Ireland applies to join Treaty on Automatic Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications

Ireland has officially applied to join the Multilateral Treaty on the Automatic Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, an agreement that makes it easier for academics to work outside their home country.

James Lawless TD, Irish Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, presented the application on 11/05/2026 to Liesje Schreinemacher, Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, ahead of the Education Council of the EU.

“This Treaty is a significant initiative that advances and deepens cooperation in higher education across Europe. It reflects a shared commitment to academic mobility, robust quality-assurance standards, and the enduring value of our qualification systems,” Lawless said.

The Treaty has been in effect since 01/05/2024 among Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. It ensures the automatic recognition of higher education qualifications obtained in one participating country as equivalent across all others, removing the need for lengthy and costly recognition procedures for students pursuing studies…