DIPLOMA SUPPLEMENT
What is the Diploma Supplement ?
The Diploma Supplement is a document attached to a higher education diploma aiming at improving international ‘transparency' and at facilitating the academic and professional recognition of qualifications (diplomas, degrees, certificates etc.). The DS is based on a model developed by the European Commission, Council of the European Union and UNESCO/CEPES and it is free of charge to the students after completion of their studies in all first cycle, second cycle and long cycle degree programmes. The Diploma Supplement has been made in order to give a supplementary description of the studies regarding type, level, context, content and status. The Diploma Supplement accompanies the regular diploma and is only valid together with the diploma.
DS promotes transparency in higher education. Moreover, it aids mobility, access and lifelong learning and promotes fair and informed judgements about qualifications.
The DS is composed of eight sections (information identifying the holder of the qualification, information identifying the qualification, information on the level of the qualification, information on the contents and results gained, information on the function of the qualification, additional information, certification of the Supplement, information on the national higher education system). All of the eight categories must be filled out. A description of the national higher education system within which the individual named on the original qualification graduated has to be attached to the DS. DS is neither a Curriculum Vitae nor a substitute for the original qualification or a transcript.
It should be free from any value judgements, equivalence statements or suggestions about recognition.
What are the benefits of diploma supplement for the students ?
A diploma that is more readable and easily comparable abroad.
A precise description of their academic courses and on the competencies acquired during the study period.
Objectivity and a fair judgement of their achievements and competencies
An easier access to opportunities of work or further studies abroad
For more information on the DS:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/progr.php
http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/rec_qual/recognition/diploma_en.html