How to Get Equivalency for Educational Certificates from Pakistan in Portugal

Find out the complete process for getting your Pakistani educational qualifications recognized in Portugal.

What is Educational Equivalency in Portugal?

Educational equivalency in Portugal allows individuals with foreign qualifications, including degrees from Pakistan, to have their credentials officially recognized. This is essential for further education, job applications, and professional licensing in Portugal.

Who Needs Educational Equivalency in Portugal?

  • Students planning to continue their education in Portugal.
  • Professionals seeking employment that requires a recognized degree.
  • Individuals applying for jobs where formal education recognition is mandatory.

Types of Equivalency & Recognizing Authorities

1. High School Certificates (Matric, Intermediate, A-Levels)

For secondary school diploma recognition, apply through Direção-Geral da Educação (DGE).

DGE Official Website

2. Higher Education Degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)

For university degrees, apply via Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES).

DGES Official Website

Step-by-Step Process to Get Educational Equivalency in Portugal

1. Gather Required Documents

  • Original Pakistani educational certificates (Matric, Inter, Bachelor, Master’s, etc.)
  • Certified Portuguese translations of all documents.
  • Recognition letter from Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan.
  • Attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (MOFA).
  • Apostille/legalization from the Portuguese Embassy in Pakistan.
  • Copy of passport & Portuguese residence permit.

2. Submit the Application

You can submit your application through:

  • For high school certificates: Submit via CIREP (Centros de Informação e Reconhecimento de Qualificações Estrangeiras) or at a local Agrupamento de Escolas.
  • For university degrees: Apply online via DGES or through recognized Portuguese universities.

3. Pay the Required Fees

The cost varies depending on the type of qualification:

  • High school diploma recognition: Approx. 100-200 EUR.
  • University degree recognition: Approx. 200-500 EUR.

4. Wait for Processing

The processing time can take between 2 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the verification.

Special Cases & Additional Requirements

Professional Degrees (Engineering, Medicine, Law, etc.)

If your degree is in a regulated profession (e.g., Medicine, Engineering, or Law), you may need additional recognition from a professional council in Portugal.

Job Equivalency

For job-related equivalency, check with IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional).

Conclusion

Obtaining equivalency for educational certificates from Pakistan in Portugal is a structured process that requires proper documentation, translation, and authentication. If you plan to study or work in Portugal, ensure you follow the steps outlined above to get your qualifications recognized efficiently.

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