What is the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees?
The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees is a standardized document issued in a project carried out by the Council of Europe and partners. The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees consists of two parts – the assessment part and the explanatory part. The assessment part of the European Qualifications Passport contains information on the highest qualification(s) achieved, academic discipline, other relevant qualifications, as well as relevant job experience and language proficiency (in cases where it is possible to substantiate it). The explanatory part contains information about the status of the document and a short description of the Project.
The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees is a standardized document that explains the qualifications a refugee is likely to have based on the available evidence. Although this document does not constitute a formal recognition act, it summarizes and presents available information on the applicant’s educational level, work experience and language proficiency. The evaluation methodology is a combination of an assessment of available documentation and the use of a structured interview. Thus, the document provides credible information that can be relevant in connection with applications for employment, internships, qualification courses and admission to studies.
The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees is a special international tool developed to assess refugee’s qualifications for which there is insufficient or missing documentation.
How to apply?
Applicants need to create an account on the EQPR IT Platform in order to proceed to the EQPR assessment.
For more information, download this leaflet on the EQPR and how to apply:
46 refugees had their qualifications assessed during an evaluation session held in Athens on 1-5 April 2019 organised in the context of the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR). The assessment session saw the participation of credential evaluators from the European National Information Centres (ENICs) of Armenia, Canada, France, Germany, Greece and Norway.
Both face-to-face and online interviews were held giving the opportunity to refugees who reside in other areas and cities of Greece such as in Lesvos, Thessaloniki and Crete to undergo the assessment.
The next evaluation session will take place in the cities of Palermo and Catania, Italy on 1-5 July 2019.
The EQPR supports refugees’ integration into their host societies by facilitating the recognition of refugees’ qualifications even in the absence of full documentation. Refugees can use the EQPR when they seek employment or when they wish to enter further studies. Both refugees and local authorities benefit from the EQPR as it contributes to a faster integration and in more general terms, to the fostering of inclusive societies.
The video features testimonials from partners and beneficiaries of the EQPR, including two refugees who received the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees issued by the Council of Europe.
In partnership with UNHCR, the City of Strasbourg and the Association Foyer Notre-Dame, this video has been produced in the framework of the Refugee Week (“Semaine des Réfugiés”), taking place from 13 to 21 June 2021. The video features testimonials from three refugees, one of whom received the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees issued by the Council of Europe.
For more information, download this leaflet on the EQPR and how to apply:
Project based on the Council of Europe Lisbon Recognition Convention 
