A Brief Introduction: Bologna Process

As the Bologna Process moves forward, changes in European systems of higher education are affecting student mobility and related administrative processes for educators around the world. This resource includes information about the Bologna Process and suggests areas of possible impact on the work of U.S. international educators.

Purpose of the Bologna Process

Since 1999, 46 countries have voluntarily joined the Bologna Process, agreeing to make their various national higher education systems more compatible with each other. The intent of the process is to create a European Higher Education Area (EHEA) by 2010. It is hoped that this EHEA will increase the competitiveness of European educational systems and their graduates.

The Bologna Process began with the signing of the Bologna Declaration 19 June 1999, where the Ministers affirmed their intention to:

• adopt a system of easily readable and comparable degrees
• establish a system of credits (such as ECTS)
• promote mobility by overcoming obstacles
• promote European cooperation in quality assurance
• promote European dimensions in higher education
  

Progress of the Bologna Process

Every two years, ministers of education from the signatory countries meet to assess progress made and set a direction for the next two years. Progress information as well as many of the documents that have been created as a result of these meetings can be found on the Ministerial Meetings resource page.

Glossary of the Bologna Process

• Frequently used Bologna Process acronyms are shown on the Benelux Web site
• From World Education Services, here is a Glossary of Bologna Process terms and definitions