Multi-lateral Agreements That Address
International Quality Assurance

In an effort to contribute to greater understanding of international quality assurance among nations and foster mutual cooperation, CHEA is putting information about multilateral international agreements that address quality assurance on the CHEA website. We hope this material will be useful to those interested in quality assurance beyond their borders.

Bologna Agreement
Declaration of 19 June 1999 by European Ministers of Education convened in Bologna. Agreed to construct a "European Higher Education Area" based on fundamental principles of university independence and autonomy to ensure that higher education and research in Europe adapt to the changing needs of society and advances in scientific knowledge. Work to increase international competitiveness of European system of higher education. Agree to work together to adopt a system of comparable degrees to promote European citizens and adopt a system of two main cycles—undergraduate and graduate with the second leading to the masters or doctorate. Also agreed to establish a system of academic credits (such as the European Credit Transfer System) that would be easily transferable to promote widespread student mobility, improve access for students and training opportunities, recognize staff work in Europe, promote European cooperation in quality assurance working toward compatibility, and promote European dimensions of higher education. This is an agreement moving Europe toward comparable degrees and cooperation in quality assurance.

Lisbon Convention
An agreement about recognition of qualifications (degrees and diplomas) for higher education in Europe adopted in Lisbon in April 1997. Supersedes the former strict logic of "equivalence" of diplomas and degrees with the concept of recognition. The convention assumes trust between participating countries about the effectiveness of quality assurance and accreditation in each country. Includes a "diploma supplement" issued to students obtaining a degree. Developed by the European Commission, the Council of Europe and UNESCO/CEPES, it describes the type, level, context and the status of diplomas or degrees in a standardized way. It is an information tool to enhance portability and transparency of European diplomas and degrees. The Convention is designed as de facto recognition of degrees in Europe by the other signators.

MERCOSUR
Created by the Treaty of Asuncion signed by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay on March 26, 1991. Chile joined in 1996 as an associate member as did Bolivia in 1997. Focused on free transit of goods and service between member states, elimination of customs rights and nontariff restrictions, fixing a common external tariff, and educational integration. Agreements are being established over the whole education sector. To date, agreements have been made about mutual recognition of primary and junior high degrees (other than technical studies), with accreditation given to all such nontechnical courses in another member state. To work out accreditation in other areas in member states, a Regional Technical Commission will be created. It will also serve as a forum to resolve differences between member states about these issues and establish equivalencies of degrees and certificates between educational systems. The Commission will be made up of officials from respective Ministries of Education.

Sorbonne Declaration
Declaration of 25 May 1998 stressing universities central role in developing European culture. Adopted by United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy. It urged the creation of the European area of higher education as key to citizen mobility and employability as well as the continent's development. Other European countries were invited to join in this effort. It set the stage for broad participation and consultation that was to result in the Bologna Declaration in June 1999. While not directly focused on quality assurance, it paved the way for the Bologna agreement and European cooperation in higher education generally.

Washington Accord
Agreement set out on 28 October 1997 and consented to by engineering accrediting organization from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, and Hong Kong. Sets criteria, policies and procedures for accrediting engineering academic programs. Agreed that the signators accept accreditation decisions by each other and will publish statements to that effect. Recognizes the "substantial equivalence" of each other's programs in satisfying the academic requirements for the practice of engineering. Will carry out information exchange and mutual monitoring, observe each other's accreditation visits, and work to encourage best practices. Provides for admission of new members and a biennial general meeting.

If you are aware of other multilateral agreements that address quality assurance, we would appreciate hearing from you. We also invite your comments or additions to information noted here.

Prepared by Fred M. Hayward
Senior Associate, International Initiatives American Council on Education
Consultant, Council for Higher Education Accreditation