Akdeniz Üniversitesi

Dear distinguished members of Akdeniz University,

Following intensive work within the scope of the Bologna Process on 15 May 2011 we applied for the Diploma Supplement Label. As a result of review and assessments which was made on the application of two-stage (the National Agency and European Commission), the official explanation by the European Commission on 7 October  2011 for the period 2011-2014 with the our University 'Diploma Supplement Label Award' is given has been declared. 'Diploma Supplement Label Award Ceremony” was held in Copenhagen (Denmark) was presented to our University on 8 May 2012.

We aimed to maintain educational programs and quality improvement activities with an integrated approach, progress rapidly towards becoming a world university, take the role as a major player in the field of European Higher Education. Rewarding with the Diploma Supplement Label is the clear evidence of significant progress has been made. The Diploma Supplement Label Award which is given by the European Commission means that our diplomas received recognition at the EU level. With the Diploma Supplement Label Award, Quality criteria set by the European Commission to comply with our Diploma Supplement documented and in this way international success of the university added a new.

I want to thank you to everyone involved in this process and I offer my gratitude and respect.

                                                                                                                                                  Prof.Dr. Israfil Kurtcephe
                                                                                                                                                                   Rector

In Akdeniz University, Diploma Supplement is being issued in English and given automatically free of charge to every student upon graduation.

• What is Diploma Supplement?
• How many sections is a Diploma Supplement composed of?
• What it is not?
• What does a Diploma Supplement offer to students?
• What does the Diploma Supplement offer to higher education institutions?
• Why is the Diploma Supplement necessary?
• What Challenges does a Diploma Supplement answer?
  
  
• Examples of Diploma Supplements
  
  • First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
  • Second Cycle (Master's Degree)

What is Diploma Supplement?

The Diploma Supplement (DS) is a document attached to a higher education diploma with the aim of  improving international transparency and facilitating the academic and professional recognition of qualifications (diplomas, degrees, certificates etc.). It is designed to provide information of the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies that were successfully completed by the individual named on the original diploma to which this supplement is appended does not involve any value-judgements, equivalence statements or suggestions about recognition. It is a flexible non-prescriptive tool which  saves time, money and workload. It is capable of adaptation to local needs.

The DS is produced by national institutions according to a template that has been developed by a Joint European Commission - Council of Europe - UNESCO working party that tested and refined it. Local credits in diploma supplement are based on contact hours while ECTS credits are calculated based on workload.

How many sections is a Diploma Supplement composed of?

1. Information identifying the holder of the qualification,
2. Information identifying the qualification
3. Information on the level of the qualification
4. Information on the learning outcomes and results gained
5. Information on the function of the qualification
6. Additional information
7. Certification of the Diploma Supplement
8. Information on the national higher education system

What it is not?

• It is not a Curriculum Vitae.
• It is not a substitute for the original qualification or a transcript.
• It is not an automatic system that guarantees academic or vocational recognition.

What does the Diploma Supplement offer to students?

• A diploma that is more readable and easily comparable abroad
• A precise description of their academic career and the competencies acquired during the study period
• Objective description of their achievements and competencies
• An easier access to opportunities of work or further studies abroad
• fostering their employability

What does the Diploma Supplement offer to higher education institutions?

By increasing the transparency of qualifications, it facilitates academic and professional recognition,  It protects national/institutional autonomy while offering a common frame which is accepted all over Europe. It promotes informed judgements about qualifications obtained that can be understood in another educational context. It raises the visibility of the institution abroad. It promotes the employability of their graduates at national and international level. It helps saving time since it provides the answers to a lot of recurrent questions put to administrative services in institutions about the content and portability of diplomas.

Why is the Diploma Supplement necessary?

New qualifications proliferate worldwide and countries are constantly changing their qualification systems and educational structures under the impact of rapid economic, political and technological change. An increasing number of mobile citizens are seeking the fair recognition of their qualifications. The non-recognition and poor-evaluation of qualifications is now a global problem. Since original credentials alone do not provide sufficient information, it is very difficult to gauge the level and function of a qualification without detailed appropriate explanation.

What Challenges does a Diploma Supplement answer?

• It promotes transparency in higher education.
• It accommodates rapid changes in qualifications.
• It supports mobility, access to lifelong learning.
• It provides fair and informed judgements about qualifications.