As part of the Erasmus+ CBHE project SMEQA – Strengthening Capacities and Mechanisms for Enhancement of Quality Assurance System in Higher Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Second Training of Experts was held on 16 June 2026 at the University of Mostar. The training was dedicated to strengthening capacities for quality assurance within the higher education system of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The event brought together representatives of higher education institutions, the Agency for Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HEA), and experts involved in external quality assurance processes. Participants were welcomed by representatives of the University of Mostar, HEA, and the project consortium, who introduced the objectives, content, and methodology of the training.
The introductory session focused on Croatian experience in the training of quality assurance experts. Representatives of the Agency for Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Croatia (AZVO) shared their experience in organising expert training programmes, selecting experts, and building capacities for the effective implementation of external evaluation procedures.
The central part of the programme was dedicated to practical activities and simulations designed to enhance participants’ competencies for involvement in quality assurance reviews. Through individual and group work, participants analysed selected excerpts from a Self-Evaluation Report (SER) and became familiar with the methodology of expert panel work and the preparation of site visits.
During the site visit simulation phase, participants took part in interview simulations while assuming different roles within expert panels. Particular attention was given to evidence collection and analysis, assessment of compliance with quality assurance criteria, and the preparation of oral reports following the evaluation process.
In the afternoon session, the working groups presented their oral reports, followed by a plenary discussion on key observations, challenges, and lessons learned. The final session highlighted the importance of high-quality reporting, focusing on structured report writing, objective assessment, and evidence-based conclusions.
The Second Training of Experts represents an important milestone in the implementation of the SMEQA project and contributes to the further development of professional capacities for quality assurance in higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through the exchange of international experiences and practical simulation exercises, participants further strengthened their competencies for active engagement in external evaluation processes and the continuous enhancement of higher education quality.
