The Diploma Supplement improves international transparency

The Diploma Supplement (DS) is a document accompanying a higher education diploma, providing a standardised description of the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies completed by its holder. It is produced by the higher education institutions according to standards agreed by the European Commission, the Council of Europe and UNESCO. The supplement is designed as an aid to help (but not guarantee) recognition – it is not a CV or a substitute for the original qualification.

It contains the following eight sections of information:

  • the holder of the qualification
  • the qualification
  • its level and function
  • the contents and results gained
  • certification of the supplement
  • details of the national higher education system concerned
  • any additional relevant information

Graduates in all the countries taking part in the Bologna Process have the right to receive the Diploma Supplement automatically, free and in a major European language. 

Further Information

European Commission - information Diploma Supplement

General informationen Austrian University System

Potential advantages of the Diploma Supplement for students

  • Easily comparable to other international standard diplomas
  • A detailed description of the curriculum and competences
  • Fair and objective assessment of the performance record
  • Easy access to job offers or continuing studies
  • Potential employers usually show a strong interest in the Diploma Supplement

The Diploma Supplement

  • improves the transparency of academic and work-oriented qualifications.
  • secures a standardised European framework of reference, in which similar qualifications may be compared.
  • helps to understand alternative qualifications on a standardised expert level.
  • improves the status of Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FH Vorarlberg) on an international platform.
  • saves time, as it helps to answer all those questions that potential employers and administrative agencies may have when defining the transferability of students’ performance records.

Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FH Vorarlberg) introduced the Diploma Supplement in 2003, and it was presented to all graduates for the first time in October 2003.  

Every graduate of FH Vorarlberg automatically receives the Diploma Supplement in English and German. There is no charge levied for the original copies.

FH Vorarlberg was awarded the Diploma Supplement label in 2005, 2010 and 2013 by the European Commission for its exemplary implementation of the Diploma Supplement.