Development of the National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in Poland

This article describes how the National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (NQF-HE) in Poland has been designed and how it is currently being implemented. This process and, in particular, its objectives are discussed in the context of the challenges facing the higher education system. The key features of the framework are presented, with a focus on the two-layered structure of level descriptors; the lower layer covers eight large subject domains and has two orientations – academic and practical. The article highlights the quality of the co-operation between the Ministry and the academic community; this cooperation has extended throughout the NQF-HE development process and the accompanying information and training campaign which was designed to support HEIs in the process of NQF-HE implementation. The campaign, consisting of dozens of seminars, workshops, etc., has explained the need and benefits of the reform and shown how the necessary changes should be implemented.