Национален център за информация и документация

Overview

The National Centre for Information and Documentation (NACID), Национален център за информация и документация (НАЦИД), is Bulgaria's designated authority for the recognition of foreign academic qualifications. Established in 1992, NACID operates under the Ministry of Education and Science and serves as the official information centre for academic recognition and mobility. It is a member of the European Network of Information Centres (ENIC) and the National Academic Recognition Information Centres (NARIC) networks, facilitating international academic cooperation and the recognition of qualifications across borders.

Historical and Legal Framework

NACID was founded by Council of Ministers Decree No. 275 on December 30, 1992, succeeding the Central Institute for Scientific and Technical Information. As a legal entity funded by the state budget, NACID operates under the Ministry of Education and Science. Its legal framework is aligned with international agreements, including the Lisbon Recognition Convention, and EU directives such as Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications and Directive 2006/100/EC adapting certain directives on the free movement of persons.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

NACID's mission is to support the development of education and science in Bulgaria by ensuring the recognition of foreign qualifications and facilitating the mobility of students and professionals. Its objectives include:

• Providing official recognition of foreign higher education qualifications.
• Issuing certificates for professional qualifications in non-regulated professions.
• Maintaining registers and databases related to education, science, and innovation.
• Offering information and guidance on academic recognition procedures.
• Promoting international cooperation in the field of academic recognition.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

NACID is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education and Science, ensuring its independence in decision-making processes related to academic recognition. The Centre is governed by a director appointed by the Minister of Education and Science. Its organizational structure includes departments responsible for administrative services, information management, and international cooperation. NACID's office is located at 52a "D-r G.M.Dimitrov" Blvd., 1125 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

While NACID itself is not an accrediting body, it plays a vital role in the quality evaluation of foreign qualifications by assessing their equivalence to Bulgarian standards. The Centre's recognition procedures ensure that foreign qualifications meet the necessary criteria for academic and professional purposes in Bulgaria. NACID's operations are aligned with international standards, as evidenced by its ISO 9001:2015 certification, which attests to its commitment to quality management in providing administrative and informational services.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NACID is an active participant in the ENIC and NARIC networks, collaborating with national information centres from 56 countries. This involvement facilitates the exchange of information on educational systems, recognition procedures, and policies, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation in academic mobility. Through these networks, NACID contributes to the development of international standards and practices in academic recognition.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

NACID's role is increasingly significant in the context of globalization and the growing mobility of students and professionals. By providing reliable and transparent recognition services, the Centre supports the integration of foreign qualifications into the Bulgarian education and labor markets. Looking ahead, NACID aims to enhance its digital services, streamline recognition procedures, and expand its international partnerships to further facilitate academic and professional mobility.

Summary

The National Centre for Information and Documentation (НАЦИД) is Bulgaria's central authority for the recognition of foreign academic qualifications. Established in 1992, it operates under the Ministry of Education and Science and is a member of the ENIC and NARIC networks. NACID's mission is to support the development of education and science in Bulgaria by ensuring the recognition of foreign qualifications and facilitating the mobility of students and professionals. Its governance structure ensures independence, and its operations are aligned with international standards, as demonstrated by its ISO 9001:2015 certification. Through active international cooperation and a commitment to quality, NACID plays a crucial role in promoting academic mobility and the integration of foreign qualifications into the Bulgarian system.

FAQs

• What is NACID?
  NACID is Bulgaria's National Information Centre for the recognition of academic qualifications. It provides official recognition of foreign higher education qualifications and facilitates the mobility of students and professionals.
• How can I apply for academic recognition in Bulgaria?
  To apply for academic recognition, you need to submit a completed application form, your original or a copy of your higher education diploma, and any other required documents to NACID's Centre for Administrative Services.
• What qualifications are subject to academic recognition?
  Qualifications that confer higher education rights in the country where they were issued are subject to academic recognition in Bulgaria. This includes bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from recognized institutions.
• Does NACID issue apostille certificates?
  Yes, NACID issues apostille certificates for educational and qualification documents issued by higher education institutions and scientific organizations in Bulgaria.
• Is NACID involved in international networks?
  Yes, NACID is an active member of the ENIC and NARIC networks, collaborating with national information centres from 56 countries to promote academic recognition and mobility.
• How does NACID ensure the quality of its services?
  NACID has implemented a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 standards, ensuring the provision of high-quality administrative and informational services.
• Where is NACID located?
  NACID's office is located at 52a "D-r G.M.Dimitrov" Blvd., 1125 Sofia, Bulgaria.
• How can I contact NACID?
  You can contact NACID via email at naric@nacid.bg or by phone at +359-2-817-38-24.
• What is the role of NACID in higher education?
  NACID plays a crucial role in higher education by providing official recognition of foreign qualifications, facilitating the mobility of students and professionals, and promoting international cooperation in academic recognition.
• What are the future plans for NACID?
  NACID plans to enhance its digital services, streamline recognition procedures, and expand its international partnerships to further facilitate academic and professional mobility.

Organization Name

Национален център за информация и документация

National Center for Academic Recognition and Mobility

Acronym

NACID
НАЦИД

Year of Establishment

2002

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

52a "D-r G.M.Dimitrov" Boulevard
Sofia
1125 Sofia City Province Bulgaria

Phone

+359 (2) 817 3824

Fax

+359 (2) 971 3120

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

National Center for Academic Recognition and Mobility's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Not available

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