Overview

The European Learning Model is a multilingual data model developed by the European Commission to support interoperability of information about learning opportunities, qualifications, accreditation, and credentials across Europe. It provides a common vocabulary and structure through which education and learning information can be described and exchanged among different systems and applications. The model supports broader European goals related to qualification transparency, recognition, mobility, lifelong learning, and the development of a common European skills and qualifications data space.

The model encompasses learning across primary and secondary education, vocational education and training, higher education, adult learning, and labor-market training. It can describe formal, non-formal, and informal learning and can be applied to activities ranging from short courses and workshops to full qualifications and degree programs.

The European Learning Model is used by Europass for qualifications, learning opportunities, credentials, and accreditation. It also provides a standardized structure for European Digital Credentials for Learning.

The European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations classification is integrated with the model, enabling skills and occupations to be referenced within qualifications, learning opportunities, and credentials.

Version 3 became the principal version of the model in 2023 and is receiving long-term support from the European Commission. Minor improvements during 2025 resulted in Version 3.3.

Background

The European Learning Model was developed to address the existence of multiple education and credential data models across Europe and the resulting difficulties in exchanging and interpreting information consistently across countries, sectors, and digital systems.

Earlier European systems used separate data structures for qualifications, learning opportunities, credentials, and related information. The European Learning Model brought these into a common model and vocabulary so that changes and information can be managed more consistently and information can move more readily among systems.

The model builds on earlier European data-model work associated with Ploteus and Europass.

Funding

Developed and maintained by the European Commission, principally through its Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Earlier research that informed its development included European Commission Erasmus+ funded projects.

Resources

European Learning Model — Europass

European Learning Model — European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations

Common European Skills Data Space — European Union Publications Office