Joint and Double Programmes in Europe
Main Info
TCA Description
The Foundation for the Development of the Education System and Lodz University of Technology cordially invite you to an exceptional international conference dedicated to joint and double degree programs in Europe.
This unique event will serve as a dynamic platform bringing together leading experts, academic leaders, national agency representatives, policy makers, researchers, students, and alumni to engage in meaningful discussions on the future of international academic cooperation. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve in response to globalization, technological advancements, and societal needs, joint and double degree programs stand at the forefront of shaping the new European Education Area.
Building the Future of European Education Together
In a world that increasingly transcends borders, education must evolve to prepare graduates for global challenges and opportunities. No longer confined to one country, one culture, or one educational system, higher education is rapidly embracing models that foster deeper collaboration, enrich learning experiences, and develop intercultural competences. Joint and double degree programs represent one of the most advanced instruments of academic integration, offering students a unique opportunity to pursue studies across multiple institutions and countries, earning degrees recognized internationally.
The conference in Łódź will bring together thought leaders from across Europe to explore how universities can build stronger cross-border alliances, co-create innovative programs, and empower future generations of leaders, researchers, and professionals. Participants will examine how joint and double degree programs can serve not only as educational opportunities, but as long-term investments in sustainable international cooperation, mutual trust, and knowledge sharing.
The Strategic Role of Joint Programs in European Higher Education
Today, joint and double degree programs play a key role in advancing the internationalization agenda of higher education institutions. They enable students to acquire globally recognized qualifications, strengthen their language proficiency and cultural fluency, and foster strong institutional partnerships across national borders. Beyond individual academic benefit, these programs are building bridges between diverse educational systems, contributing to greater cohesion within the European Higher Education Area.
This conference will highlight how such programs contribute to:
o academic excellence,
o international visibility of institutions,
o alignment of curricula,
o mutual recognition of qualifications,
o and greater mobility for students and staff.
o The conference will create a unique forum for dialogue, exchange of experiences, and joint reflection on the future of joint and double degree programs in Europe. Participants — including representatives of higher education institutions, national agencies, policy makers, and alumni — will have the opportunity to share good practices, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions in the design and implementation of international academic programs.
o The event aims to deepen mutual understanding of effective joint and double degree models, foster stronger partnerships between institutions, and identify legal, administrative, and quality assurance challenges that need to be addressed to facilitate cross-border cooperation. Discussions will focus on practical aspects of program management, recognition of qualifications, micro-credentials, and the evolving framework of the European Degree Label.
o Through keynote speeches, thematic sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, participants will collectively formulate recommendations for improving the regulatory environment and enhancing institutional cooperation. The conference will also provide valuable insights into the role of joint programs in strengthening the European Higher Education Area and their contribution to internationalization strategies at both national and institutional levels.
o Finally, the conference is expected to serve as a catalyst for new collaborations, encourage knowledge-sharing across borders, and inspire participants to actively shape the future of European higher education, building a more integrated, innovative, and student-centered academic landscape.
The expected outcomes of the conference are:
o A deeper mutual understanding of successful joint and double degree models across Europe;
o Exchange of best practices and identification of common challenges;
o Practical recommendations for improving legal and administrative frameworks;
o Insights into emerging trends such as micro-credentials and the European Degree;
o Strengthening of institutional networks and cooperation among participating countries.
The co-organizers of the conference are the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V. (DAAD), the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education (SEPIE), and L'agence Erasmus+ France / Education Formation.
European Commission: Supporting a Shared Vision
The European Commission has made joint and double degree programs a cornerstone of its internationalization policy. Through key initiatives such as Erasmus Mundus and the European Universities Initiative, substantial financial and policy support is provided to facilitate the creation of integrated transnational educational pathways. The Commission is also advancing work on the European Degree Label, aiming to simplify the recognition of joint qualifications across Europe and establish joint degrees as a norm rather than an exception.
As emphasized in the European Strategy for Universities: “By 2025, we aim to build an integrated, strong European Education Area, where joint degrees are widespread, fostering truly European academic experiences.”
Conference Program Highlights
The conference program has been carefully designed to offer a balance between high-level strategic discussions and hands-on, practical exchanges of experience. Participants can expect:
o Opening keynote: Stronger Together: The Power of Collective Action in Education – demonstrating how institutional collaboration transforms the educational landscape.
o Showcases of innovative joint and double degree programs: Featuring successful examples from leading universities in Spain, France, Ireland, Germany, and Poland.
o Panel discussion: Evaluating the impact of the Erasmus Mundus program on institutional development, research collaboration, and global competitiveness.
o Alumni testimonies: First-hand accounts from graduates of joint programs, offering authentic insights into their academic and personal journeys.
o Thematic workshops and sessions: Addressing core topics such as recognition of qualifications, micro-credentials, administrative and legal frameworks, and emerging challenges in program implementation.
o Networking opportunities: Including a gala dinner and a guided cultural tour of Lodz — providing an informal setting for building lasting partnerships.
Why You Should Join Us
This conference is designed for anyone who is:
o Actively involved in the design, coordination, or management of joint or double degree programs;
o Seeking to establish or expand international academic partnerships;
o Engaged in policy development, quality assurance, or recognition frameworks in higher education;
o Passionate about fostering European academic cooperation and contributing to a more integrated European Education Area.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, build meaningful collaborations, and contribute to shaping the future of European higher education!
Partners and participants
The conference is intended for a wide range of stakeholders involved in the design, implementation, and development of joint and double degree programs as well as international cooperation in higher education. We warmly welcome:
• University leadership (rectors, vice-rectors, deans, directors) responsible for internationalization, academic affairs, and strategic development;
• Academic staff engaged in curriculum design, program coordination, and cross-border teaching initiatives;
• International relations officers and staff members managing mobility programs, joint projects, and institutional partnerships;
• Representatives of national agencies and government bodies involved in higher education policy, international cooperation, quality assurance, and recognition of qualifications;
• Researchers and experts specializing in internationalization, quality assurance, legal frameworks, and innovation in higher education;
• Alumni of joint and double degree programs willing to share their experiences and provide student perspectives;
• Representatives of European and international organizations involved in higher education cooperation and policy development;
• Policy makers engaged in shaping national and European strategies for higher education and research integration.
The event offers a valuable opportunity for all participants to share knowledge, learn from each other’s experiences, discuss current challenges, and contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable models for joint academic programs across Europe.
Pending booked places
Accepted places