STEPS TOWARD THE QUALITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN WESTERN BALKANS AND THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

This paper is providing a comprehensive overview of the state of higher education in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on Quality and Quality Assurance, examining the challenges and opportunities faced by each country in the region, addressing issues, ranging from access to education and relevance of curricula, to coordination in quality assurance and alignment with European Standards. The analysis highlights common themes across the Western Balkans, such as the need for greater relevance of education to the labor market, improvements in coordination and collaboration between educational institutions and relevant agencies, and the imperative to address challenges in early childhood education and access to higher education.