Bologna Process in Serbia

Nowadays, the world has become much smaller. The world, and specially Europe , is quite aware of the existence of Serbia . Serbia has, together with Europe , the same wish: to become part of it and to be complementary. Speaking in terms of reforms, Serbia should continue standardizing many rules with Europe , but above all, the Bologna Process in high education.

Serbia offers higher education at six state universities and six accredited private universities. Most students attend state universities, but the state does not provide funds for all of them. At private universities students exclusively pay for their schooling.

High education institutions in Serbia have started reforming the high education system since 2000. Serbia signed the Bologna Declaration in September, 2003. However, it was not until September 2005 that the high education law was enacted and conditions were provided for introducing important structural changes in accordance with the Bologna process.

Although the changes in the high education system can be felt today, it is only the beginning, practically speaking. The system requires flexibility and quality improvement.

Serbia has started executing the plan of the Bologna Declaration. The Mission statement , concerning the strategy of reform decided on by the Ministry of Education and Sports (first held in February, 2001) included several things - to form a modern high education system in accordance with the Bologna Process, to reduce not only the number of students who quit their studies, but also the duration of the studies. Besides, the introduction of a two-tier system with European system of credits (ECTS) was agreed on, as well as the harmonization of the high education system with the European tendencies. Moreover, the focus was on the introduction of control mechanisms (which will guarantee a high quality education results, training and research), along with the new curriculum appropriate for the national needs and the market demand. In addition, conclusions were drawn to foster interdisciplinary programmes for new professions needed in the new technological era, and to develop a concept of applied studies which would provide skills and abilities required by the labour market. Last but not least, it was decided that students should be included as partners in the education process, besides the encouragement of students and teachers' mobility.

Ministers responsible for higher education in 45 European countries met for a

mid-term review in Bergen on 19-20 May 2005. The meeting was dedicated to the reforms in education systems and to setting goals and priorities towards 2010. It was focused on three priorities: the degree system, quality assurance and the recognition of degrees and periods of study. After the reports submitted by the ministers, it was estimated that Serbia should be given 2.2 points (out of maximum 5). It was rated very low, with only Bosnia and Herzegovina (2.1) and Andorra (2 points) following it.

However, Serbia was given mark 4 (the maximum mark was 5) at the meeting dedicated to high education reforms, held in London (October, 2007). Now, Serbia is among the first ten countries in Europe , in front of Sweden (3.66), Ukraine (3.83), Cyprus (3.83), Greece (3.75), Russia (3.66), Spain (3.5), etc. The best marks were given to Norway , Scotland and Denmark (4.83). Taking into account the previous results in Bergen , this has been a great success.

The Ministry of Education and Sports; www.see-educoop.net