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Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Validation of non-formal and informal learning in higher education in Europe

Comparative Reports

Validation of non-formal and informal learning in higher education in Europe

30 April 2024

This Eurydice report investigates whether and to what extent higher education systems across Europe recognise and validate learning outcomes from non-formal and informal learning. Building on EU steering documents and objectives set within the Bologna Process, the report examines the validation of non-formal and informal learning as 

  • (1) an alternative access route to education and 

  • (2) a way to fulfil higher education study requirements. Additionally, the report looks at 

  • (3) the types of learning activity that can be validated and

  • (4) the quality assurance mechanisms underpinning validation practice.

The report covers 37 education systems that are part of the Eurydice Network and includes qualitative data for the 2023/2024 academic year.

Latest Comparative Reports

Early childhood education and care curricula in Europe 2025/2026

03 September 2026

An insight paper based on Eurydice’s System-level indicators This paper focuses on an essential part of high-quality ECEC systems – the curricula that shape what young children learn and experience, from setting developmental goals to proposing age-appropriate activities. It provides a concise overview of ECEC curricula across Europe, showing which countries have an integrated approach...

Preparedness Education in Europe - 2025

26 February 2026

In response to the increasing frequency of climate-related incidents, cyber threats, and geopolitical instability in Europe, the European Union has developed a Preparedness Union Strategy, aiming to support Member States’ capacity to respond effectively, which is both a national and a shared European duty. The strategy comprises actions to bolster Europe's capacity against geopolitical tensions...

Eurydice and Youth Wiki publications - 2025

21 January 2026

In 2025, Eurydice and Youth Wiki published a number of reports on various educational topics. An overview of our 2025 publications is now available. With just one click, you can easily get access to all our reports!

National strategies to tackle absenteeism and early leaving from education and training - 2024/2025

03 December 2025

This paper examines policies and measures implemented across 37 European education systems to address absenteeism and reduce early leaving from education and training (ELET), based on the Eurydice System-level indicators on ELET 2024/2025. It outlines key strategies, including early warning systems, actions to address student absenteeism, individual education plans for at-risk learners, and teacher training...