Everybody would expect that a student who studied in a European school in Luxembourg for 14 years would be able to continue his higher education studies at the University of Luxembourg. Unfortunately, the European baccalaureate is not recognised by the Luxembourgish Ministry of education, and young students can’t apply directly to the University of Luxembourg.

What is the European Baccalaureate diploma?

The European Baccalaureate diploma (or EB) is the diploma that certifies the completion of secondary studies in a European School or in a School Accredited by the Board of Governors. This diploma is awarded to students who pass the final year exam at the end of the seventh year of secondary education.

European Baccalaureate Recognition

The European Baccalaureate diploma should be officially recognized as an entry qualification for higher education in all the countries of the European Union, as well as in many others. Therefore, European Baccalaureate diploma holders can seek admission to any university or institution of tertiary education in the European Union, including the same right as nationals with equivalent qualifications.

Below is a screenshot from the European Baccalaureate Certificate, which states the countries where this diploma is recognised.

Not the same rights as nationals with equivalent qualifications

The European Baccalaureate diploma is awarded to successful candidates by the Secretary-General of the European Schools on behalf of the Board of Governors. It certifies the completion of secondary studies in a European School or in a School Accredited by the Board of Governors. It is officially recognised as an entry qualification for Higher Education in all the countries of the European Union, as well as in several others.

European Baccalaureate diploma holders enjoy the same rights and benefits as other holders of secondary school-leaving certificates in their countries, including the same right as nationals with equivalent qualifications to seek admission to any university or institution of tertiary education in the European Union.

The above-mentioned segment is from the Office of the Secretary-General of the European Schools.

This is NOT true

Any student wishing to register for the Univerity of Luxembourg must follow this page’s information.

“Any student wishing to enrol in the University of Luxembourg has to make a request for recognition of his graduation from Secondary school leaver’s certificate, if and only if the diploma was not issued by the Ministry of Luxembourg.”

If you are studying at a European school in Luxembourg, and you get your BAC diploma from a European school in Luxembourg, you cannot register since the Univerity of Luxembourg does NOT recognise European Baccalaureate.

It is mandatory to apply for recognition of a European school diploma. This site provides all the information.

Although this site says that: The certificates/diplomas of countries that are signatories to the Council of Europe Lisbon/Paris conventions on the mutual recognition of diplomas are considered.

To sum up, you will need to:

• submit all documents by post to the Department for the recognition of diplomas (Service de la reconnaissance des diplômes) of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (Ministère de l’Education nationale, de l’Enfance et de la jeunesse – MENEJ).
• a written request mentioning the reason for submitting the application;
• a curriculum vitae including, among other information, the applicant’s educational background and date and place of birth;
• a photocopy of a valid identity document (identity card, passport or residence permit);
• a copy of their diplomas/certificates;
• proof of payment of the fee, which is currently 75€
• provide documents in one of the 3 official languages of Luxembourg (French, Luxembourgish or German), or in English, or translated into one of these languages by a sworn translator established in Luxembourg.
• Wait for 2 to 10 weeks before they send you a document.

Bureaucratic insanity

As you can see, this is total bureaucratic insanity. It is embarrassing for the Ministry of Education in Luxembourg, the Office of the secretary general of the European school, and his current secretary general Andreas Beckmann.

Dealing with endless paperwork, convoluted processes, and unresponsive officials can be incredibly frustrating. It’s high time for a change and a more streamlined approach to tackle this bureaucratic madness.