Policy framework

In the terms of formal education, the fundamental principles are established by the Constitution of BiH and the constitutions of the entities, district and cantons. Article 4. of the Constitution states that education is accessible to all citizens on equal terms in accordance with their capabilities, and that compulsory education is free for all. The Council of Ministers of BiH adopted a Decision on Adoption of the Baseline of Qualifications Framework in BiH on 24 March 2011 which officially triggered the process of building and implementing the QF for all levels of education harmonized with European Qualification Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF). The detailed structure of the education system, the policies and laws that define it are available on the Eurydice platform.

The availability of information and documents related to the topics covered by the EU Mobility Scoreboard framework and the CEDEFOP mission are currently not available for BiH.

The BiH Law on Foreigners prescribes the conditions and procedure for the entry of foreigners into BiH, including the visa and visa-free regime, travel documents for foreigners, the stay of foreigners in BiH, the removal of foreigners from BiH, the reception of foreigners and the placing of foreigners under supervision, as well as the jurisdiction of authorities in application of this law, and other issues related to the residence of foreigners in BiH. The Article 53 of the Law regulates “temporary residence based on education”. Accordingly, it can be granted for the purpose of a) primary and secondary education, b) higher education, c) unpaid internship, and, d) volunteer work.

Main cross-border mobility programmes for students in formal education

By continuing to participate in the new phase of the Erasmus+ program, BiH continues to use the funds and opportunities intended for the Western Balkans to participate in activities within the international dimension of the Erasmus+ program. The activities of this program offer solutions for issues of quality, modernization and employability, by increasing the relevance and adaptability of education to green and sustainable socioeconomic recovery, growth and well-being in third countries that are not affiliated to the program, and at the same time contribute to human and institutional development, digital transition, growth and increasing the number of jobs, good governance, and peace and security. The part of the Erasmus+ program related to formal education is an extensive segment of the program that includes a large number of opportunities for cooperation and capacity building among institutions of formal education, students, and cooperation with organizations. Only a few of them are highlighted below, while a detailed and complete description can be found in the Erasmus+ Program Guide. The National Erasmus+ Office in Sarajevo is responsible for the implementation of the program in the segment of higher education in BiH.

- International Credit Mobility (ICM);  Student and staff mobility projects between member states of the European Union or associated third countries and non-associated third countries. A period of study or internship abroad must be part of the student's study program in order to obtain a degree. BiH can participate as a partner.

- Erasmus Mundus joint master studies (EMJM); International integrated master's programs with scholarships funded by the European Union to attract exceptional students. BiH can participate as an applicant/partner.

- Projects for the preparation of Erasmus Mundus joint diploma master's studies (EMDM); Possibility to design and establish joint master's programs. BiH can participate as an applicant and partner.

- Capacity building projects in the field of higher education (CBHE); Support for the modernization and reform of higher education institutions and systems in countries around the world. BiH can participate as an applicant and partner.

- Jean Monnet actions (JMA); Excellence in teaching and research in the field of European Union studies worldwide. BiH can participate as an applicant and partner.

Since 2007, BiH have been included in the Central European exchange program for university studies - CEEPUS III, within which more than 100,000 monthly scholarships have been provided in 15 European member countries of the Program. The CEEPUS III program is primarily aimed at the development of mobility, as well as the connection of scientific research areas and the development of academic cooperation through the creation of university networks that will, among other things, work on joint programs and the acquisition of rights to joint diplomas. The program is directed towards the construction of the area of European higher education and the use of regional academic mobility as a strategic program for the implementation of the Bologna goals.

The BiH Ministry of Civil Affairs, as a signatory to the CEEPUS Agreement, is responsible for the implementation of the Program and the coordination of program activities in BiH, while the entity ministries of education are responsible for the implementation of financial obligations, i.e. payment of scholarships to visiting students and professors. 

BiH did not have an established monitoring and quality assurance system in the field of cross-border mobility in formal and non-formal education at the state level.

Promoting mobility in the context of non-formal learning, and of youth work

When it comes to the implementation and promotion of mobility in the context of informal learning and work with young people, BiH does not have programs coordinated by the ministry or a monitoring system that ensures quality at the state level. All programs for promoting mobility in the context of informal learning and work with young people, from the local to the state level, were designed and implemented by civil society organizations through various projects. Most of these activities and projects were selected through the European programs described in Chapter 2.

Quality assurance

There is no national scheme for quality assurance.