“ Articulating the work on NQF, QA and recognition ” JULY 2008, Cetinje

1. “Articulating the work on NQF, QA and recognition”JULY 2008, Cetinje

2. National qualification network National Framework of Qualifications can be defined as the totality of the different levels of qualifications defined by the qualification criteria and indicating the acquired competences needed for the accomplishment of the activity. The specific characteristics of the qualification levels are shaped by the national education system and the labour market of the country.

3. Expected results • Completed NQF for 6th, 7th and 8th reference levels • NQF will include: • Learning outcomes • Student competencies and skills • Increased readability and transparency of degrees • Provision of information for students and employers • Instrument for curriculum design and quality assurance

4. How many levels there should be n NQF of Montenegro • The first four levels of qualifications include the qualifications acquired in the initial vocational/general education and training institutions. • The levels from 6 to 8 encompass the qualifications acquired in the higher education institutions. • The fifth level of qualifications is the intermediary level between the levels of vocational qualifications and the levels of higher education qualifications

5. Some open questions • Different duration of bechelor studies at the University • Undefined absorbtion possibility of employment market • The issue of old diplomas issued at the University • Regulated professions • Alignment with the old NQF

6. Key Changes in HE in Montenegro • Centralized University • University has status of legal entity • Introduction of QA • Internal and external evaluation • Introduction of three–cycle system • Introduction of ECTS, Diploma Supplement This academic year, the fourth generation of students study in accordance with BD principles

7. Financing of HE in Montenegro • There is dual track financing • Of overall number of students some 40 % do not pay tuition fees, while others pay between 250 and 500 EUR per term, depending on the study profile • According to our Law, Ministry of Education and Science is about to prepare draft on regulation of HE financing • Current discussions are oriented towards inclusion of social dimension with regard to tuition fees

8. Specificities • There are two types of study organized at the University of Montenegro: * Academic (obtaining bachelor, master and doctoral degree) *Applied (obtaining bachelor, master) • Vocationally oriented study programs (applied) are run under the umbrella of University

9. Specificities • After 3 years – Diploma of undergraduate academic/applied study and Bachelor degree ( BSc; BApp; BA) • After 3+1 – Diploma of postgraduate specialist academic/applied study and Degree of Specialist ( Spec.Sci ; Spec.App; Spec.A) • After 3+1+1 or 3+2, 3+1+2 -Diploma of postgraduate master academic/applied study and Degree of Master ( MSc; MApp; MA) • After 3+1+1+3 – Diploma of Doctoral study (PhD) Degree - Doctor of Science

10. Specificities • This study year 75 study programs are performed at the University of Montenegro (comprises 17 faculties, four institutes) * 60 academic study programs *15 applied study programs • At the first private University “MEDITERAN’’ (comprises 6 faculties) are performed * 10 academic study programs • At five individual private faculties are performed * 10 academic study programs * 3 applied study programs (cooperation with Lovisenberg College, Oslo)

11. Students • Total number of students at the University of Montenegro~20.000 including undergraduate - 14.760 ( 82% of total number) postgraduate (specialist and master)- 3.111 (17,3%) doctoral - 107 ( 0,7%) • Total number of students at the University of Mediteran~1.600 • Total number of students at the five individual private faculties~988. Average costs of budget student at University of Montenegro 2.723 € Average costs of student at University of Montenegro-2.723 € The most expensive is budget student at Faculty of Arts 11.132 €

12. Council for Higher Education • The national body responsible for Higher Education • Council is nominated by the Government • Council analyses the state and achievements in higher education • It gives professional proposals to the Government for the improvement of higher education

13. Quality assurance in Montenegro • QA is an obligation for HE institutions • QA must be permanent. Is it? • Continuous internal self-evaluation? • Independent external control?

14. External quality assessment of the University of Montenegro was performed by Commission appointed by Council • The Commission consisted of international experts of EUA • Reaccreaditation was performed in accordance with Guideline of reaccreaditation of higher education and study programs delivered by Council of Higher Education • University of Montenegro is the first reaccreadited institution in the Region

15. Comission recommandations • Approval, monitoring and periodic reviews of programmes and awards Institutions should have formal mechanisms for the approval, periodic review and monitoring of their programmes and awards • Assessment of students Students should be assessed using published criteria, regulations and procedures which are applied consistently

16. Establishment of ENIC • 2003- formal establishment • 2004- ratification of Lisbon Recognition Convention • 2006-07- Tempus project “development of ENIC in Montenegro” • January 2008, New Law on Recognition and validation on Educational Certificates

17. Who is responsible? • Ministry of Education and Science, ENIC center- employment purposes • Higher education institution-continuation of education

18. Situation before the new Law • Nostrification procedure at the University • Nostrificationcommissions • Nostrification is expensive • Nostrification procedure lasts longer • Difficulties in accessing the labour market

19. Major novelties in new Law • Recognition instead of nostrification • Shared responsabilities in the recognition procedure • Establishment of ENIC center-ENIC/NARIC activities and tasks defined in Joint ENIC/NARIC Charter • Lower costs of recognition

20. Recognition procedure for the purpose of employment • Submission of necessary documentation • Checking the accreditation of the institution issuing diploma • Checking the validity of diploma • Recognition of obtained degree of education • Issuing the certification on recognition

21. Challenges -Creation on New Law on Recognition of Professional Qualifications for the purpose of entering the labor market in Montenegro -Defining the list of regulated professions -Establishment of professional bodies responsible for issuing licenses for regulated professions