The document - attached to a higher education diploma - describes in the respective national language and in English the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies that were pursued and successfully completed. The Diploma Supplement provides additional information on the national higher education system, in order to fit the qualification into the relevant educational context.

ESU's opinion on the matter
ESU strongly supports the notion about Diploma Supplement. However, the world-wide acceptance of European degrees and diplomas requires better information about their content, academic and professional objectives and the competencies they give. In order for the Diploma Supplement to answer to the need to create transparency and contribute to recognition of qualifications and better employability, the system needs to be implemented more vigorously, and its use expanded. Genuine institutional commitment and information campaigning, also towards the labour market, are crucial. Co-operation in between the various actors needs to be further promoted as well as on the national level. Tools are needed to record and recognise lifelong learning.