‘higher education institution’ means any type of higher education institution recognised or considered as such in accordance with national law which, in accordance with national law or practice, offers recognised higher education degrees or other recognised tertiary level qualifications, whatever such establishments may be called, or any institution which, in accordance with national law or practice, offers vocational education or training at tertiary level.

‘higher education qualification’ means any diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications issued by a competent authority attesting the successful completion of a post-secondary higher education programme, namely a set of courses provided by an educational establishment recognised as a higher education institution by the State in which it is situated.

(g) "higher education qualification" stands for any degree, diploma or other certificate issued by a third country and subsequently recognised by the competent authority of a Member State attesting the successful completion of a higher education programme, namely a set of courses provided by an educational establishment recognised as a higher education institution by the State in which it is situated.

‘student’ means a third-country national accepted by an establishment of higher education and admitted to the territory of a Member State to pursue as his/her main activity a full-time course of study leading to a higher education qualification recognised by the Member State, including diplomas, certificates or doctoral degrees in an establishment of higher education, which may cover a preparatory course prior to such education according to its national legislation.

6. In the case of diplomas awarded in accordance with the methods referred to in paragraph 5, the Member State in whose territory the educational activity takes place shall have the right to apply to any educational institution established in its territory which collaborates with the educational institution that issues the degrees and which is established and recognised in another Member State the same mechanisms as those it uses to control the quality of university education in its territory, by setting strict rules regarding teaching and, in general, the conditions of studies, so as to achieve high-quality university education.

52. Calls for an exception for research and education purposes, which should cover not only educational establishments but also accredited educational or research activities, including online and cross-border activities, linked to an educational establishment or institution recognised by the competent authorities, or legislation, or within the purview of an educational programme;