ALTERNATIVE RECOGNITION AND THE RIGHT TO APPEAL

EXAMPLES

Example 1 - Alternative recognition

An applicant is seeking admission to a research-based master’s programme in chemistry, for which a research-based bachelor’s degree in chemistry is required. The applicant has obtained a bachelor’s degree in the applied field of chemical technology which does not prepare the student in scientific research methodology, a key element of the research-based master’s programme.

As a form of alternative recognition, the foreign qualification is evaluated by the competent recognition authority as comparable to a bachelor’s degree in applied chemical technology. This makes it clear to the applicant where he stands in the national education system of the host country. The admitting institution can then use this information to determine whether the applicant qualifies for admission to the desired master’s programme, or to suggest a master’s programme which may be more suitable.

Return to Recommendation – Alternative recognition

Example 2 – Appealing against a decision

An applicant seeking recognition of his master’s degree disagrees with the decision issued by the competent recognition authority. He submits an appeal in which he gives arguments supporting his case and encloses new documents (detailed description of the study programme, issued by the institution awarding the degree, a letter from the ministry of education giving information on this type of qualification).

The competent recognition authority deals with the appeal according to the existing regulations. It considers the arguments raised by the applicant, examines the new documentation and again evaluates the qualification. If the original decision is upheld the competent recognition authority answers the applicant’s arguments in its explanation and upholds the original decision.

Return to Recommendation – The right of appeal

Example 3 - Refusing recognition

An applicant submits a master’s degree for recognition. It is established that no studies were required to obtain the qualification and that the awarding “institution” is a diploma mill. In this case the competent recognition authority is not obliged to consider any alternative form of recognition, should refuse recognition and should give the applicant reasons for the decision.

Return to Recommendation – refusing recognition