Goodbye Nostrification, Hello In-House Recognition

Anglo-American University (AAU) has secured a major victory for international students by successfully championing an amendment to Czech law that allows the university to independently assess and recognize foreign high school diplomas. This change significantly streamlines the admissions process for international students, making for a more efficient and pleasant overall experience.

For years, nostrification—the government-led diploma recognition process—was required for students pursuing a Czech-accredited diploma alongside AAU’s U.S. accreditation. Managed by the city hall, the process was often slow, expensive, and sometimes required additional testing. While intended to align foreign academic credentials with Czech education standards, it frequently became a bureaucratic hurdle, causing stress and delays.

AAU has long worked to change this. After years of advocacy—led by President Jiří Schwarz and Vice President for Academic Affairs Miroslav Svoboda—the university’s proposal to amend the Higher Education Act was passed by Parliament with support from the Ministry of Education and will come into effect in March 2025. This makes nostrification no longer necessary, in most cases, and marks a major step toward a smoother, faster admissions process for international students.

Schwarz called the reform a “win” for both the Czech education system and society.

“This change allows us to welcome more talented students by removing unnecessary administrative hurdles while also easing the burden on government offices,” he said. “It is an important step for Czech society, which needs to increase the influx of talent—highly educated individuals who contribute to greater added value in our economy”

A Faster, Smoother Path to a Dually-Accredited Degree

The new recognition process offers key benefits to prospective students:

  • No lengthy bureaucratic delays – AAU can now evaluate diplomas directly, bypassing slow government processing.
  • Lower costs – Students save money by avoiding nostrification fees and additional testing.
  • Less stress and uncertainty – A streamlined admissions process ensures faster responses and a clearer path to enrollment.

Enhancing AAU’s Global Appeal

AAU already boasts the most international student body in the Czech Republic, with students from over 80 countries making up roughly 85% of its population. With red tape removed and the admissions process simplified, the university further strengthens its position as a top choice for students seeking a high-quality education in Europe.

Jeta Sahatqija, Vice President for Student Affairs, described the legislative change as a victory.

“[This] marks a significant milestone for international education in the Czech Republic and for Anglo-American University,” said Sahatqija. “By removing unnecessary barriers, we are not only opening doors to global education but also helping the Czech Republic attract and retain top international talent. This is a win for our students, a win for the university, and a win for the future of higher education in the country!”

Ready to study in Prague without the hassle? With nostrification out of the way, starting your path to an internationally recognized degree at AAU is easier than ever. Reach out to admissions@aauni.edu today to learn more.

Get the details about AAU’s in-house diploma recognition process here.