International cooperation is of particular importance for enhancing the quality of HEQA’s work, as it enables the exchange of experiences and good practices through cooperation with European quality assurance associations, bilateral initiatives, and participation in projects supported by the European Union. Through its commitment to international cooperation, HEQA contributes to the improvement of the quality assurance system, the professional development of its staff, and the strengthening of the credibility of Montenegrin higher education institutions within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) is the umbrella association of quality assurance agencies in the EHEA, of which HEQA has been an affiliate member since 2019. In addition to direct cooperation with ENQA, HEQA attends the Association’s annual Forum and General Assembly and participates in projects, training sessions, and capacity-building activities that contribute to the enhancement of its institutional capacities. These activities represent an important step towards meeting the requirements for full membership in ENQA and inclusion in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR).
Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (CEENQA) represents one of the key platforms for connecting quality assurance agencies across Central and Eastern Europe. As a full member since 2020, HEQA participates in the development of new and the enhancement of existing policies of the Association. HEQA actively participates in regular CEENQA online meetings, publishes articles on its activities in the Association’s annual newsletter, and takes part in staff exchange programmes.
Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe (ERI SEE) are important regional partners of HEQA. Cooperation with these organisations, as well as with the ministries of education of the Western Balkan countries, is aimed at facilitating the recognition of academic qualifications within the region and contributing to the development of the higher education quality assurance system.
Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG) is a key forum for cooperation among the member states of the European Higher Education Area and other relevant organisations in monitoring and enhancing the implementation of the Bologna Process between ministerial conferences. HEQA has had a representative in the BFUG since 2023 and actively participates in the work of the Group, as well as in relevant working and coordinating structures addressing key priorities of the European Higher Education Area, including monitoring the implementation of the Bologna Process, internationalisation and mobility, global policy dialogue, qualifications frameworks, quality assurance, and the social dimension of higher education.
In addition to its membership in international associations, HEQA is committed to bilateral cooperation with quality assurance agencies in the region and across the EHEA. Such cooperation enables the exchange of experiences and good practices, strengthens institutional capacities, and supports the development of joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the higher education quality assurance system.