HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE INTEGRATED QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEM (IQS)

The Integrated Qualifications System encompasses various types of qualifications – including full and partial qualifications awarded in the higher education system.

Higher education institutions play a vital role in the promotion of lifelong learning (LLL)

May execute the following activities within the IQS:

  • award full qualifications (with level 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the PQF – BA degrees, MA degrees and PhD degree);
  • award partial qualifications (following postgraduate studies);
  • acknowledge learning outcomes attained in the course of non-formal education and informal learning in the enrolment process and in the course of studies;
  • submit market qualifications for incorporation into the IQS;
  • perform the role or awarding bodies in the IQS;
  • perform the role of external quality assurance entities.

A relatively new and little known option is to confirm learning outcomes attained outside of the primary and secondary education system as well as the higher education system – higher education institutions may enrol students based on, among other things, their professional experience and by the same token acknowledge some of the courses, learning outcomes or ECTS credits. Higher education institutions decide individually on the formal process of validation of knowledge, skills and competence of candidates and students – the act provides for a general framework, whereas particular solutions are at the discretion of each higher education institution.