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The Lisbon Recognition Convention
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An overview of the Lisbon Recognition Convention
The essence of the Lisbon Recognition Convention
Subsidiary texts of the Lisbon Recognition Convention
European Network of Information Centres (ENIC)
Canada and the Lisbon Recognition Convention

The Lisbon Recognition Convention aims to facilitate inbound and outbound international mobility of students, academics, and professionals with academic credentials and/or qualifications. These include:

  • internationally trained individuals who settle in Canada; and/or
  • individuals with academic credentials and/or qualifications issued in Canada who settle outside Canada.

The convention stipulates that:

  • requests for recognition should be assessed in a fair and timely fashion;
  • recognition should be granted unless a substantial difference can be demonstrated;
  • through their national information centres, competent authorities should disseminate information on their respective education systems, including:
  1. quality-assurance practices;
  2. list of educational institutions;
  3. academic programs;
  4. academic credentials and qualifications.

Detailed information is published in the Lisbon Recognition Convention and its Explanatory Report.

WHAT IS A “SUBSTANTIAL DIFFERENCE”?

An organization will try to determine whether any substantial differences exist when comparing an academic credential and/or qualification issued outside Canada to one that is issued within its own jurisdiction's education system.

Such differences may involve:

  • the quality-assurance practices associated with the academic program and/or educational institution;
  • learning outcomes;
  • the function of the qualification, such as providing access to further studies, research, and/or employment.
    •

    It should not insist that the foreign academic credential and/or qualification be identical to that issued within the local education system, as that in itself does not constitute a substantial difference.

    Theburden of proof lies with the organization responsible for recognition of the credential and/or qualification , and not with the individual who wishes to access further studies, research, and/or employment.

    International Education Guides