The Lisbon Recognition Convention, formally the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region, is a 1997 treaty developed jointly by the Council of Europe and UNESCO that sets out principles for the fair recognition of foreign higher education qualifications among its signatory states. It established the general principle that a qualification should be recognized unless a substantial difference can be demonstrated, shifting the burden of proof onto the institution assessing the qualification rather than the qualification holder, and it underpins recognition practice within the wider Bologna Process.
Facts
Classification
Education LevelBachelor or Equivalent (ISCED 6) 1 Education LevelMaster or Equivalent (ISCED 7) 1 Education LevelDoctoral or Equivalent (ISCED 8) 1 Key ProvisionDegrees and periods of study must be recognised unless the recognising institution can prove substantial differences. 1 Enacted / Adopted Year Policy Status
Policy Status (category) FAQs
What does recognition under the Lisbon Recognition Convention actually give a qualification holder?
Recognition gives access to further study, use of an academic title, or access to the labour market.
Recognition of a higher education qualification issued in another country shall have one or more of the following consequences: access to further higher education studies, use of an academic title, and access to the labour market.
Sources
1. Lisbon Recognition Convention - Wikipedia
Infobox, date_signed
11 April 1997
Aims
degrees and periods of study must be recognised unless substantial differences can be proved by the institution that is charged with recognition
Lead section
As of 2025, the convention has been ratified by 57 States, of which all member states the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, while 56 are members of UNESCO.
intro of the article
The Lisbon Recognition Convention, officially the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region, is an international convention jointly developed by the Council of Europe and UNESCO.
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