If you are a foreigner and dream of having an international career in Ireland, it is likely that one of your biggest questions is related to how to recognise your academic qualification, since it is written in the language where your course was completed and is only valid in the same location.

Although some companies don’t require that you show any documentation for you to start working, it is extremely important that you have everything in place to avoid setbacks. But, there is no need to worry, as for most cases, the process is simple and the first step is to have a certified translation of your diplomas and school records.

Why a certified translation?

The difference between a normal translation and a certified one is only in the legal value. Therefore, the second option is more suitable when it comes to official documents. Besides, the certified translation is done by companies and professionals who are specialised in translating these kinds of documents as they must meet several requirements such as stamps, signatures, coats of arms, etc for validation to be effective. That way, when choosing the professional who is going to translate your documents either in your country or in Ireland you must check if they have the required certifications to do so. 

Which documents are necessary to get my academic qualification recognised? 

Once you have requested your translated documents, the next step is to access the QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) website to download and print a comparability statement. The QQI is a government agency responsible for qualifications in Ireland. This document compares the qualification you had in your country with the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications), a 10 level-system of the Irish Education and training system. This way, any employer can better understand your education level.

When accessing the QQI link, you have to filter your country in the search and look for your qualification level. If you hold, for example, a bachelor’s degree in Brazil, you will click on the respective education level listed on the options, and then you will click on the comparability statement link to download and print it. And that’s it, you must present this statement along with your translated documents to your employer.

On the other hand, if your education level is not listed in the database, you will have to fill the form “Request for Advice on Recognition of a Foreign Qualification” and attach the required documents:

• parchment in the original language (degree, diploma, certificate etc.)
• official translation of parchment into English or Irish (if applicable)
• transcript/mark sheets/list of subjects passed in original language
• official translation of transcript/mark sheets/list of subjects passed
• documentation regarding your undergraduate qualification (if applicable)

They will then analyse your request within a deadline of 12 weeks and contact you with the feedback by email.

How my experience was

When I moved to Dublin, I didn’t start working as a digital marketing specialist from the beginning. It took a while for me to come across an opportunity and when I did I was worried because my undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas were all in Portuguese. I wondered if the employer would accept only the original diplomas.

Well, I started researching and getting in contact with people who have been through this situation to find out how it all happened.

There are some companies specialising in this documentation and I am sharing some useful contacts below that really helped me and will certainly help you too.

Global Link

The company makes personalised quotes according to the type of document you need. All the process can be done by email and after confirming the payment, the documents are sent to your address within three days, in addition to a scanned copy by email with the equivalence of the Irish/European body.

Translations are certified and regulated in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and several other countries.

E-mail: contato@gblinkservices.com

Translation.ie:

Address: 46 Mount Street Upper | Dublin 02

Phone: (01) 652 0760

E-mail: mail@translation.ie

Word Perfect Translation:

Address: 22 Ormond Quay Upper | Dublin 07

Phone: (01) 872 0008

E-mail: translations@wordperfect.ie 

Now you know exactly what to do to have your academic qualification recognized. Although it is a simple process we highly recommend you talk to other people who have already been through the same situation on our community chat.