A SPHERE Technical Assistance Mission (TAM) workshop on “Automatic Recognition and Recognition of Prior Learning” was held at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) on 28–29 September 2026.

The workshop was jointly organised by the National Erasmus+ Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina (NEO), the Centre for Information and Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (CIP), and the Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE) team in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It brought together representatives of higher education institutions, education authorities, HEREs, NEO, and other relevant stakeholders.

The two-day event addressed key issues shaping contemporary recognition practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider European Higher Education Area (EHEA), with a focus on automatic recognition of qualifications, recognition of prior learning, non-formal and informal learning, and recognition of study periods. These areas are increasingly important for making higher education systems more transparent, flexible and accessible, while supporting student mobility, lifelong learning and smoother academic progression.

A key expert contribution was provided by Prof. Dr. Mile Dželalija, University of Split, an experienced European expert in quality assurance, accreditation and qualifications frameworks. He led the main professional sessions and facilitated discussions on both the principles and practical implementation of recognition procedures, highlighting the importance of clear, efficient and consistent approaches that support mobility and reduce unnecessary administrative barriers.

The programme also featured contributions from CIP experts Mirta Mandić Martinović, Dragana Dilber and Dženan Omanović. Ms. Mandić Martinović presented the MOQAR perspective on automatic recognition, Ms. Dilber moderated the panel discussion, while Mr. Omanović presented recommendations and facilitated the final discussion.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for combining European expertise with practical perspectives from Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also contributed to ongoing discussions on strengthening recognition practices and bringing the country's higher education system closer to evolving European standards.

 

The presentations from the event can be found here: