The Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (HEQA) is an autonomous and independent public institution that performs activities of public interest in the field of quality assurance and enhancement of higher education in Montenegro.
HEQA conducts external quality assurance procedures, including the accreditation of study programmes and the reaccreditation of higher education institutions, and performs other tasks stipulated by the Law on Higher Education.
The Agency establishes standards and criteria for internal and external evaluation, monitors and assesses the quality of the work of higher education institutions, and, based on the findings of evaluation procedures, contributes to the enhancement of the quality of higher education.
In its work, HEQA applies the principles of independence, impartiality, and transparency. Its procedures are based on clearly defined standards, criteria, procedures, and relevant evidence, with the participation of stakeholders.
OUR VALUES
Independence – HEQA performs its activities independently and impartially, in accordance with the law, established standards, and procedures.
Transparency – HEQA ensures transparency in its work and provides access to information on standards, criteria, procedures, and the results of its activities.
Integrity – HEQA acts objectively, professionally, and responsibly, respecting the principles of equal treatment and ethical conduct.
Cooperation – HEQA encourages the active participation of higher education institutions, students, academic and administrative staff, employers, and other stakeholders in ensuring and enhancing the quality of higher education.
HISTORY
The higher education quality assurance system in Montenegro has developed in parallel with Montenegro’s integration into the European Higher Education Area and the alignment of the national system with European standards and principles.
Prior to the establishment of the Agency, the Ministry responsible for education was in charge of conducting accreditation procedures, while the Council for Higher Education was responsible for making decisions on accreditation and reaccreditation.
Pursuant to the 2017 amendments to the Law on Higher Education, the Agency was originally established under the name Agency for Control and Quality Assurance of Higher Education (ACQAHE), thereby creating an institutional framework for the external quality assurance of higher education.
Since its establishment, the Agency has developed and enhanced external quality assurance procedures, methodologies, and institutional capacities, in line with the development of Montenegro’s higher education system and European practices in this field.
The new Law on Higher Education, adopted in October 2025, introduced a new institutional and regulatory framework for the assurance and enhancement of the quality of higher education. Under the new law, the Agency was given a new name – the Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (HEQA) – as well as an expanded and revised scope of responsibilities. The Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (HEQA) is the legal successor to the Agency for Control and Quality Assurance of Higher Education (ACQAHE), established in 2017.