What is Equivalence/Recognition

Equivalence/recognition is a recognition system for foreign academic degrees that is based on a scientific re-evaluation of the academic work and study programme throughout the higher education course.

It is established by Decree-Law no. 283/83 of 21 June.

How to apply for Equivalence/Recognition

1. You should contact a Portuguese higher education institution that provides courses in the same or similar field of study;

2. The request must be made on the appropriate form, available on the website or retailers of Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda;

3. Depending on the degree for which the equivalence/recognition is requested, the documents referred to in Articles 4, 8 or 12 of Decree-Law no. 283/83 of 21 June, duly authenticated by Portuguese consular agent in the country of origin of the diploma and/or legalized by the Hague Apostille, must be provided;

4. The equivalence/recognition fees are published annually by the higher education institutions in Diário da República (Official Gazette).

What is the difference between equivalence and recognition

Equivalence is a process through which the foreign academic qualification is compared to a Portuguese qualification in level (Licenciado, Mestre or Doutor), duration and programme content.

In the case of recognition, the foreign academic qualification is compared to a Portuguese qualification only in level (Licenciado, Mestre or Doutor).