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Last modified: 2026-09-24

# Recognition of School Certificates in Slovakia: Recognition Statement, RÚŠS and Timelines

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To enter a bachelor's programme in Slovakia, your school-leaving certificate must be recognised as equivalent to a Slovak certificate of complete secondary education. Since March 2025 there are two routes. If the ministry has published a "recognition statement" (doložka o uznaní) for your type of document, you do not apply for anything: you download the statement and attach it to your certificate. The Russian "Attestat o srednem obshchem obrazovanii" and the vocational SPO diploma have such statements. Certificates from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Belarus do not, so you apply to a regional school administration office (RÚŠS). The fee is $45 (€40), and the decision comes within two months of a complete file.

Below: how both routes work, which copies and translations you need, where an apostille is required, how long it takes and how recognising a bachelor's degree for a master's differs. The overall admission process is in our guide to [applying to universities in Slovakia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-universities-in-slovakia).

A Trnava University building beside the towers of St John the Baptist Cathedral in the historic centre of Trnava, Slovakia. Photo: Radovan Bahna / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Slovakia_-_Trnava_-_Trnavska_Univerzita_RB01.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

## Who recognises what {#section-1}

Confusing the authorities is the main cause of lost weeks. Different bodies handle different documents.

| What to recognise | For study and non-regulated work | For a regulated profession |
| --- | --- | --- |
| School-leaving certificate, college or technical school diploma | Recognition statement (if published) or RÚŠS decision for your region of residence or your university's region | Separate professional recognition |
| Bachelor's or master's degree: level only | Recognition statement (if published) or the Ministry of Education's Centre for Recognition of Diplomas | Ministry's Centre for Recognition of Diplomas |
| Degree including the field of study | A Slovak university offering a similar programme | — |
| Individual semesters or years | The school or university you transfer to | — |

Recognition of level is not admission. A statement or RÚŠS decision only confirms that your document is of the right level; exams, competition and language stay with the faculty.

## Route 1: a recognition statement instead of nostrification {#section-2}

A recognition statement is the ministry's electronic document confirming the level of a foreign qualification. It is issued for a type of document, not for a person. Attached to your certificate, it replaces a recognition decision for study and other purposes except regulated professions. The legal basis is § 39a of Act No. 422/2015 on recognition of education documents.

Statements exist for the most common documents from EU and EEA countries, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and three non-EU countries that have a mutual recognition agreement with Slovakia: Russia, Ukraine and China. For Russia the database holds six documents, including the "Attestat o srednem obshchem obrazovanii" and the vocational "Diplom o srednem professionalnom obrazovanii". The statement on the attestat confirms equivalence with the Slovak certificate of complete secondary education: EQF level 4 with access to higher education.

How to use it:

1. Find the statement. Open the database on the ministry's recognition portal, select "Russian Federation" and your document.
2. Download the PDF. It is valid without signature or stamp; authenticity is checked by QR code. A certified copy of the statement cannot be made, and nobody may demand one.
3. Attach your certificate. On paper: the original or a notarised copy of the certificate with its transcript. Electronically: the statement plus a "certified conversion" of your paper certificate (done by Slovak notaries, lawyers and Slovak Post branches) or a scan if the document can be verified online in a register.
4. Ask the faculty about translation. The statement is not a translation. Comenius University, for example, requires all education documents in Slovak.

The statement does not apply to documents issued by a branch of a school or university operating outside the country whose qualification it is. If a university still asks for a recognition decision, point it to the statement's text: it says explicitly that it fully replaces the recognition procedure for further study.

## Route 2: applying to RÚŠS {#section-3}

If there is no statement for your document, a Regional School Administration Office (Regionálny úrad školskej správy, RÚŠS) recognises your certificate. There are eight, one per Slovak region. You apply to the office for your region of permanent residence in Slovakia or, if you have none, for the region where your university is. The ministry does not handle these cases; sending your file there only delays it.

Package for a country without a recognition agreement (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and others):

| Document | Requirement |
| --- | --- |
| Application | On the office's form or a signed letter; a parent applies for a minor |
| Copy of passport | Simple copy |
| Certified copy of the certificate | RÚŠS Košice requires copies certified by a Slovak notary |
| Transcript of subjects and grades | Mandatory for non-agreement countries |
| Confirmation of practical training | Only for vocational secondary education |
| Official Slovak translation | By a translator on the Slovak Ministry of Justice register |
| Proof of fee payment | eKolok receipt with a QR code |

For agreement countries the list is shorter: passport copy, certified copy of the document and proof of payment. The ministry's portal requires a Slovak translation of the education documents in both cases.

Since 1 April 2024 the fee is $45 (€40) for non-agreement countries and $7.95 (€7) for agreement countries, paid through eKolok at Slovak Post, in the mobile app or online. Originals placed in the file are not returned, so submit certified copies. If a representative applies for you, the power of attorney must be certified by a Slovak notary; one certified abroad needs an apostille.

Timeline: within 30 days the office checks whether the file is complete; if not, the procedure is suspended and you are asked to supply what is missing. After a complete file, the decision for a non-agreement country is issued within two months, for an agreement country within one month. The outcome is recognition, refusal or a differential examination.

## Routes compared {#section-4}

|  | Recognition statement | RÚŠS, agreement country | RÚŠS, non-agreement country |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| For whom | Russia (attestat, SPO), Ukraine, China, EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK | Agreement countries without a statement for your document | Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and others |
| Fee | Free | $7.95 (€7) | $45 (€40) |
| Time | Immediate | Up to 30 days to check + up to one month to decide | Up to 30 days to check + up to two months to decide |
| What you submit | Original or certified copy + statement; translation if the university requires it | Application, passport copy, certified copy, translation, fee | Plus transcript; for vocational education, proof of practical training |
| Outcome | The statement is the recognition | Decision naming the equivalent Slovak document | Recognition, refusal or differential exam |

Slovakia has mutual recognition agreements with Czechia, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Russia and China; none with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan or Belarus.

## Apostilles and translations: where they are required {#section-5}

- Certificate recognition. The ministry's portal states that an apostille or superlegalisation is not required at submission, but if the authority doubts the authenticity of a third-country document it will request one in writing during the procedure. To avoid losing a month, apostille certificates from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan at home in advance.
- Recognition of higher education level. From 1 September 2026 the ministry requires an apostille or superlegalisation for degrees issued outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This affects master's applicants. Kazakhstan is a full EHEA member; Uzbekistan is not. Russia and Belarus had their rights of representation suspended in April 2022 but remain on the members list, so ask the Centre for Recognition of Diplomas before submitting a degree from either country whether an apostille is needed. For Russian bachelor's, specialist and master's degrees a recognition statement usually makes the question moot.
- Copies. A notarised copy confirms that the copy matches the original; notaries, authorised postal offices, registry offices or consulates can make one. Copies certified abroad are accepted but may need an apostille if in doubt.
- Translations. In Slovakia an "official translation" is made only by a translator on the Ministry of Justice register. Bind the certified copy and the translation together.
- Residence documents follow different rules: for the police, your criminal record certificate needs an apostille and an official translation. That is a migration rule, not a recognition one. See our guide to the [student residence permit](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-residence-permit-slovakia).

## When to start {#section-6}

Recognition does not have to be ready on application day: under the new Higher Education Act you can be admitted conditionally and bring the recognition by enrolment day. Many faculties want it earlier, so plan as follows:

| Route | When to start | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Statement (Russia) | Once the certificate and translation are ready | No procedure; time goes only on copies and translation |
| RÚŠS (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus) | Right after receiving the certificate; if you already graduated, in December–January | Check and decision may take up to three months |
| Current-year graduate | Apply to universities with a school letter, recognition in summer as soon as the certificate is issued | The law allows conditional admission |

In CIS countries, certificates are usually issued in late June or early July. If RÚŠS receives a complete file in early July, a decision for a non-agreement country may only come in September. Prepare the translation, certified copies and fee in advance so you can send the file the day you receive your certificate.

## A degree for a master's: two options {#section-7}

- Level recognition at the ministry. The Centre for Recognition of Diplomas determines which level your degree matches, without comparing the field. The fee is the same $7.95 (€7) or $45 (€40). You can apply online via slovensko.sk (Slovak eID needed) or by post. From 1 September 2026, degrees from outside the European Higher Education Area need an apostille or superlegalisation.
- Recognition at a university. A Slovak university with a similar programme compares content and scope and may set a differential exam if your programme was at least a year shorter or lacked knowledge. At Comenius the deadline is two months after a complete file, and the decision can be appealed within 15 days.
- Recognition statement. Statements also exist for Russian bakalavr, specialist and magistr degrees and replace level recognition.

Working as a doctor, teacher, nurse or in another regulated profession requires separate professional recognition, often with an additional exam in Slovak. It is not needed for admission.

## Differences by country {#section-8}

|  | Russia | Kazakhstan | Uzbekistan | Belarus |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Statement for school certificate | Yes | No | No | No |
| Mutual recognition agreement | Yes | No | No | No |
| Where to apply | Nowhere: statement + certificate to the university | RÚŠS | RÚŠS | RÚŠS |
| Fee | $0 | $45 (€40) | $45 (€40) | $45 (€40) |
| Apostille on the certificate | Not needed for recognition | Recommended in advance | Recommended in advance | Recommended in advance |

## Common mistakes {#section-9}

- Applying to RÚŠS with a Russian attestat. A statement exists; no procedure is needed.
- Sending the application to the ministry instead of RÚŠS. The ministry does not recognise school certificates.
- Leaving out the transcript. For non-agreement countries it is a required part of the file.
- Using a home translator. RÚŠS needs an official translation from the Slovak register.
- Handing in originals. Documents stay in the file; submit certified copies.
- Confusing academic and professional recognition. Academic recognition does not entitle you to work as a doctor or teacher.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Does a Russian school certificate need nostrification?

No. The ministry has published a recognition statement for the "Attestat o srednem obshchem obrazovanii". Download it from the recognition portal and attach it to the original or a certified copy of your certificate; add a translation if the faculty requires one.

### How much does recognition cost for a certificate from Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan?

The fee is $45 (€40), paid via eKolok. Certified copies and an official Slovak translation are charged separately at notary and translator rates.

### How long does RÚŠS take?

Up to 30 days to check the file, then up to two months after a complete file for non-agreement countries and up to one month for agreement countries. Allow up to three months.

### Can I apply to a university before recognition is ready?

Yes. The Higher Education Act allows conditional admission if the document is presented by enrolment day. Check the date your faculty expects it.

### Do I need an apostille on my certificate?

Not at submission for certificate recognition, although the authority may request one if in doubt. For recognition of a degree issued outside the European Higher Education Area, an apostille or superlegalisation is mandatory from 1 September 2026.

### Can I apply to RÚŠS without travelling to Slovakia?

Yes, by post or through a representative with a power of attorney certified by a Slovak notary. Online filing via slovensko.sk requires a Slovak electronic ID that applicants usually do not have.

### What does StudyU do?

Under a contract, we identify the recognition route for your document, check copies and translations, prepare the application and align timing with faculty deadlines. RÚŠS or the ministry decides on recognition; the university decides on admission.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [Ministry recognition portal: using the recognition statement](https://uznavanie.minedu.sk/en/category/using-the-recognition-statement), [statement database](https://uznavanie.minedu.sk/en/category/recognition-statement-database1) and [statement for the Russian attestat](https://uznavanie.minedu.sk/en/show?uuid=e11a88b8-f843-11ef-8545-0050569525dc) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Recognition portal: recognition of secondary education at RÚŠS](https://uznavanie.minedu.sk/en/category/recognition-of-secondary-education) and [academic recognition](https://uznavanie.minedu.sk/en/category/academic-recognition-of-qualifications-and-the-level-of-atta) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Recognition portal: FAQ on submission, apostilles and fees](https://uznavanie.minedu.sk/en/category/faq-application-submission1) and [on recognition](https://uznavanie.minedu.sk/en/category/faq-recognition-of-foreign-qualifications1) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [RÚŠS Košice: nostrification, fees since 1 April 2024, copy requirements](https://www.russ-ke.sk/948-sk/nostrifikacie-uznanie-dokladov-o-vzdelani/) and [RÚŠS Bratislava: recognition system](https://www.russ-ba.sk/system-uznavania-dokladov-o-vzdelani/) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Comenius University: recognition of foreign degrees and list of agreements](https://uniba.sk/studium/pregradualne-studium-bc-mgr-mudr-a-mddr/uznavanie-dokladov-zo-studia-v-zahranici/) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Comenius University: information for Russian-speaking applicants](https://infocentrum.uniba.sk/pre-studentov-rusky-hovoriacich) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Act No. 145/1995 on Administrative Fees, item 2 (e) and (f): $7.95 (€7) and $45 (€40)](https://static.slov-lex.sk/static/SK/ZZ/1995/145/20260901.html) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [EHEA: full members and suspension of Russia and Belarus](https://ehea.info/page-full_members) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Act No. 300/2025 on Higher Education, § 70 (conditional admission)](https://static.slov-lex.sk/static/SK/ZZ/2025/300/20260901.html) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- Exchange rate: ECB reference rate of 29 Sep 2026, €1 = $1.1355

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Applying to Universities in Slovakia: Deadlines, Documents and Entrance Exams for 2027/28](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-universities-in-slovakia)
- [Student Residence Permit in Slovakia: Documents, Timelines, Funds and Visas in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-residence-permit-slovakia)
- [Free University Education in Slovakia: Conditions for International Students and What You Still Pay](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-free-university-education-slovakia)
- [Studying Medicine in Slovakia: Faculties, Entrance Exams, 2026/27 Fees and 2027/28 Dates](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-medicine-in-slovakia)
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Updated: September 2026