Conventions on the Recognition of Qualifications
	What is a convention? A UNESCO convention on the recognition of studies is a legal agreement between countries agreeing to recognize academic qualifications issued by other countries that have ratified the same agreement. At present there are 6 regional conventions on the recognition of qualifications (Africa, Arab States, Asia and Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and 2 European conventions) as well as 1 interregional convention (Mediterranean Convention). UNESCO conventions are aimed at promoting the recognition of academic qualifications for academic purposes (e.g. to continue studies in a different institution). Nevertheless, the conventions sometimes hold a ‘de facto’ and ‘de jure’ role in recognizing diplomas for professional purposes (e.g. to get a job). It is important to check with the different conventions.

 

African States - Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and other Academic Qualifications in Higher Education in the African States (1981) Ratifying States - Text (HTML): English - Text (.pdf) : Arabic, English, French, Spanish Arab States- Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees concerning Higher Education in the Arab States (1978) Ratifying States - Text (HTML): English - Text (.pdf): Arabic, English, French Asia and Pacific- Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific (1983) Ratifying States - Text (HTML) : English - Text (.pdf): Chinese, English, French, Russian Europe Region - Council of Europe/UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (1997) Ratifying States - Text (HTML): English - Text (.pdf): English, French, Spanish, Russian Europe Region - Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region (1979) Ratifying States - Text (HTML): English - Text (.pdf) : English, French, Spanish, Russian Latin America and the Caribbean - Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Latin America and the Caribbean (1974) Ratifying States - Text (HTML): English - Text (.pdf) : English, French, Spanish Mediterranean Region - International Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in the Arab and European States bordering on the Mediterranean (1976) Ratifying States - Text (HTML): English - Text (.pdf): Arabic, English, French, Spanish