RQF – A Foundation for Cross-National Degree Recognition

In modern higher education, degree recognition is no longer an internal matter confined to a single education system. As learners move across countries, education systems, and professional contexts, the need to benchmark and recognise learning outcomes becomes increasingly evident. In this context, national qualifications frameworks function as a “shared language” that enables stakeholders to understand and evaluate learning value on a sound academic basis.

The RQF is one such qualifications framework, designed to describe and classify learning competencies across clearly defined levels.

Qualifications frameworks and their role in academic recognition

A qualifications framework is not a degree-awarding instrument, but a descriptive and classificatory tool. It helps address core questions such as:
– which level of competency a given learning outcome corresponds to,
– what knowledge, skills, and application capabilities are required at that level,
– and how it can be benchmarked against other qualifications frameworks.

With a qualifications framework in place, academic recognition can be based on clear structures and criteria, rather than relying solely on degree titles or training origins.

RQF and the hierarchical structure of competencies

The RQF is built on the principle of hierarchical competency levels, where each level reflects increasing complexity, autonomy, and ability to apply knowledge. Rather than describing study duration alone, the RQF focuses on what learners are capable of doing after completing a defined stage of learning.

This structure helps to:
– clearly describe the progression of competencies,
– provide a basis for comparison across different education systems,
– and support cross-national academic recognition.

Why the RQF is suitable for cross-national recognition

In international education environments, training systems may differ significantly in programme design, pedagogy, and credit structures. Recognition based purely on degree form therefore often encounters difficulties.

The RQF addresses this challenge by:
– shifting the focus from form to competency,
– providing level descriptors that can be benchmarked,
– and allowing stakeholders to assess learning outcomes within the context of their own systems.

As a result, cross-national recognition moves away from mechanical “conversion” and becomes an evidence-based academic evaluation process.

How SwissEdu⁺ uses the RQF for academic benchmarking

Within the digital higher education model, SwissEdu⁺ uses the RQF as an academic reference point rather than as a degree-awarding mechanism. Learners’ learning outcomes are structured and described in terms of defined competencies and learning outcomes, and are then benchmarked against the appropriate RQF levels.

This benchmarking creates an intermediate layer of academic information that helps partner universities to:
– clearly understand the level of competency achieved by learners,
– consider recognition within their respective authorities,
– and make decisions based on clear academic evidence.

SwissEdu⁺ does not replace the role of universities or competent authorities, but supports them by standardising and enhancing the transparency of learning information.

The RQF within the broader landscape of digital higher education

Digital higher education requires tools capable of connecting diverse systems. With its clear hierarchical competency structure, the RQF responds effectively to this need. When used as a benchmarking foundation, the RQF helps reduce barriers between education systems while still respecting the diversity and authority of each system.

Importantly, the RQF does not operate in isolation. Its value is realised only when combined with robust mechanisms for assessment, verification, and competency benchmarking.

Conclusion

The RQF plays a crucial academic role as a foundation for degree and learning outcome recognition in cross-national education contexts. By focusing on hierarchical competency levels, the framework enables benchmarking and recognition based on substantive learning value.

Within the digital higher education model, SwissEdu⁺ uses the RQF as a neutral reference to support academic recognition, enabling partner universities to make decisions based on competencies and learning outcomes rather than on degree form alone.