FAQ
What are the support structures for the participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Erasmus+ program, what are their responsibilities and how can I get more information?
Erasmus+ is a program of the European Union intended for education, training, youth and sports. The goal is to support lifelong learning, contribute to sustainable growth, social cohesion and innovation.
Support structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Erasmus+ Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina (NEO):
Responsibilities:
Providing information on Erasmus+ activities open to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Counseling and assistance to potential candidates.
Coordination of the Local Team of Experts on Higher Education Reform (HERE).
Contribution to studies and events.
Support for political dialogue.
Maintaining contacts with local authorities and the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Monitoring the development of policies in relevant areas.
Contact and more information:
Website: https://erasmusbih.com
In which cases does the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina issue certificates of the existence of a legal basis for exemption from payment of customs duties
When public or private educational and scientific institutions import educational, scientific or cultural material according to an international agreement, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, at the request of the importer, issues a certificate confirming that the agreement provides exemption from customs duties.
In order to issue a certificate, the following must be submitted to the Ministry:
- Request for issuing a certificate on the form of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Each request must be accompanied by the following documentation in original or a certified copy, with a translation by an authorized court interpreter if it is issued in a foreign language:
- Documentation proving the legal subjectivity of the applicant, i.e. an extract from the court register;
- Proof that the goods are imported on the basis of an international agreement from the area of competence of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- The specification of the goods, which should be ordered by serial number, contain tariff codes and designations from the customs tariff with the indication of the quantity, individual and total value, and be stamped and signed by the user of the goods, i.e. the applicant, and have a number and date (Article 92 of the Decision).
Who and how can participate in the Central European exchange program for university studies (CEEPUS mobility program)? Do CEEPUS exchange participants pay school fees?
Students and academic staff from CEEPUS universities from member countries (including Bosnia and Herzegovina) can participate in the CEEPUS program. Each year, CEEPUS members select universities for exchange. Students must have completed two semesters, and teaching staff must hold at least six hours of lectures or supervision during mobility. Applications are possible within networks or as a Freemover, for short-term or semester mobility. Participants receive monthly scholarships that cover basic living expenses. Applications and awarding of scholarships are done online at www.ceepus.info.
Who in Bosnia and Herzegovina recognizes diplomas and certificates of primary and secondary education obtained abroad?
For the recognition of primary and secondary school diplomas obtained abroad, it is necessary to submit an application to the competent Ministry of Education. This includes filling out the form, submitting original or certified copies of diplomas and supporting documents, and translation into one of the official languages in use in Bosnia and Herzegovina if the documents were issued in a foreign language.
Competent authorities:
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Federal Ministry of Education and Science and Cantonal Ministries of Education.
Republika Srpska: Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republika Srpska.
Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Education Department of the Government of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
After evaluating the documents, the ministry issues a decision on recognition, which is necessary for further education or employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What is the role of the Agency for preschool, primary and secondary education in the process of recognition of diplomas and certificates of primary and secondary education in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The Agency for Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Education is, among other things, responsible for providing assistance in the recognition of domestic certificates and diplomas in other countries, as well as in the recognition of foreign certificates and diplomas in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Although the cantonal ministries of education implement concrete recognition procedures, the Agency provides professional support and advice to these ministries. This includes interpretation and application of standards, evaluation of foreign educational systems, and other professional aspects of the recognition process.
Who conducts international research in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of education
International research in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS, ICILS) is prepared and carried out by the Agency for Preschool, Primary and Secondary Education in cooperation with the competent educational authorities. More information can be found on the web sthe Agency's website in the section International research in Bosnia and Herzegovina
How many higher education institutions are there in Bosnia and Herzegovina and which of them are accredited?
The list of higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be found on the website of the Center for Information and Recognition of Documents in the Field of Higher Education, and the list of accredited higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the website of the Agency for Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance.
What are the licensing and accreditation of higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and who is responsible for these procedures?
Licensing of higher education institutions implies the issuance of a permit to start work and carry out higher education activities. This procedure is carried out by the relevant ministries of education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Ministry of Science and Technology Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, cantonal ministries in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Department of Education of the Government of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Accreditation of higher education institutions is a procedure by which, through an external audit, it is confirmed that the institution meets established quality standards. The competent ministries of education, the Agency for the Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance at the state level, and the Agency for Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska are responsible for accreditation. Commissions of domestic and international experts participate in this process and evaluate the quality of work and make recommendations on the accreditation of institutions and study programs.
Management of the state register of accredited higher education institutions is the responsibility of the Agency for the Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance at the state level, as well as the constant availability on the website of the list of accredited higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina https://www.hea.gov.ba/Content/Read/lista-akreditiranih-vsu
Who is responsible for accreditation of study programs, quality assurance of higher education institutions, and recognition of higher education qualifications obtained outside Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Higher education institutions, cantonal and entity ministries of education, the Agency for the Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance at the state level, and the Agency for Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska are responsible for the accreditation of study programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support of domestic and international experts.
Quality assurance of higher education institutions is carried out by higher education institutions, under the supervision of the competent ministries of education and the aforementioned agencies. The process involves continuous evaluation and revision of the work of these institutions to ensure a high standard of education.
Recognition of higher education qualifications obtained outside Bosnia and Herzegovina for the purpose of employment in the Republic of Srpska is carried out by the Agency for Higher Education, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by higher education institutions and cantonal ministries of education (depending on the canton), and in the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Commission for the Recognition of Documents in the Field of Higher Education. Recognition of higher education qualifications acquired outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the purpose of continuing education in the Republic of Srpska is carried out by higher education institutions, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by higher education institutions and cantonal ministries of education (depending on which canton it is), while in the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina it is carried out by licensed higher education institutions.
More information on the process of recognition of higher education qualifications obtained outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina is available on the website of the Center for Information and Recognition of Documents in the Field of Higher Education
What is the role of the Center for information and recognition of documents from the field of higher education in procedures for recognition of higher education qualifications acquired outside Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The Center for information and recognition of documents in the field of higher education, in accordance with the responsibilities prescribed by the Framework Law on Higher Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina ("Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina", No. 59/07 and 59/09), as well as the principles of the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education in the European Region ("Official Gazette of BiH", No. 16/03 - International Agreements), among other things, provides information, gives opinions and recommendations to competent authorities for the recognition of foreign higher education qualifications in of Bosnia and Herzegovina on foreign degrees and diplomas in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of continuing education at higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, i.e. what rights and competences the holder of the qualification acquires upon completion of a certain study program in the country of origin. Also, in accordance with the aforementioned regulations, the Center facilitates access to information about the higher education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina and qualifications whose recognition is sought, and provides advice and/or information on matters of recognition and (evaluation) of qualifications, in accordance with the regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Is the academic title acquired upon completion of the first cycle of studies equivalent to a seventh level of professional qualification?
No, the academic title obtained at the end of the first cycle of study (Bachelor) is not equivalent to the VII degree of vocational education. According to the Framework Law on Higher Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first cycle of studies leads to the Bachelor's degree, not to the vocational degree from the earlier system. The Bologna system organizes higher education in three cycles, whereby qualifications are evaluated in ECTS points, not according to degrees.
What is the attitude of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards youth umbrella organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina? What is the regulation of youth organizing in our country?
Youth organizing is a legal mechanism that encourages youth activism and volunteerism, as well as youth participation in decision-making processes. The youth umbrella organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina are the Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Youth Council of the Republic of Srpska and the Youth Council/Council of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The work of these organizations is regulated by the Law on Youth of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Law on Youth Organizations of the Republic of Srpska and the Law on Youth of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina closely monitors the work of umbrella youth organizations, provides support for their activities, and consequently contributes to the creation of positive changes for young people and the fulfillment of their vision.