Joint programmes are higher education programmes jointly designed, delivered and fully recognised by two or more higher education institutions. Joint programmes have long been developed internationally, particularly with European partners. On this page, we have compiled information and instructions related to the implementation of joint programmes.
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Joint programmes are higher education programmes jointly designed, delivered and fully recognised by two or more higher education institutions. Joint programmes can be implemented at any higher education cycle. Joint programmes can be 

  • national, i.e. when all universities involved are from the same country, or
  • international, i.e. when the higher education institutions involved are from at least two different countries.

A joint programme leads to a multiple degree or a joint degree. A double degree is one form of multiple degree.

When planning an international joint programme, it should be kept in mind that a degree belonging to the Finnish higher education degree system must be awarded by a Finnish higher education institution. The awarding institution is responsible for the quality of the degree and for ensuring that it meets the criteria set for it. 

When a Finnish higher education institution awards a Finnish higher education degree, all matters relating to the provision of education and the awarding of the degree are governed by Finnish legislation on higher education degrees and any internal regulations of the higher education institution. Education provided through international cooperation must fall within the scope of the higher education institution's educational responsibility.

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Joint programmes are referred to by many different names, and the definitions of the terms may vary between partner institutions. Because of this, it is always important to first make sure that the terms are understood in the same way between the partner institutions and that the partner institutions are developing the same type of joint programme. Below you will find a list of terms and how they are defined at the European and national level. 

Joint programmes

Higher education programmes jointly designed, delivered (integrated curriculum) and fully recognised by two or more higher education institutions. Joint programmes can be implemented at any higher education cycle, i.e. bachelor, master or doctorate or even short cycle. Joint programmes can be national (i.e. when all universities involved are from the same country) or transnational/international (i.e. when the higher education institutions involved are from at least two different countries). A joint programme leads to a double or multiple degree or a joint degree.

Joint degree

Single degree certificate awarded to a student upon successful completion of a joint programme. The joint degree must be signed by the competent authorities of two or more of the participating institutions jointly and recognised officially in the countries where those participating institutions are located.

Double degree/multiple degree

At least two separate degree certificates awarded to a student upon successful completion of a joint programme. Each degree must be signed by the competent authority of the institution concerned, and recognised officially in the countries where the different awarding institutions are located. A double degree is a specific type of multiple degree, whereby a student completes one programme but receives two separate degree certificates, one from each of the participating higher education institutions whose requirements they meet.

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In cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Finnish National Agency for Education has compiled a memorandum on issues related to the awarding of degrees and degree certificates that higher education institutions planning to offer international joint degrees should take into account. 

The memorandum was updated in 2021.

Joint degree memorandum (2021)
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The European Commission aims to promote the awarding of European joint degrees. Joint degrees are a key tool for realising the European Education Area and contribute to the competitiveness and attractiveness of European higher education. The Commission has published a blueprint for a European degree.

Read more about joint degrees and related initiatives on the European Commission website 

The European Degree Label is a pan-European degree label that is part of the implementation of European joint degrees. This label is a voluntary recognition for joint programmes that meet agreed European criteria. The operating and application instructions for the label were published in summer 2026. After this, it will be possible to apply for the label for joint programmes.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are high-quality, multi-institution, international joint programmes under Erasmus+. They involve studying in at least two different countries and offer substantial scholarship for students. The programmes are also open to students other than those who have received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

The Erasmus+ European Universities alliances develop high-quality education, research and innovation and increase mobility. They also contribute to the building of the European Education Area. European Universities alliances have been key instruments in the development of joint programmes.

Read more about European Universities alliances

The Nordplus Higher Education programme supports the Nordic and Baltic mobility and international cooperation of higher education teachers and students. The programme can be used to apply for funding to plan and develop joint programmes.

Read more about the Nordplus programme (in Finnish)

In the past, funding for Nordic cooperation has also been available through the Nordic Council of Ministers: The Nordic Master programme supported joint Nordic master's programmes between higher education institutions. Nordic Master funding has no longer been granted after 2020.

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Support for the planning and management of joint degree programmes is available both from higher education institutions' own services and from national and European actors. Primary instructions and guidance will always come from the institution where the joint programme is being planned. Planning a joint programme requires time and resources, so it often takes a couple of years to plan a new programme.

Up-to-date information, guidelines and events are available to support higher education institutions in preparing and implementing joint degrees.

Information and discussion events
Information and discussion events on the requirements, practices and current issues related to joint degrees are organised in the context of different calls for proposals.

Network of coordinators
Aalto University maintains a Teams platform for a network of coordinators of international joint programmes. The network provides opportunities for information exchange, peer support and sharing of good practices. You can enquire about being added to the platform from colleagues at the Finnish National Agency for Education at erasmus.korkeakoulutus [at] oph.fi (erasmus[dot]korkeakoulutus[at]oph[dot]fi).

National and European events
Sessions on international joint programmes and degrees are also regularly organised at the Spring Forum for Higher Education International Affairs and the meetings of European Universities alliances, for example.

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