Madagascar and Russia advance diploma recognition
A memorandum of cooperation on higher education and scientific research was signed between the two nations.
Madagascar and Russia are progressing on mutual recognition of academic diplomas, a key step for student mobility. This educational cooperation was a focus at the Russia-Africa summit held on October 28 and 29. Alexeï Buriak, Russia's interim chargé d'affaires in Madagascar, stated on November 10 in Antananarivo that nearly 150 agreements were signed at the summit, including memorandums for Madagascar in agriculture, health, and higher education.
The Russian government fully funds 45 scholarships currently being developed with CONABEX for Malagasy students. Beyond government scholarships, direct institutional agreements, such as one between IST d’Antananarivo and Saint Petersburg University, are being explored to facilitate student movement. While a foreign media outlet reported a mutual diploma recognition agreement in late October 2026, the Malagasy Ministry of Higher Education confirms a cooperation memorandum, and Russian accounts mention an intergovernmental agreement in preparation.
This technical dossier is advancing gradually, according to Buriak, who expressed satisfaction with the educational dialogue. A 1973 protocol on equivalence between Madagascar and the USSR exists, though its current applicability is unclear. For Malagasy graduates, mutual recognition of diplomas is crucial for further studies, qualification recognition, and employment without facing uncertain equivalence procedures.
Why it mattersMalagasy students and graduates will benefit from easier recognition of their qualifications for further study or employment in Russia.