Nostrification of a school certificate in Slovakia in 2026: how to get your diploma recognised for admission
What nostrification is and when you need it
Nostrification (in Slovak uznanie dokladu o vzdelaní) is a procedure in which a Slovak authority confirms that your certificate of complete secondary education is equivalent to the Slovak maturita. It is required for bachelor's admission after high school and — with a bachelor's diploma — for master's programmes.
Who recognises the certificate and where to apply
Secondary school certificates are recognised by the regional office of school administration (regionálny úrad školskej správy) — in the region where you live in Slovakia or where the university is located. Higher-education diplomas for master's admission are recognised by the university that runs a similar programme.
You can apply in person, by post or through the electronic portal — the exact procedure and address depend on the region. We file the documents on the student's behalf under a power of attorney.
Which documents you need
- recognition application (the authority's form);
- the certificate and the transcript of grades — notarised copy;
- apostille or legalisation — depends on the issuing country: some countries have legal-assistance treaties with Slovakia, for others the apostille is mandatory (please check — see below);
- official translation into Slovak by a sworn translator (úradný preklad);
- copy of the passport; a power of attorney if a representative applies;
- proof of payment of the administrative fee (check the current amount and payment method on the authority's website — it has changed).
Timeline and costs
| Stage | How long | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Notarised copy + apostille at home | from a few days to 3–4 weeks | depends on the country and workload |
| Sworn translation in Slovakia | 3–7 working days | volume: certificate + transcript |
| Processing of the application | by law up to 30 days, longer in complex cases | check the current term |
| Administrative fee | check the authority's website | usually paid via e-kolok |
All in all, allow 1.5–2 months from collecting the documents to the decision. That is why it is best to file for nostrification in winter — so that the decision is ready by the university deadline (end of March — April at most faculties). See the calendar below for the dates.
Where nostrification fits into the admission calendar
Admission calendar for the 2027/2028 academic year
- September — DecemberChoose the university and programme, start learning SlovakThe earlier you start the language, the calmer the spring: A2 by the application, B1 by enrolment.
- January — FebruaryTranslation and nostrification of the school certificateWe file the recognition application so that by the university deadline there is a decision — or at least a proof of filing.
- End of FebruaryDeadline of medical facultiesMedicine, dentistry, pharmacy — the earliest deadlines and entrance tests in biology and chemistry (check the faculty website).
- 31 March — 30 AprilApplication deadline at most universities (bachelor's)Some faculties run a second round in summer — but places and dormitories are allocated in the first.
- May — JuneEntrance exams and admission decisionsMany faculties admit without exams — based on the certificate; the decision arrives by post or in the online account.
- June — JulyApplying for the visa / temporary residence for the purpose of studyYou need the admission decision, proof of accommodation, insurance and funds in the account. Processing takes weeks — do not delay.
- AugustDormitory and the moveDormitory places are allocated, insurance arranged, tickets bought.
- SeptemberEnrolment (zápis) and the start of the academic yearPersonal attendance at enrolment is required; the academic year starts in mid — late September.
Approximate dates for the 2027/2028 academic year: every university and school sets its own — check the official website before applying.
Sources: university websites, portalvs.sk (Termíny), the Education Act (Act 245/2008 Coll.) — checked 08/2026.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Starting late
Documents are collected in April — and miss the deadline. Start in winter.Wrong translation
Only a sworn translator from the Slovak register. We work with verified translators.No transcript of grades
The certificate is recognised together with the transcript — without grades the application is returned.Wrong authority
School certificate — regional education office; university diploma — the university. Mix them up and you lose a month.
FAQ
Can I apply without nostrification?
Do I need an apostille on the certificate?
How much does nostrification cost?
Nostrification, translations, university application and the visa are part of turnkey admission. Leave your contact — we will tell you what is needed in your case.
Sources
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