Ireland is joining the Baltic-Benelux Treaty on the Automatic Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications

Ireland has applied to acceed to the Multilateral Treaty on Automatic Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications between Benelux and Baltic States. The treaty, initiated by Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, removes barriers to the recognition of higher education qualifications in participating European countries.

The multilateral treaty between the Baltic States and Benelux countries entered into force on 1 May 2024. It ensures that higher education qualifications obtained in one country are automatically recognised at the same level in all other countries. This enhances mobility for students, teachers, scientists and researchers, strengthens international cooperation in higher education and streamlines lengthy and costly procedures for recognising qualifications.

Under the treaty, bachelor, master and PhD qualifications awarded in Lithuania shall be automatically recognised not only in the Baltic States, as was the case before the treaty entered into force, but also in the Benelux countries.

The process of Ireland joining the system has already started and will continue in the coming months. Poland has also applied to acceed to the treaty and is in the process of completing its national ratification process.

Last updated: 15-05-2026

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