In accordance with the competences arising from the Law on Higher Education and the principles of the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG), HEQA conducts research and analyses in the field of quality assurance, as well as on other topics relevant to the development and enhancement of higher education.
The basis for conducting research and analyses includes:
- data and findings collected through accreditation and reaccreditation procedures, which enable the identification of good practices, challenges and areas for improvement;
- comparative analyses of quality assurance systems and higher education policies within the European Higher Education Area;
- current topics and issues relevant to the development, enhancement and monitoring of the higher education system.
Overview of Research Activities Completed by the First Half of 2026
Thematic Analysis of the First Cycle of Reaccreditation of Higher Education Institutions in Montenegro
In 2026, HEQA prepared the Thematic Analysis of the First Cycle of Reaccreditation of Higher Education Institutions in Montenegro, covering the period from 2019 to the end of 2023. The analysis was based on 28 reaccreditation reports and the relevant regulatory framework and represents the first comprehensive overview of the experiences, findings and recommendations arising from the first reaccreditation cycle in Montenegro. It identified key trends and common challenges, as well as differences in the quality and structure of the reports and recommendations issued by expert panels.
The particular significance of the Analysis lies in the fact that its findings go beyond individual reaccreditation procedures and provide a basis for assessing the broader functioning of the quality assurance system in higher education. The findings and recommendations of the Analysis provide an important basis for further developing reaccreditation procedures and enhancing the quality assurance system in higher education in Montenegro.
In the second half of 2025, the Agency prepared a thematic analysis based on 43 reaccreditation reports, focusing on the fulfilment of Standard 7, Criterion f, which relates to the results of labour market research. The analysis identified inconsistent practices in the assessment of this criterion and highlighted the need for clearer guidance for expert panels, as well as more precise definition of the evidence to be provided by higher education institutions. The findings provide a basis for improving the reaccreditation procedure and strengthening quality assurance in higher education.
Analysis of High School Graduates’ Aspirations in the Transition from Secondary to Higher Education
In 2024, HEQA conducted the first research in Montenegro on secondary school graduates’ aspirations in the transition from secondary to higher education. The research provided new insights into their educational aspirations, attitudes towards higher education in Montenegro, as well as the factors and sources of information influencing decisions on continuing education and choosing a study programme. The findings provide a valuable basis for improving information and support for secondary school graduates, developing education policies and conducting further research in the field of higher education. The public presentation of the Analysis was held in May 2025.
HEQA also conducts research activities to support its work, with a focus on improving procedures, the quality of its work and the efficiency of processes. The following is an overview of the main internal analyses:
Analysis of the Alignment of the Quality Assurance System with the European Standards and Guidelines
Comparative Analysis of the Fulfilment of ESG Standard 3.3 “Independence”
Comparative Analysis of ESG Standard 3.6 “Internal Quality Assurance and Professional Conduct”
Analysis of the Satisfaction of Higher Education Institutions and Expert Panels with External Evaluation Procedures in 2025
Since 2025, HEQA has been systematically collecting feedback from participants in external evaluation procedures, with the aim of monitoring their experience and improving the quality and efficiency of these procedures. The results of the research conducted to date indicate a predominantly positive perception of the evaluation processes and provide a basis for their further improvement.
In accordance with the Law, HEQA also maintains and regularly updates the Register of Accredited Study Programmes and Reaccredited Higher Education Institutions. By the end of 2026, HEQA will prepare a Thematic Analysis of Stakeholder Involvement in Evaluation Procedures and Current Practices.