Национално тело за акредитацију и проверу квалитета у високом образовању Србије

Overview

The National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NEAQA) is the principal body in Serbia responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and their study programs. Established in 2018 as a legal successor to the Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance (CAQA), NEAQA operates as an independent public institution, ensuring that Serbia's higher education system aligns with international standards and best practices in quality assurance.

Historical and Legal Framework

NEAQA was founded following the enactment of the 2017 Law on Higher Education, which restructured Serbia's approach to accreditation and quality assurance. The establishment of NEAQA aimed to enhance the independence and effectiveness of the accreditation process, providing a more robust framework for evaluating and improving the quality of higher education in Serbia. The agency's legal foundation is outlined in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, No. 9/2018, dated February 2, 2018.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

NEAQA's mission is to improve higher education in Serbia by ensuring its compliance with internationally recognized standards for accreditation and quality assurance. The organization's vision is to foster a higher education system that meets global quality benchmarks, thereby enhancing the educational experience for students and the credibility of Serbian higher education institutions worldwide. NEAQA's key objectives include:

• Conducting accreditation processes for higher education institutions and study programs.
• Implementing external quality assurance evaluations.
• Developing and updating standards and procedures for accreditation.
• Training and certifying reviewers to ensure independence and professionalism.
• Promoting transparency and accountability within the higher education sector.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

NEAQA operates as an independent public institution, with its governance structure comprising a Director, appointed by the Government of Serbia, and a Board responsible for strategic oversight. The Accreditation Commission, consisting of 19 members—including higher education professionals, a student representative, and a business sector representative—plays a central role in decision-making processes related to accreditation and quality assurance. This structure ensures that NEAQA functions independently in institutional, financial, administrative, and professional matters, in accordance with the Law on Higher Education of 2017.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

NEAQA is tasked with conducting accreditation procedures for higher education institutions and their study programs. This includes:

• Evaluating institutions' compliance with established standards.
• Assessing the quality of study programs through external evaluations.
• Providing guidance and support to institutions seeking accreditation.
• Monitoring and reviewing accredited institutions to ensure ongoing compliance.

Through these activities, NEAQA plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in Serbia, ensuring that institutions meet both national and international standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NEAQA is actively involved in international networks and collaborations aimed at advancing quality assurance in higher education. Notably, NEAQA is a member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), which represents quality assurance agencies across Europe. This membership facilitates the exchange of best practices, alignment with European standards, and participation in joint initiatives to improve quality assurance processes in higher education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

NEAQA's work significantly influences the development and improvement of higher education in Serbia. By ensuring that institutions adhere to rigorous accreditation standards, NEAQA helps to:

• Enhance the quality and relevance of academic programs.
• Improve institutional accountability and transparency.
• Facilitate international recognition and mobility for Serbian graduates.
• Support continuous improvement within higher education institutions.

Looking forward, NEAQA aims to further strengthen its processes, expand its international collaborations, and contribute to the modernization and global competitiveness of Serbia's higher education sector.

Summary

The National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NEAQA) is a pivotal institution in Serbia's higher education landscape. Established to ensure compliance with international quality standards, NEAQA conducts accreditation and quality assurance activities that uphold the integrity and excellence of academic programs. Through its governance structure, international partnerships, and commitment to continuous improvement, NEAQA plays a central role in shaping the future of higher education in Serbia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is NEAQA?
  NEAQA is the national body responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and their study programs in Serbia, ensuring they meet international quality standards.
• When was NEAQA established?
  NEAQA was established in 2018, succeeding the Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance (CAQA) as per the Law on Higher Education of 2017.
• Who governs NEAQA?
  NEAQA is governed by a Director and a Board, with an Accreditation Commission comprising 19 members, including higher education professionals, a student representative, and a business sector representative.
• Is NEAQA recognized internationally?
  Yes, NEAQA is a member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), facilitating alignment with European quality assurance standards.
• How does NEAQA impact higher education in Serbia?
  NEAQA enhances the quality and relevance of academic programs, improves institutional accountability, facilitates international recognition, and supports continuous improvement within higher education institutions.

Organization Name

Национално тело за акредитацију и проверу квалитета у високом образовању Србије
National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Nacionalno telo za akreditaciju i proveru kvaliteta u visokom obrazovanju

Acronym

NAT/NEAQA

Year of Establishment

2006

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Serbia Palace, East wing, 4th floor, Office No. 477, Mihajlo Pupin Boulevard No. 2
Belgrade
11070 Belgrade Serbia

Phone

+381 (11) 313 0965

Fax

+381 (11) 313 0963

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Serbian higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Serbia.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.