Recognition of Foreign Diplomas in Switzerland
Regarding recognition questions there is a difference between academic and professional recognition. In Switzerland (as in most countries) the higher education institutions are directly responsible for the academic recognition (admission, continuation of studies).
Professional recognition is the recognition required to obtain the right to work in a certain field. Professional recognition differs between regulated and non-regulated professions. In the first case the authority in charge of the regulation of a certain profession must be determinable, as the authority regulating the education leading to a profession is also responsible for the recognition of foreign diplomas in this field. If the education or the right to work is not regulated, then the professional recognition lies solely within the responsibility of the employer. He or she decides whether the qualifications submitted by the candidate are adequate for the job in question. This applies both to Swiss and foreign nationals. However, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (seco) prescribes the quota regulations for foreign employees, which regulate the granting of work permits. Self-employees working in non-regulated professions do not need professional recognition. They are only dependent on the rules of the free market.
The Swiss ENIC-NARIC issues recommendations of recognition for foreign university diplomas which give access to non-regulated professions, under the condition that a similar university course or diploma is offered by a Swiss university.
Recognition of Swiss Diplomas Abroad
Information on the recognition of Swiss higher education diplomas can be obtained at the national recognition centres ENIC/NARIC. There are recognition centres in all the European countries, in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel.