Factsheet
Introduction
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) is the Irish centre for the recognition of international awards. The Authority represents Ireland in a European Network of centres known as NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) and NRP (National Reference Point). As the centre for NARIC and NRP in Ireland, our main functions are:
The centre does not have a direct recognition function itself. The centre consults with the appropriate awarding body in Ireland in order to make an assessment of your qualification and to determine its comparability within the Irish education system.
What is an international award?
An international award is an award which has been made by a body outside the State on successful completion of a course of study. For example, if you have studied at an institute/training centre overseas and have been awarded an award by an awarding body in that country, it is deemed to be an international award.
What does the recognition of awards mean?
Recognition of your award determines how your international award compares to an award in the Irish education system. It gives an indication, in principle, on the comparability of an award; almost always the highest award achieved by the applicant. The recognition of an award determines how your international award best compares with a course of study in Ireland. The result of the recognition is intended as a recommendation regarding your award and as such does not have any legal status.
Why is it beneficial to get an international award recognised in Ireland?
The service is intended to assist those with international awards to progress towards further studies and/or employment in Ireland. There are a number of reasons why it may be beneficial to have your international award recognised in Ireland. You may wish to undertake further studies or take up a job in Ireland; for instance the recognition may be beneficial to establish if you have fulfilled the entry requirements for a course or to help a potential employer who is not familiar with the education system in your country to determine if you are qualified to undertake a specific function within an organisation.
What do I need to provide?
In order to process a request for recognition of an award, you must forward the following documents to us:
Please note:
Documents that you forward are kept on file and are not returned.
Please ensure that you submit all necessary documentation as an incomplete application may delay the recognition process.
How is the comparability determined?
In order to establish the comparability of your award, the relevant body will examine the course of study you have undertaken overseas. By examining the subjects studied and the level of the qualification, the body will endeavour to establish the comparability of your award. Each application is processed individually and dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Is it always possible to establish the comparability of an award?
Study programmes and the structure of education programmes can vary greatly between countries. Because of this, it may not be possible to establish the comparability of your international award.
How am I notified regarding the comparability of my award?
Once comparability (or lack thereof) has been established, you will receive written advice on the comparability of the award.
How much does it cost?
The recognition of international awards is offered free of charge. Please note that the Irish NARIC and NRP services do not include translation of documents.
Where do I send my completed application?
The completed application and all necessary documentation should be sent to the following address:
Recognition,
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland,
5th Floor,
Jervis House,
Jervis Street,
Dublin 1
Where can I get additional information?
If you have any additional questions regarding the recognition process or you are unclear regarding completing the form or the documents you are required to submit, please contact us at the following numbers or e-mail address:
Phone: (01) 887 1500
Fax: (01) 887 1595
E-mail:
recognition@nqai.ie
Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003
When your application form is received, we create a computer record in your name which contains the information you have supplied. This record is used solely in dealing with your application. Such information held on computer is subject to rights and obligations set out in the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003. You are entitled under these Acts to obtain at any time, a copy of information about you which is kept on computer.
Certain items of information, not specific to any individual, are extracted from computer records for general statistical purposes.