Getting started with a joint programme

At its core, a joint programme is a study programme: 

• jointly developed by a consortium of at least two Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), 

• with a co-designed curriculum, which would not exist without the collaboration of partner universities, 

• involving joint admission and culminating in either a joint degree (a single diploma) or double/multiple degrees (two or more diplomas awarded by the participating institutions), 

• jointly administered, with shared management across institutions, 

• accredited in each partnering country. 

While a joint programme can share characteristics with other types of educational collaboration, it is not: 

• a single joint course or module

• a micro-credential.

• a student exchange programme like Erasmus.

Instead, joint programmes involve deep cooperation among universities, leading to jointly recognised degrees, broader international opportunities, and lasting academic partnerships. 

When students graduate from a joint programme, they can receive either a: 

• Joint degree: a single diploma recognised and legally valid in all participating countries. 

• Double/multiple degrees: multiple diplomas awarded by each partner institution, valid only when presented together. 

Both degree types attest to the completion of the joint programme and reflect the international, collaborative nature of the student’s academic journey. 

For academics, students, and institutions, joint programmes offer a wealth of opportunities, including: 

• innovative curriculum: creating a curriculum that can only exist through cooperation with partner universities

• integrated mobility: Students experience seamless mobility across institutions, enriching their education.

• international collaboration: deepening partnerships and enhancing educational integration, benefitting faculty and students alike.

• competitive edge: increasing attractiveness and competitiveness in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and beyond.

• funding opportunities: Joint programmes open doors to prestigious European funding, such as Erasmus Mundus (EMDM, EMJM) and Horizon Europe.

• broadened student base: attracting international students and expanding the pool of prospective candidates, particularly for Erasmus Mundus programmes.

• academic growth: enriching your academic career with more international collaboration opportunities.

To succeed in establishing a joint programme, several essential factors must be in place:

• well-planned mobility tracks: clear paths for students to move between partner institutions

• strong institutional support: dedicated support from both central and faculty-level administration

• flexibility: institutions must be willing to adapt to the joint programme’s needs.

• effective coordination: A leading HEI must take charge of coordination across partners

• simple structures: Especially at the start, keep mobility tracks and programme composition straightforward.

• motivation & commitment: All partners should be highly committed, as joint programmes require time, resources, and strong partnerships.

Planning a joint programme involves careful consideration of several factors, such as:

• time & resources: Do you have the necessary capacity and administrative support at both the faculty and central levels?

• partner universities: Which institutions should be involved, and how many partners are manageable for a successful programme?

• accreditation: What are the procedures for accrediting the new joint programme in each country, and how do you harmonize the timelines?

• target audience: Who will benefit from the programme? Is it designed for a specific group, and what makes it unique?

• degree type: Will you offer a joint degree or double/multiple degrees?

• mobility tracks: How will students move between institutions, and how will this be managed?

• Bologna tools: Will you use the Bologna Process tools, such as the European Approach Definitions?

Within the 4EU+ Alliance, joint programmes adhere to well-defined European standards and guidelines:

• Joint programmes: integrated curricula offered jointly by institutions across the EHEA, leading to double/multiple or joint degrees.

• Double/multiple degrees: separate degrees awarded by each institution, attesting to the successful completion of the programme.

• Joint degree: a single document awarded by partner institutions, recognised as the official qualification for the programme

These definitions are in line with the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Action and other European standards, ensuring quality and consistency across the Alliance.

All 4EU+ joint programmes are subject to the respective member universities’ quality assurance mechanisms as well as 4EU+ QUALITY – all in line with the European Standards and Guidelines (ESGs). The 4EU+QUALITY system ensures: 

• initial certification: Each programme is reviewed and accredited following European Standards and Guidelines (ESG).

• ongoing evaluation and monitoring: The joint programmes will be featured in the Alliance-level internal auditing and external reviewing of 4EU+ QUALITY to maintain high standards.

• programme committees: institutional coordinators and student representatives play a key role in quality assurance, ensuring all programmes meet their academic and administrative goals.