Recognition of higher education acquired at foreign higher educational institutions:
“Doctor”, “Doctor of Sciences”
Section 4. WHAT SET OF DOCUMENTS SHOULD I PRESENT TO NACID?
Citizens seeking recognition of foreign diploma for scientific degree corresponding to the educational and scientific degree "Doctor" or the scientific degree "Doctor of Sciences", acquired in foreign higher education institutions or scientific organization need to submit the following documents:
- Filled in Application Form indicating citizenship, date and place of birth (in paper and electronic form).
Application form for Educational and scientific degree „Doctor”
- Original and copy of the diploma for a scientific degree or other similar document, issued by an educational institution or scientific organization recognized by a competent national authority as part of the secular system of higher education and scientific research of the country concerned . The diploma must be accompanied by a translation into Bulgarian from the so-called "sworn translator".
See section 3. What legalizations and certifications are necessary - Dissertation and abstract (on paper and electronic media), in case the award of the degree requires such in the home country.
- Other documents relevant to the recognition, if any (eg. diploma supplement). They should be accompanied by a translation into Bulgarian from the so-called "Sworn translator".
See section 3. What legalizations and certifications are necessary - Document certifying the change in the names of the applicant, if the person is a foreign citizen.
The document certifying the change in the names of the applicant under item 5 of the set of documents submitted in a foreign language must be accompanied by a translation into Bulgarian.
The documents under item 3 (dissertation and abstract on paper and electronic media) are attached in the original language and after the recognition procedure are handed over ex officio and remain for storage in the Scientific-Technical and Pedagogical Library of NACID for the purposes of entry in the Register for the academic staff and the defended dissertations. The cited register has public access and lists ex officio the persons, who have acquired scientific degrees abroad, after being recognized in accordance with the legislation.
Upon submitting the application in person, the applicant presents an identity document for data verification. In cases where the application is submitted by an authorized person, he/she shall submit a power of attorney from the applicant.
When submitting the documents electronically, scanned copies of the required documents, signed with an electronic signature, shall be attached to the application.
The certification of a change in the names of an applicant - a Bulgarian citizen, is performed ex officio by the competent recognition authority through verification in the National Database “Population”, maintained by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. If there is an objective impossibility to certify and verify the relevant facts and circumstances ex officio, the recognition authority may request information and/ or documents for their certification from the applicant, who is obliged to present them.
Within 14 days after the verification of the documents, the originals under item 2 may be received back by the applicants or their representatives.
NACID may also require additional documents which are relevant for the recognition sought. They must be submitted within the specified time (usually two months) from the date of receipt of the notice.
Some foreign higher education institutions explicitly require your consent for NACID’s verification requests. In such cases, your assistance is obligatory. Our experts at the Center for Administrative Services (CAO) will advise you when submitting the application.
The recognition procedure of the educational and scientific degree "Doctor" and the scientific degree "Doctor of Sciences" in NACID does not revoke the requirement for its recognition by a higher education institution or scientific organization, in case you seek access to further education or training, to sign a contract as a postdoctoral fellow and for occupying academic positions (for reference, Article 5 of the Law on the Development of Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria). Our recognition is intended for any purpose other than occupying scientific/postdoctoral positions, and the legally binding decision for recognition of the higher education institution/ scientific organization is the legal basis for your possible appointment, employing there at the cited scientific /postdoctoral positions.
In case you want access to further education or training, for signing contract as a postdoctoral fellow and for occupying academic positions (for reference, Article 5 of the Law on the Development of Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria, you should apply for recognition to the relevant higher education institution and/or scientific organization in Bulgaria chosen by you, enclosing the above-cited documents. The specific conditions and procedure for recognition of scientific degrees for the purpose of holding academic or postdoctoral positions are determined by the relevant regulations of higher education institutions and research organizations in compliance with state requirements.