European Diploma Supplement
What is the European Diploma Supplement?
The European Diploma Supplement is a document issued to all students by
third level institutions on the successful completion of any higher education
qualification. It describes the qualification they have received in a standard
format that is designed to be easily understood and straightforward to compare.
The European Diploma Supplement contains information on the nature, level,
context, content and status of the studies that were undertaken and successfully
completed by the student. In addition, it places the qualification in the context of
the structure of the higher education system within which it was issued.
It was developed jointly by the European Commission, Council of Europe and
UNESCO. It is now acknowledged as one of the key devices supporting the
Bologna Process. More information from the National Qualifications Authority
of Ireland is available HERE.
The Diploma Supplement is not a Curriculum Vitae, or a substitute for the
original qualification. Furthermore, it does not guarantee recognition of the qualification.
Why is this being introduced?
In 1996, a European working group was established in order to “to examine…
the introduction…of a European administrative annex to the diploma, the
aim being to facilitate transparency and recognition in States other than in
which they were dispensed”.
In September 2003, Ministers with responsibility for higher education met in
Berlin. The resultant statement (more commonly referred to as the Berlin
Communiqué) set the objective that “every student graduating as from
2005 should receive the Diploma Supplement automatically and free
of charge."
