Although a universal system regarding qualifications, education and training does not exist within the European Union, member and non-member states can use the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) to compare qualifications, promote lifelong learning, foster transparency, and facilitate freedom of movement among nations. This also makes it easier for people to continue their studies or work abroad. Ukraine had started to develop its own National Qualifications Framework in 2010 inspired by the EQF and established a national qualifications agency as a tripartite body. When Russia... [+] Show more
Although a universal system regarding qualifications, education and training does not exist within the European Union, member and non-member states can use the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) to compare qualifications, promote lifelong learning, foster transparency, and facilitate freedom of movement among nations. This also makes it easier for people to continue their studies or work abroad. Ukraine had started to develop its own National Qualifications Framework in 2010 inspired by the EQF and established a national qualifications agency as a tripartite body. When Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, priorities shifted and the work on this report was paused. The comparison work has become urgent given the need to recognise qualifications of Ukrainians in Europe, both for entry into the labour market and for educational purposes. This report is a result of joint efforts by Ukrainian and EU colleagues to conduct an in-depth comparative research and thorough examination of the Ukrainian qualifications and the EQF qualifications levels.
The following core topics are used for comparison and dialogue: (1) objectives of qualifications frameworks; (2) scope of the frameworks; (3) levels and level descriptors; (4) learning outcome approach(es); (5) validation of non-formal and informal learning/recognition of prior learning; (6) quality assurance; (7) recognition; (8) governance arrangements; (9) communication, visibility, transparency, access to information; and (10) transparency and quality assurance of the comparison process.
The comparison exercise found that the objectives and scope of the frameworks are very similar: both support career development, personal development, employability, and lifelong learning. The Ukrainian NQF is being implemented but there are areas where it is not yet fully operational. It is well-advanced in higher education, but progress regarding vocational education and general education is slower. The development, assessment and certification of professional qualifications remain in an early phase but are expected to accelerate. Regarding communication, both the EQF and the Ukrainian NQF can improve so that end-users are able to make full use of the frameworks. Stakeholders are actively involved in both the EQF and the Ukrainian NQF, which have clear institutional arrangements. The levels and learning outcomes are comparable. Systems for validation, quality assurance and recognition are informed by learning outcomes and the Ukrainian NQF. In short, the frameworks are comparable and can be linked. These links can be strengthened further through a Joint Action Plan that will be shared at a later stage.
Edited excerpts from publication.
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