Andorra, Spain and Portugal agree final drafting stage of Iberian qualifications convention

Andorra, Spain and Portugal have agreed to complete the technical work needed to sign the Iberian Convention on the Automatic Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, with the three countries now in the final drafting stage. The commitment was reached during meetings between Andorra's Secretary of State for Education and Universities, Josep Anton Bardina, and his Spanish counterpart Juan Cruz Cigudosa and Portugal's Secretary of State for Universities, Cláudia Sarrico.

The convention is intended to make it easier for graduates from the three countries to have their qualifications recognised, both to continue their studies and to enter the labour market. The three delegations agreed to conclude the technical work so the convention can be signed in the near future.

The meetings took place alongside the fourth gathering of ministers and senior authorities for Ibero-American higher education, held on Wednesday and Thursday in Alicante. Bardina argued for continued progress on academic mobility and cross-border recognition of studies, a matter of particular importance to Andorra given that a significant share of its university students study abroad. The future convention is intended to reduce the difficulties associated with recognising qualifications and to broaden academic and professional opportunities for students from the principality.

Bardina also highlighted Andorra's position as a member of both the European Higher Education Area and the Ibero-American Knowledge Space, a dual affiliation that allows the country to act as a connection point between the two systems. According to the secretary of state, this position facilitates the exchange of good practice, cooperation between institutions and the development of tools that encourage the circulation of talent and knowledge.

Andorra also shared its experience in university quality assurance and micro-credentials, and expressed its willingness to continue taking part in work led by the Organisation of Ibero-American States (OEI) and the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB). These initiatives aim to move towards a more connected and accessible Ibero-American higher education space, with recognition and cooperation mechanisms adapted to new training and professional needs.