Joint programmes usually have all or at least some
of the following characteristics:

● the curriculum is jointly developed and approved by the corresponding institutions;
● students from each participating institution study parts of the programme in at least one of the other participating institutions;
● students' stays in the different participating institutions are usually of comparable length;
● periods of study and exams passed at the partner institution(s) are fully and automatically recognised;
● academics of the participating institutions jointly work out the curriculum, form joint admission and examination commissions, and participate in joint teaching activities;
● after completion of the full programme, the student either obtains the national diploma of each participating institution, a double diploma, a multiple diploma, or a joint diploma offered by at least two of the participating higher education institutions.