Ostravská univerzita v Ostravě
Dvořákova 7
701 03 Ostrava
Czech Republic

University of Ostrava

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DIPLOMA SUPLEMENT (DS)

A DS is a document issued automatically and without charge to all graduating students after completion of first (Bachelor's), second (Master's) and third (Doctoral) cycle degree programmes at the University of Ostrava. This document was first issued to all graduating students in the academic year 2004/2005. In the Berlin Communiqué of 2003, higher education ministers set the objective that: "Every student graduating as from 2005 should receive the Diploma Supplement automatically and free of charge."

When was the DS developed?

The DS is a product of the 1997 Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in the European Region (the Lisbon Convention). The format and structure of the DS was developed by the Council of Europe, the European Commission and UNESCO/CEPES in 1998.

What is it and what does it look like?

The University of Ostrava issues bilingual Diploma Supplements (English – Czech). The DS is printed on A3 size paper with background printing, the university hologram, the university stamp, and the signature of the Rector. The document contains information on the completed study programme, together with a list of all exams passed and the grades achieved.

• Example of a DS - first (Bachelor's) cycle degree programmes
• Example of a DS - second (Master's) cycle degree programmes
• Example of a DS - third (Doctoral, Ph.D.) cycle degree programmes

A DS is a document that provides a description of the nature, level, context, content, and status of the studies that were pursued and successfully completed by the individual named on the original qualification. It is a detailed explanation of the qualification. It is a "transparency" tool to improve international academic and professional mobility and recognition – which requires clear qualification documents. It facilitates recognition of international qualifications by higher education institutions.

What is it not?

• a Curriculum Vitae
• a substitute for the original qualification
• an system that automatically guarantees recognition

What does it offer to students?

• a diploma that is more readable and easily comparable abroad
• a precise description of the graduate’s studies and the competencies acquired during the studies; objectivity and a fair assessment of the graduate’s achievements and competencies
• a description of the national system of higher education institutions; details of the status of the institution attended by the student
• easier access to work or further studies abroad
• the DS supports students’ employability (it gives employers more information on the profile of the student)

Diploma Supplemet Label?

The University of Ostrava was awarded the DS Label Certificate for 2006- 2009 and 2009 - 2013.