NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

II. Qualifications and diplomas
II.1. Qualifications for admission to higher education
II.1.1. Non-university level
FHL
One may be admitted to long-term studies at the FHL if one holds an officially approved certificate from Liechtenstein (e.g.
Matura, Fachhochschulreife). Applicants from an EU/EEA country have free access to all subjects if they hold an officially
approved certificate which allows them to enter a higher educational institution in the EU/EEA country where they received
the certificate. Swiss nationals may be admitted if they hold
the certificate of the Matura or Berufsmatura. Other applicants may be admitted if the advisory senate of the FHL approves
their certificate for admission to a higher education institution. In such cases, additional examinations may be required. In
addition, all applicants must show a certificate of active employment in one subject-related field (at least a 50% part-time
employment). The courses which are offered fit in around the students’ working hours and are undertaken alongside the
students’ work.
II.1.2. University level
IAP
Because of the international character of the student body of the IAP, there are three different types of entry qualification:
1. for students educated according to European educational systems, admission for Baccalaureate studies requires the
completion of the Matura, Abitur or its equivalent;
2. for students educated according to the United States educational
system, admission to Baccalaureate studies requires the completion of a United States high school diploma or its
equivalent and a
further two years of study at the Baccalaureate level at a United States university;
While acceptance for the Baccalaureate degree in philosophy for United States students is, in principle, possible according to
number 2 above, the normal route for American students wishing to study at the IAP is the completion of a United States BA
degree or its equivalent, followed by admission into the Master’s (M.Phil.) programme.
II.2. Intermediate qualifications in higher education
II.2.1. Non-university level
FHL
At the FHL students must pass each course unit (module) and two levels of qualification in the four-year long-term studies
programme. After four semesters (two years) a Vordiplom examination has to be passed which is similar to the final
undergraduate examination. This qualification is necessary to continue the studies. This cycle consists mainly of basic
subjects.
II.2.2. University level