In April 2026, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain hosted an international workshop dedicated to the development of joint study programmes and activities, bringing together representatives of ministries, national promotion agencies, quality assurance bodies, European University alliances, student organisations and other European-level initiatives.
The event organised within the EU-funded Future4Alliances project created a valuable space for exchange on how to strengthen transnational cooperation in higher education and support the development of high-quality joint educational offers across Europe.
The discussions confirmed the growing strategic importance of joint programmes within the European Higher Education Area. Participants highlighted their strong added value for students, institutions and society: joint programmes enhance international cooperation, promote interdisciplinary learning, foster key transversal skills and improve graduate employability. At the same time, they allow institutions to pool expertise and resources, making it possible to offer innovative study opportunities that would often be difficult to deliver individually.
At the core of the workshop was an open discussion on the barriers that still make joint programmes difficult to implement in practice, based on surveys that were circulated prior to the event amongst national and regional ministries/policy makers and quality assurance agencies. Feedback showed that although many countries formally allow the joint awarding of degrees, institutions continue to face important regulatory, administrative and operational challenges. These include fragmented quality assurance procedures, multiple accreditation requirements, differences in national rules, difficulties linked to recognition, and practical obstacles related to calendars, fees, mobility and cooperation across different systems.
A particularly important dimension of the workshop was the student perspective. Participants stressed that joint programmes must be designed around students’ real experiences and needs. Key priorities identified included quality and coherence in programme design, seamless mobility, fair access, strong support services, transparent procedures and reliable recognition. The discussions also underlined that financial constraints, housing shortages, visa issues and unequal access to opportunities continue to pose serious challenges for many students, potentially making international learning experiences less inclusive than intended.
The event also addressed ongoing European policy developments, including the European Degree Label and the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes. These discussions highlighted the need for stronger coordination, continued peer learning and closer dialogue between policy-makers, institutions, agencies and students. Participants shared experiences and practical recommendations aimed at reducing duplication, improving trust between systems and creating more supportive conditions for the design and delivery of joint programmes.
Overall, the workshop demonstrated a strong shared commitment to making joint study programmes more accessible, visible, inclusive and sustainable across Europe. By connecting different stakeholders and perspectives, the event contributed to identifying both the challenges ahead and the practical steps needed to support the future development of joint education in Europe.
