Quality assurance system in Luxembourg

The higher education system of Luxembourg aligns with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA). It consists of the EQF level 5/short cycle (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur), the EQF level 6/first cycle (Bachelor), the EQF level 7/second cycle (Master) and the EQF level 8/third cycle (PhDs and Specialised Studies Diplomas in Medicine – diplôme d’études spécialisées en médecine). 

The Law of 21 July 2023 on the organisation of higher education outlines the scope of higher education in Luxembourg and regulates specific aspects of the sector. This law establishes the legal foundation for:

• The short-cycle programmes leading to the Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS), offered by the Lycées; 
• The specialised higher education institutions and their Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. 

The organisation of Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD’s and the Specialised Studies’ degrees in Medicine (diplôme d’études spécialisées en médecine) at the University of Luxembourg is regulated by separate legislation. 

The application process for accreditation procedures follows the legal procedure and is organised by the Ministry of Research and Higher Education (MESR). Once an application is deemed admissible, it is transmitted to NVAO. This marks the formal start of NVAO’s assessment procedure.