SUM representatives participate in SMEQA round table in Sarajevo on experiences from internal evaluations and expert training

The SMEQA project brought together representatives of higher education institutions, public authorities and stakeholders in the field of quality assurance at a two-day round table held on 29 and 30 September 2026 at the University of Sarajevo.

The first day was dedicated to experiences and lessons learned from piloting the internal evaluation procedure. Following a presentation by the Agency for Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance (HEA) on the mandatory content components of study programme self-evaluation reports, representatives of partner universities presented their experiences in conducting self-evaluations of selected study programmes. Monija Malešević, Ana Dujmović, Sanda Mandić and Mirela Mabić presented practical experiences, challenges encountered during the process, and issues requiring further attention in the development and implementation of internal quality assurance mechanisms following the piloting of five study programmes at the University of Mostar.

The second day focused on two important aspects of quality assurance: the selection and appointment of experts and expert training.

The session on criteria for the selection and appointment of experts brought together representatives of the competent ministries and higher education institutions, including the University of Mostar, for a panel discussion on professional qualifications, experience and competencies, as well as the composition and role of expert panels. Contributions from the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE) and the Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (NAKVIS) provided an opportunity to exchange experiences on regional practices and consider their relevance in the context of quality assurance in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A separate session was then dedicated to the topic Expert Training: Results, Experiences and Lessons Learned. Representatives of the participating universities discussed the objectives and methodology of the training, the main topics and competencies addressed, theoretical and practical exercises, feedback from trained experts, as well as key lessons learned and areas for further improvement.

The presentations and discussions held during the two-day event provided an important opportunity for the participating institutions and stakeholders to exchange experiences, identify practical challenges and reflect on ways to further strengthen quality assurance practices in higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The round table concluded with a final session highlighting key lessons learned, challenges and areas for further improvement, thereby providing a basis for continued cooperation and the further development of quality assurance mechanisms within the SMEQA project.

The SMEQA project, in which the University of Mostar leads Work Package 2, is funded under the Erasmus+ programme – Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE). The project continues to support the strengthening of institutional capacities and quality assurance mechanisms in higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina.