On May 22, 2025, the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA) organized a comprehensive workshop in Prishtina with key representatives of higher education institutions in the country to review the revised standards for doctoral study programs.

The event was opened by the President of the State Council of Quality (SCQ), Professor Hasnije Ilazi, who emphasized that the aim of the revision process is to further enhance the quality of higher education and to align doctoral standards with the best European and international practices.

Professor Ilazi highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between the Agency and higher education institutions, noting that the involvement of institutions in shaping policies and regulations is a fundamental component of the evaluation process and the qualitative development of academic programs.

The workshop also featured international expert Professor Melita Kovačević from Croatia, who presented advanced European experiences and provided concrete recommendations for the sustainable development of doctoral programs.

She underscored the importance of structuring programs through doctoral schools and the need for clear institutional standards, dedicated regulations, qualified academic staff, and sufficient human and financial resources.

This review process is supported by the SHER project (Supporting Higher Education Reform), funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). The project aims to strengthen academic standards and promote European practices within higher education institutions in Kosovo.