Frequently asked questions about UNESCO-UNEVOC

What is TVET?

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) connects education and the world of work. TVET aims to address economic, social and environmental demands by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. Read more.

What does UNEVOC stand for?

The acronym UNEVOC is a combination of ‘UNESCO’ and ‘vocational education’. It was first used in 1992 in an agreement between UNESCO and the Government of Germany on the former "International Project on Technical and Vocational Education".

Can I study at UNESCO-UNEVOC?

No. UNESCO-UNEVOC is not a provider of technical and vocational education and training services.

Does UNESCO-UNEVOC offer scholarships?

No. UNESCO-UNEVOC does not provide financial assistance to students.

Does UNESCO-UNEVOC offer fellowship opportunities?

No. UNESCO-UNEVOC does not provide funded fellowships.

Does UNESCO-UNEVOC provide financial assistance to TVET organizations?

No. However, UNESCO-UNEVOC does support UNESCO Member States in their efforts to strengthen and upgrade their TVET systems. To find out more about UNESCO-UNEVOC’s capacity-building programmes and collaborative projects, visit here.

How is UNESCO-UNEVOC funded?

UNESCO-UNEVOC receives the majority of its funding from the host government of Germany, as well as a regular budget from UNESCO. For a recent financial overview, access our biennial report.

Why is UNESCO-UNEVOC located in Bonn?

The "UNEVOC Project" was initiated in 1992 in close cooperation with the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). On 12 July 2000, an agreement between Germany and UNESCO concerning the hosting of UNEVOC was signed. In Article 4, Bonn was selected as the location of the International Centre, and the German Government agreed to provide the premises. In September 2000, UNESCO-UNEVOC moved to Bonn. In February 2002, Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations at the time, signed an agreement to develop Bonn into a UN city. The former parliamentary headquarters in Bonn has since become a UN Campus, hosting more than 20 UN agencies and over 1000 employees. Use of the premises has generously been granted free of charge by the German Government.

Why should I sign up for a UNEVOC account?

A UNEVOC account allows you to subscribe to our quarterly newsletter and participate in discussions on the TVET Forum – an online discussion board where TVET experts from around the world can share information and knowledge. Create your account here.

Can I visit the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre in Bonn?

The UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre in Bonn receives visitors from all over the world. If you are interested in visiting our Centre, please find our contact information here.

Can I access UNEVOC publications?

UNESCO-UNEVOC's publications are available to download in the online library.

How do I become part of the UNEVOC Network?

Any interested TVET institution is first invited to read the Handbook for the UNEVOC Network to better understand the mission, objectives and core principles of the Network; how it functions; what is expected of Network members; the benefits of membership; and whether they meet the eligibility criteria. Contact the UNEVOC Network Secretariat for further information.

How do I know if a certificate issued by UNESCO-UNEVOC is real?

UNESCO-UNEVOC does not issue any academic certificates. Unfortunately, we have encountered cases of institutions claiming to hand out certificates issued by UNESCO-UNEVOC, even using the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre’s logo and an imitated stamp. Please note that UNESCO-UNEVOC will never ask you to pay for a certificate or to provide credit card details for obtaining such. When in doubt about the authenticity of a certificate carrying our name or logo, please contact us.

Don't see your question here? Please contact us at unevoc(at)unesco.org