What is the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees?
The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees is a standardised document issued in a project carried out by the Council of Europe and partners. The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees consists of two parts – the assessment part and the explanatory part. The assessment part of the European Qualifications Passport contains information on the highest qualification(s) achieved, academic discipline, other relevant qualifications, as well as relevant job experience and language proficiency (in cases where it is possible to substantiate it). The explanatory part contains information about the status of the document and a short description of the Project.
The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees is a standardized document that explains the qualifications a refugee is likely to have based on the available evidence. Although this document does not constitute a formal recognition act, it summarizes and presents available information on the applicant’s educational level, work experience and language proficiency. The evaluation methodology is a combination of an assessment of available documentation and the use of a structured interview. Thus, the document provides credible information that can be relevant in connection with applications for employment, internships, qualification courses and admission to studies.
The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees is a special international tool developed to assess refugee’s qualifications for which there is insufficient or missing documentation.
In 2025 the Council of Europe conducted a survey on the use of the EQPR among over 1000 EQPR holders, gathering responses from 336 passport holders representing more than 40 nationalities. Most respondents came from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Cameroon.
The publication “Portrait of refugees”, published on UNHCR World Refugee Day, is a collection of lived experiences of the EQPR. Each narrative of the seven interviewed persons reveals a unique journey of continuing education and resuming professional careers in host countries.
How to apply?
Applicants need to create an account on the EQPR IT Platform in order to proceed to the EQPR assessment.
For more information, download this leaflet on the EQPR and how to apply:
Back
New Recommendation on Recognition of Qualifications held by Refugees
The Committee of the Convention on the Recognition of qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (Lisbon Recognition Convention) adopted during an Extraordinary Session held on 14 November in Strasbourg a new Recommendation on Recognition of Qualifications held by Refugees, Displaced Persons and Persons in a Refugee-like Situation. This Recommendation will help States implement Article VII of the Convention, by which parties commit to facilitating the recognition of such qualifications even when they cannot be fully documented.
The Recommendation DGII/EDU/HE(2017)3 and its explanatory Memorandum is available in French, English, Russian and Spanish.
The Council of Europe and UNESCO are encouraging states parties, through this new policy document, to take effective measures ensuring that refugees receive fair recognition of their qualifications.
Enabling refugees to make use of the qualifications they already have, whether for work or for further study is important to reducing the pain of the refugee experience. Refugees who are given the opportunity to use and develop their competences can find motivation in spite of their very difficult situation. They will maintain and further develop their competences, which is of advantage to their host countries, as it will be of great importance to rebuilding their home countries if and when they are able to return home.
The Lisbon Recognition Convention was adopted as a joint Council of Europe/UNESCO convention in April 1997 and entered into force in February 1999.
The video features testimonials from partners and beneficiaries of the EQPR, including two refugees who received the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees issued by the Council of Europe.
In partnership with UNHCR, the City of Strasbourg and the Association Foyer Notre-Dame, this video has been produced in the framework of the Refugee Week (“Semaine des Réfugiés”), taking place from 13 to 21 June 2021. The video features testimonials from three refugees, one of whom received the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees issued by the Council of Europe.