Student mobility, qualifications and academic recognition in the EU

This paper explores the relationship between student mobility, qualifications and academic recognition within Europe. It provides an outline of supranational legal instruments and policies in relation to academic recognition and student mobility. It then examines some of the difficulties associated with the different concepts underpinning the notion of 'student mobility' and the consequences in terms of the data available. This is followed by an overview of national policies relating to university admissions, recognition of upper secondary qualifications and mobility, with particular reference to four EU countries with different systems of higher education. We argue that although recognition is clearly of importance, other issues, in particular foreign language proficiency and adequate financial support, also need to be addressed if student mobility is to increase significantly.