Higher education
Universities and university-like institutions
There are two state-recognized universities in Liechtenstein that have the right to award academic degrees:
Private university in the Principality of Liechtenstein
As a research institute, the Liechtenstein Institute is a university-like institution without the right to award academic degrees.
Liechtenstein is also one of the sponsors of the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland and the Intercantonal University for Special Needs Education in Zurich (HfH).
Legal framework
The following legal framework applies:
Law on Higher Education of November 25, 2004 (Higher Education Act; HSG), LGBl. 2005 No. 2
Law on the University of Liechtenstein, LGBl. 2005 No. 3
All universities and university-like institutions must be approved by the government, including those offering distance learning from Liechtenstein.
National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (NQ.FL-HS)
Report on the review of the compatibility of the National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in the Principality of Liechtenstein (NQ.FL-HS) with the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area
Template for the Diploma Supplement
National Academic Recognition Information Center (NARIC Liechtenstein)
The Education Office advises and informs individuals and institutions on questions of academic recognition. The respective higher education institution decides on recognition for the purpose of admission to a study program.
International agreements in higher education
Due to the small size of the country, the range of higher education institutions in Liechtenstein is limited. Important agreements ensure that students resident in Liechtenstein have access to foreign universities.
Agreements with Switzerland
Since 1974, there has been an agreement with Switzerland which guarantees that Liechtenstein Matura degrees are examined and recognized according to Swiss criteria.
Since 1997, the rights and obligations of the parties to the agreement have been documented in the Intercantonal University Agreement.
Access to universities of applied sciences is regulated by the Intercantonal Agreement on Universities of Applied Sciences www.edk.ch in a similar way to access to universities.
Liechtenstein's accession to the Intercantonal Agreement on Universities of Applied Sciences means that students also have access to the numerous Swiss non-university courses in the tertiary sector. The Office for Vocational Education and Career Guidance is responsible for this.
Liechtenstein has been a member of the Regional School Agreement RSA-East of the EDK since 1995. This regulates access and the financial benefits of the cantons for training courses at upper secondary and tertiary level.
A special agreement with the canton of St. Gallen enables pupils from Liechtenstein to attend specialized secondary schools at the cantonal school in Sargans.
Agreement with Austria
The agreement between the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Republic of Austria on equivalencies in the area of school-leaving certificates and higher education dated 23 February 2017 states that higher education entrance qualifications from both countries are recognized equally.
The "Agreement on the post-doctoral training of Liechtenstein doctors in Austria" from 1980 entitles Liechtenstein doctors to train as general practitioners or specialists in Austria.
Lisbon Convention
According to this agreement, qualifications for access to higher education are generally recognized as equivalent by the signatory states, provided there are no substantial differences.