One of the key goals of ACQAHE is the strengthening of international relations to ensure the development and application of the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG) in higher education in Montenegro. Through active participation in international projects, networks, and initiatives, ACQAHE contributes to the improvement of the quality assurance system, professional development of staff, and the enhancement of the credibility of Montenegrin higher education institutions within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). International cooperation is of particular importance for improving the quality of ACQAHE’s work, as it enables the exchange of best practices through collaboration with European quality assurance associations, bilateral initiatives, and participation in EU-funded projects.
European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) is the umbrella association of quality assurance agencies in the EHEA, of which ACQAHE has been an affiliate member since 2019.
Since certain prerequisites for full membership—primarily in the area of legislation—are still not met, ACQAHE renewed its affiliate membership in June 2024. In addition to direct cooperation with ENQA, ACQAHE participates in the association’s annual Forum and General Assembly, as well as in projects, trainings, and workshops that support institutional capacity development. These activities represent an important step toward full ENQA membership and registration in the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR).
Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (CEENQA) – as a full member since 2020, ACQAHE participates in creating and improving the association’s policies through its voting rights. It actively attends CEENQA’s regular bi-monthly online meetings, publishes articles about its work in the association’s annual bulletin, and participates in staff exchange programs. CEENQA is one of the key platforms connecting quality assurance agencies in Central and Eastern Europe, encouraging cooperation and the fulfillment of EHEA goals.
Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe (ERI SEE) – cooperation with RCC and ERI SEE, as well as with ministries for education of the Western Balkans, is aimed at facilitating the recognition of academic qualifications within the region and assuring the quality of higher education. During 2025, activities are planned to intensify support for aligning quality assurance systems in the Western Balkans with ESG standards, as well as further development and improvement of the Joint Database of Accredited Study Programs and Institutions (JIS).
Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG) is a working group formed by the Bologna Secretariat, composed of EHEA member states, with the aim of supporting the Bologna Process, particularly in the period between Ministerial Conferences.
ACQAHE has had a representative in the BFUG since 2023, and in addition to membership in this core group, ACQAHE has also joined the following working and coordination groups:
- Working Group on Monitoring the Implementation of Bologna Process
- Working Group on Internationalisation and Mobility
- Coordination Group for Global Policy Dialogue
- Thematic Group A on Qualifications Framework
- Thematic Group C on Quality Assurance
- Thematic Group D on Social Dimension
In addition to membership in international associations, ACQAHE is committed to bilateral cooperation with agencies in the region and across the EHEA.