1961 Hague Convention or consular legalization for others). You can check the list here.
If Russia and the country of your education have a mutual recognition agreement, legalization may not be required. - The original and a notarized copy of your diploma. If the diploma is in a foreign language, you will need a notarized translation into Russian. Often, documents from previous levels of education are also required (for example, if you have a master's degree, you will also need your bachelor's degree).
- Pay the state fee of 6,500 rubles (approx. $85). A receipt will be sent to your email.
- The required documents must be sent to the agency's office in Moscow or submitted through the agency's website. The review typically takes 30 business days. You can track the status of your application online. Documents can be returned in person or by mail.
As for the recognition of academic degrees obtained from foreign research organizations, applications can only be submitted online via the ‘Gosuslugi’ (State Public Services) portal.
However, this is only necessary if the research organization or institution is not covered by international agreements.
