Published research on the validation of competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning in Europe
On 30 April 2024, Eurydice published a study on the validation of competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning in European higher education. The publication looks at whether and, if so, to what extent such competences can be validated in 37 higher education systems, with data covering the academic years 2023-2024. SKVC contributed information and expertise to this comparative research.
Lithuania, together with the vast majority of countries in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, belongs to the group of countries where there is no legal provision for admission to higher education through the validation of non-formal and informal learning competences. In Lithuania, one of the mandatory conditions for being considered as a candidate for higher education is the completion of secondary education programme and a matura certificate awarded, and no other alternative path to higher education is considered.
The regulatory situation in Europe regarding access to validation towards part of first cycle higher education is much more mixed. In Lithuania, such credit is available and is not subject to a credit limit set by national legislation, which is regulated by each higher education institution in its own regulations. During external quality assurance procedures, both at institutional level and in the case of the evaluation of fields of study and programmes, the SKVC pays attention to the recognition by higher education institutions of qualifications acquired abroad, the transfer of credits after periods of studies elsewhere and the validation of competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning.
Readers will find useful three overview maps of European countries and detailed information on 37 higher education systems in the 4 annexes.
The English version of the study is available here.