By signing the 2017 Djibouti Declaration Ethiopia committed to recognize and validate the educational credentials of refugees and returnees at all educational levels. The Declaration encouraged signatory states to ratify and incorporate the Addis Convention into their domestic legislation as a foundation for recognizing the qualifications of refugees and returnees. However, Ethiopia has not yet ratified the Addis Convention, nor does it have specific laws that govern the recognition of foreign school certificates, diplomas, and degrees.

Regarding refugees, the Refugees Proclamation under Article 24(3) provides that refugees will receive the most favourable treatment as accorded to foreign nationals with respect to recognition of foreign school certificates, diplomas, and degrees. The standard of treatment used is however not explained by the Proclamation or other legislations. 

The Education and Training Authority (ETA), previously known as the Higher Education Relevance and Quality Assurance Agency (HERQA), is the mandated government authority to authenticate and validate as well as recognize foreign degrees, diplomas, and school certificates as per article 6(6) of the Definition of the Organization, Power and Duties of education and Training Authority Regulation No. 515/2022. ETA uses internal rules of procedure to process recognition of foreign school certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Generally, applicants including refugees, are required to produce their credentials that are authenticated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with other documentary requirements that may vary depending on the level of education.