Arqus Label

Purpose of the Arqus Label

The Arqus Alliance has set up the Arqus Label that can be awarded to all types of joint degree and certificate programmes fulfilling a series of criteria designed to guarantee excellent learning environments and experiences for students and professionals.

Programmes distinguished with the Arqus Label will have a highly integrated curriculum that draws upon partners’ collective strengths, resources, and expertise; they will also align with the vision and mission of Arqus by actively promoting Arqus values. Degree and certificate programmes awarded with the Arqus Label can proudly display this seal of excellence in their information and promotional materials.

The Arqus Label initiative fully aligns with the European Commission’s initiative to establish a European Degree Label for joint international programmes. Nevertheless, it goes beyond and extends its scope to certificate programmes of all kinds such as lifelong learning courses and modules, micro-credentials, MOOCs and other quality-assured short-term learning experiences leading to a certificate of achievement. 

Arqus Label distinctive features for degree and certificate programmes

Mandatory distinctive features:

• Jointly developed degree and certificate programmes delivered by at least two Arqus partner universities
• Flexible curricula and innovative teaching and learning components
• Flexible mobility pathways
• Access to the partner universities’ support services for students and staff.

Supplementary distinctive features:

• Relevance to grand societal challenges
• Multilingualism
• High level of interdisciplinary
• Promotes European Identity
• Inclusiveness
• Awards a joint, double or multiple diploma or certificate

To be awarded the Arqus Label, an eligible degree and certificate programme must fulfil all mandatory distinctive features and at least one of the supplementary distinctive features from the list above.

Awarding the Arqus Label

• The Coordination of the Arqus Alliance will issue the corresponding Arqus Label certificates for all successful programmes.
• All degree and certificate programmes that are selected for funding in any Arqus call for the development of joint degree programmes will automatically be awarded the Arqus Label.
• All Joint Programmes developed within Arqus before the guidelines for the label were adopted will automatically receive the label without the need to apply.

Comprehensive criteria and the awarding process can be found in the following document: D06.1 – Guidelines for the award of the Arqus Label to degree and certificate programmes of all kinds.