Joint EU/CoE Project “Strategic Development of Higher Education and Qualification Standards” in BiH (2013 - 2015) has as one of its key tasks the definition of priorities for the development of higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The basis for the definition of priorities is the analysis of higher education and research in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The analysis is composed out of three main areas: documentary analysis (which includes statistical research and results from previous projects), site visits to universities and stakeholders in the field of higher education and a web survey.

Council of Europe experts have undertaken site visits to University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka College, University of Sarajevo and University of Mostar in June and July 2014. During these visits 170 people have been interviewed: Administrative staff – 61; Managerial staff-15; Academic staff – 58 and Students – 36. Issues discussed were related to the connection between higher education institutions and the labor market, internationalization and student experience.

Further visits with employers and other stakeholders will be held in September 2014.