Global Convention on Higher Education
Today, out of 235 million students worldwide, 6 million are studying abroad, up from 2 million in 2000. More than half of the 6 million are studying outside their region. In November 2019, the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education was adopted by the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference, becoming the first United Nations treaty on higher education with a global scope.
The Global Convention establishes universal principles for fair, transparent and non-discriminatory recognition of higher education qualifications and qualifications giving access to higher education and offering avenues for further study and employment. With provisions on non-traditional learning modes, the Global Convention also facilitates the recognition of qualifications, prior learning and study periods earned remotely. In addition, it promotes the recognition of refugees’ qualifications, even in cases where documentary evidence is lacking.
By ratifying the Global Convention, countries commit to strengthening international cooperation in higher education, raising its quality at home and worldwide, and helping make academic mobility and the recognition of qualifications a reality for millions around the world.
It is open to UNESCO Member States and the Holy See. The Global Convention received its 20th ratification on 5 December 2022, and entered into force on 5 March 2023. As of 15 May 2023, 22 States have ratified it.
Higher education conversations
UNESCO’s Higher Education Conversation series is back, with a second round of conversations in the leadup to the entry into force of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education
Contact
For more information, contact the Section for Higher Education, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France - glocohed@unesco.org
