Are non-EU degrees recognised in France? Can they be translated?
Since Brexit, UK qualifications have not been so easily accepted in the country
Some companies may ask for proof of compatibility
Alberto Jorrin / Alamy Stock Photo
Reader Question: Will my UK master's qualifications be accepted by the French company I am applying to?
If you are applying for a job in a non-regulated profession (profession non réglementée) – which is often the case in the private sectors – it is up to your employer if they accept your qualifications.
As your diplomas are British (a country with strong higher education credentials) and from an education system with which many French employers may be familiar, they may be accepted as they are, especially if they are from a well-known institution.
Some may, however, ask for proof of compatibility (attestation de comparabilité) to show that your qualifications correspond to a certain French diploma, to make sure you are fit for the role.
You can obtain this via a government-backed organisation, Enic-Naric. The process costs €90 (unless you are an asylum seeker or refugee).
Read more: French physiotherapist battles with bureaucracy over New Zealand degree
Different requirements for regulated roles
If you are applying to work in a regulated profession (profession réglementée), rules are different.
These include some trades or crafts, as well as the traditional professions such as doctors, architects, lawyers, etc.
Prior to Brexit, most UK higher education or vocational qualifications were accepted by France under reciprocal EU recognition. Now, however, this may not be the case, although the UK government has expressed interest in discussions on this.
The best course is to contact a professional organisation or governing body in France for your job (which you may need to join anyway as is often the case with regulated professions and trades), to see if your qualifications are accepted by them.
If not, they can advise you which qualifications you will need to take in France and whether shortcuts can be achieved via ‘top-up’ training instead of a full diploma, as well as any potential language requirements, etc.
Enic-Naric may also be able to help, with this part of its website dedicated to profession réglementée roles.
