Ireland applies to join the Multilateral Treaty on the Automatic Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Ireland has formally submitted an application to join the Multilateral Treaty on the Automatic Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, an agreement that enables higher education qualifications to be automatically recognised across participating European countries.
The application was presented by James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, to Liesje Schreinemacher, Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, ahead of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council in Brussels today (May 11).
Minister Lawless said:
“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. As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I am pleased to mark our application to join this agreement, and I look forward to working closely with our European partners to realise its full benefits.”
Launched by the Benelux countries together with the Baltic States, the Treaty was designed from the outset as an open framework, intended to welcome broader participation from across the European Higher Education Area. Poland applied to join in May 2025 and is currently completing its national ratification process.
Liesje Schreinemacher, Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux Union said:
“What began as a Benelux and Baltic initiative is now attracting more and more countries across Europe. Ireland’s application confirms the strong momentum when it comes to the automatic recognition of qualifications and welcoming students and workers from other countries. It also shows how this development can strengthen cooperation in higher education across Europe and, ultimately, the EU’s competitiveness.”
The Treaty has been in force since 1 May 2024 between Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. It ensures that higher education qualifications obtained in one participating country are automatically recognised at the same level in all other participating countries, eliminating lengthy and costly recognition procedures for students seeking to continue their studies abroad. The Treaty does not apply to the professional recognition of qualifications for access to regulated professions, which is subject to wider EU law.
Ireland’s accession process has now commenced and will continue over the coming months. Upon completion, Irish higher education qualifications will also be automatically recognised, thereby facilitating further studies and employment across the other signatory countries.
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Photo (L-R): Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD with Liesje Schreinemacher, Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux Union.
