The Lisbon Convention - What It Means for You

The Lisbon Convention (officially: Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region) is an international agreement signed in 1997 in Lisbon, Portugal. It plays a vital role in helping students access higher education across borders.

This treaty has been signed by more than 50 countries and organizations, including all EU member states, the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, Turkey, Israel, Ukraine, and many others. It was developed by the Council of Europe and UNESCO to support growing academic mobility and international education.

Why Is The Lisbon Convention Important For You

If you're thinking about studying in Europe (or if you're from Europe and want to study abroad in another European country), the Lisbon Convention makes your qualifications easier to recognize across different countries.

Under this agreement:

• Your high school or university diploma is recognized in other countries unless there is a substantial difference.
• If a university rejects your diploma, it must clearly explain the reasons.
• Having a diploma recognized means you can apply for a university program just like local students in the destination country.

In short, this Convention makes it easier to transfer, study, and progress in education internationally, saving you time, money, and paperwork.

Countries That Signed the Lisbon Convention

Here’s a list of countries that have signed the Convention, with their respective signature and entry into force dates:

Note: The United States signed the convention but didn't ratify it, which means the convention has not entered into force for this country.