On 30 October 2023, the project team met with the newly appointed Rector of University ‘Isa Boletini’ in Mitrovica (UIBM), Ms. Merita Shala and congratulated her on the new role. HERAS Plus team visit UIBM and attend ceremony of handing over new equipment READ MORE HERAS Plus conducted two dynamic two-day training sessions focusing on "Scientific Journals and Modern Research Methods" Empowering Kosovo's Academic Community: HERAS Plus Facilitates Specialized Training Sessions on research and publications for the Universiteti "Isa Boletini" in Mitrovica and Universiteti "Ukshin Hoti" in Prizren Read More On 27 September 2023, HERAS Plus organized the workshop on fostering innovation culture in Kosova through co-funded instruments. HERAS Plus organized the workshop on fostering innovation culture in Kosova through co-funded instruments READ MORE On 26 September 2023, HERAS Plus has supported the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA) to organize the first conference of its kind HERAS Plus support high-level conference on higher education and quality assurance Read More On 14-15 September 2023, HERAS Plus supported the University of ‘Haxhi Zeka’ (UHZ) to organize the first conference of the Regional Economic Forum Dukagjini (FERD) With the support of the HERAS Plus, University ‘Haxhi Zeka’ (UHZ) organizes the ‘1st conference of the Regional Economic Forum’ READ MORE

On 30 October 2023, the project team met with the newly appointed Rector of University ‘Isa Boletini’ in Mitrovica (UIBM), Ms. Merita Shala and congratulated her on the new role. HERAS Plus team visit UIBM and attend ceremony of handing over new equipment READ MORE HERAS Plus conducted two dynamic two-day training sessions focusing on "Scientific Journals and Modern Research Methods" Empowering Kosovo's Academic Community: HERAS Plus Facilitates Specialized Training Sessions on research and publications for the Universiteti "Isa Boletini" in Mitrovica and Universiteti "Ukshin Hoti" in Prizren READ MORE On 27 September 2023, HERAS Plus organized the workshop on fostering innovation culture in Kosova through co-funded instruments. HERAS Plus organized the workshop on fostering innovation culture in Kosova through co-funded instruments READ MORE On 26 September 2023, HERAS Plus has supported the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA) to organize the first conference of its kind HERAS Plus support high-level conference on higher education and quality assurance READ MORE Official visit to Brussels organized by HERAS Plus Official visit to Brussels organized by HERAS Plus READ MORE

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Previous Project WEBSITE

The three-year project “HERAS – Higher Education, Research and Applied Science” was implemented from 2017 – 2019. The project was funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation, and co-financed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Republic of Kosovo (MEST).

The Project was implemented by a highly experienced Austrian consortium represented by WUS Austria (lead partner), ZSI and OEAD.

SCHOLARSHIPS
PROGRAMMATIC PARTNERSHIP
RESEARCH GRANTS

About our project

HERAS PLUS

The project Higher Education Research and Applied Science Plus – HERAS+ aims at a more competitive and diversified public higher education and research sector in Kosovo in line with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), European Research Area (ERA) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 and 9 related to quality assurance, economy and labour market relevance, international cooperation and the Social Dimension of higher education. It contributes to a higher education and research system in Kosovo that is better governed, more international, coherent, effective and efficient, fostering students’ employability and the third mission of universities.

The three-year project “HERAS+ – Higher Education Research and Applied Science Plus” is being implemented from 2020 to 2023. It is expected that the project will contribute to a higher education and research system in Kosovo that is better governed, more international, coherent, effective and efficient, fostering students’ employability and the third mission of universities.

The project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation, and co-financed by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES). HERAS+ is implemented by a highly experienced Austrian consortium represented by World University Service Austria (WUS Austria) as the lead partner, and including the Center for Social Innovation (ZSI) and the Austrian Agency for International Mobility Cooperation in Education, Science and Research (OeAD).

WORKSHOP ON HORIZON EUROPE

HERAS Plus Project in close cooperation with Ministry of Education and Science (MES)

2021/02/18 09:50:00

About our project

HERAS PLUS

The project Higher Education Research and Applied Science Plus – HERAS+ aims at a more competitive and diversified public higher education and research sector in Kosovo in line with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), European Research Area (ERA) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 and 9 related to quality assurance, economy and labour market relevance, international cooperation and the Social Dimension of higher education. It contributes to a higher education and research system in Kosovo that is better governed, more international, coherent, effective and efficient, fostering students’ employability and the third mission of universities.

The three-year project “HERAS+ – Higher Education Research and Applied Science Plus” is being implemented from 2020 to 2023. It is expected that the project will contribute to a higher education and research system in Kosovo that is better governed, more international, coherent, effective and efficient, fostering students’ employability and the third mission of universities.

The project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation, and co-financed by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES). HERAS+ is implemented by a highly experienced Austrian consortium represented by World University Service Austria (WUS Austria) as the lead partner, and including the Center for Social Innovation (ZSI) and the Austrian Agency for International Mobility Cooperation in Education, Science and Research (OeAD).

WORKSHOP ON HORIZON EUROPE

2021/02/18 09:50:00

HERAS PLUS

POLICY LEVEL

MES is enabled to effectively develop and implement policies along European standards in HE and research adapted to the national context. KAA has satisfactorily addressed and implemented key recommendations from the European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies (ENQA).

UNIVERSITY LEVEL

Strategic plans of public universities are reviewed, developed, and decision-making processes are based on these strategies and better contribute to a competitive HE sectoras well as to economic, social and cultural development of Kosovo (in line with the 3rd mission of universities).

RESEARCH LEVEL

Kosovo has further advanced the quality of its research capacities and the internationalization / Europeanisation of its higher education and research system. The systematic focus of this level will be contributing to a research system in Kosovo that is more coherent, effective and efficient and internationalized.

Merita Begolli Dauti, professor at University ‘Haxhi Zeka’ in Peja, Applied Science Grantee of the project ‘Transformational Learning Through Study Visits and Internships in Various Sectors of the Tourism Industry’. Merita Begolli Dauti, professor at University ‘Haxhi Zeka’ in Peja, Applied Science Grantee of the project ‘Transformational Learning Through Study Visits and Internships in Various Sectors of the Tourism Industry’. Testimonials “I am very grateful to the Heras Plus team for the contribution, understanding, suggestions and help provided during the implementation of the project. This positive experience strengthens my desire to collaborate with Heras Plus in the future. Thank you for your support and cooperation!” heras plus quotations Viktor Ahmeti, student at University of Prishtina ‘Hasan Prishtina’, Applied Science Grantee of the project ‘Concrete Applications of Algorithms and Data Structures in modern Web and Mobile Development’. Viktor Ahmeti, student at University of Prishtina ‘Hasan Prishtina’, Applied Science Grantee of the project ‘Concrete Applications of Algorithms and Data Structures in modern Web and Mobile Development’. Testimonials "This was the first grant we’ve implemented along with my team and this was an extraordinary experience for us. We are thankful for all the technical support and guidance for the issues and challenges we have faced during the implementation of the project. We hope to have other cooperations in the future" heras plus quotations HERAS Plus Expert, Ilire Hasani Mavriqi during the Workshop for Regulation on Open Access to Research Infrastructure, June 8, 2021 HERAS Plus Expert, Ilire Hasani Mavriqi during the Workshop for Regulation on Open Access to Research Infrastructure, June 8, 2021 Testimonials “The mission of this Working Group is to is to jointly create the conditions for the future of data-driven and collaborative scientific research. We are continuously having consultations and I believe that we will achieve better results if we involve all stakeholders in this phase. The contribution of this Working Group is very valuable in identifying the needs and requirements of the University of Pristina. heras plus quotations Deputy Minister, Dukagjin Pupovci during the Launching of CRIS/KRIS Roadmap, 25 May, 2021 Deputy Minister, Dukagjin Pupovci during the Launching of CRIS/KRIS Roadmap, 25 May, 2021 Testimonials On behalf of MESTI, as a deputy minister I thank you for today’s event. Improvement of conditions for scientific research is a priority of MESTI and CRIS is extremely important because it will offer us data and information that could be used for various purposes. CRIS is being supported by two international projects like HERAS+ and Research Cult that closely deal with the research... heras plus quotations Vice-Rector for Teaching, Student Affairs and Research at University of Prizren, Prof. Asoc. Dr. Shemsi Morina during the Baseline Assessment launching event, May 20, 2021 Vice-Rector for Teaching, Student Affairs and Research at University of Prizren, Prof. Asoc. Dr. Shemsi Morina during the Baseline Assessment launching event, May 20, 2021 Testimonials “We thank the team of HERAS+ for the cooperation with University of Prizren “Ukshin Hoti” in developing the strategy of the University as well as the support you have offered and are offering for the University. We’ve cooperated with HERAS .... heras plus quotations Rector of UP, Prof. Dr. Naser Sahiti during the signing ceremony of MoU, March 5, 2021 Rector of UP, Prof. Dr. Naser Sahiti during the signing ceremony of MoU, March 5, 2021 Testimonials “It is a great pleasure to continue the cooperation with HERAS+ and formalize it institutionally through signing the MoU. We hope that through this cooperation we can complete and achieve the goals and objectives presented in the Strategic Plan by 2022.” heras plus quotations HERAS Plus Expert, Majlinda Mazreku during the Manual launching event with KAA February 24, 2021 HERAS Plus Expert, Majlinda Mazreku during the Manual launching event with KAA February 24, 2021 Testimonials “I am grateful for the all the work done. The manual for external evaluation of HEIs will help the work of KAA for improving their work and the process for quality assurance. It is important for the future to contextualize the required ENQA standards for Kosova.” heras plus quotations Vice-Rector for International Relations and Quality Assurance of University of Peja, Prof. Dr. Ibish Mazreku during the Manual launching event with KAA February 24, 2021 Vice-Rector for International Relations and Quality Assurance of University of Peja, Prof. Dr. Ibish Mazreku during the Manual launching event with KAA February 24, 2021 Testimonials “Heras Plus is a strong pillar for HEIs in Kosova. The manual for external evaluation of HEIs is a positive matter for all institutions. Having the manual in written form has changed our approach and the way of managing our work and it will help us for the future. I congratulate all stakeholders for the work done.” heras plus quotations H.E. Christoph Weidinger, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Kosovo during the Kick Off Event November 25, 2020 H.E. Christoph Weidinger, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Kosovo during the Kick Off Event November 25, 2020 Testimonials “I am especially pleased that Austria is providing funds to such a significant project that aims at contributing to the well-functioning of higher education and academic research in Kosovo.” heras plus quotations Minister Ramë Likaj during the Kick Off Event November 25, 2020 Minister Ramë Likaj during the Kick Off Event November 25, 2020 Testimonials “We value that the common Heras Plus Project is an ideal platform with which we can vitalize development interventions for higher education, academic research and applied sciences by benefitting from the best Austrian practices in the field.” heras plus quotations Rector of UGJFA, Artan Nimani during MoU signing with University of Gjakova December 24, 2020 Rector of UGJFA, Artan Nimani during MoU signing with University of Gjakova December 24, 2020 Testimonials “The agreement we finalized today is extraordinary for us because of the support of Austrian government for the University of Gjakova. Their funds support strategic planning in creating and strengthening institutions within the University of Gjakova.” heras plus quotations Naim Gashi, Director General of KAA during the MoU signing event November 4, 2020 Naim Gashi, Director General of KAA during the MoU signing event November 4, 2020 Testimonials “This project is vital for KAA because not only it helps with our institutional capacity building and internal regulation, but it simultaneously helps us with fulfilling the criteria for returning Kosovo to ENQA. The project is very detailed, practical and concrete, it addresses explicitly all the needs of KAA in higher education.” heras plus quotations

INTERVENTION LOGIC OF THE PROJECT

HERAS+ follows a multilevel intervention strategy (policy level, university level and research level) by addressing local, national, regional and European potentials to efficiently reach the below-outlined results. In doing so, the project will take a combined bottom-up/top-down approach.

INTERVENTION LOGIC OF THE PROJECT

The objective of this project is to effectively and sustainably improve the higher
education and research system in Kosovo, enhance the quality of higher education and the employability of graduates, and improve human capacities and increase internationalisation of research.

POLICY LEVEL

For improved quality,
effectiveness, governance and
transparency of higher education
and research planning and
decision-making processes
and policies.

UNIVERSITY LEVEL

For a more student centered,
labor market oriented higher
education, based on
state-of-the-art methodologies,
and quality measures along
European standards.

RESEARCH LEVEL

For an increased participation
of faculties, institutes and
individual researchers in
international research cooperation and
improved human capacities for teaching and
research by means of scholarships and
research projects.

Merita Begolli Dauti, professor at University ‘Haxhi Zeka’ in Peja, Applied Science Grantee of the project ‘Transformational Learning Through Study Visits and Internships in Various Sectors of the Tourism Industry’. Merita Begolli Dauti, professor at University ‘Haxhi Zeka’ in Peja, Applied Science Grantee of the project ‘Transformational Learning Through Study Visits and Internships in Various Sectors of the Tourism Industry’. Testimonials “I am very grateful to the Heras Plus team for the contribution, understanding, suggestions and help provided during the implementation of the project. This positive experience strengthens my desire to collaborate with Heras Plus in the future. Thank you for your support and cooperation!” heras plus quotations Viktor Ahmeti, student at University of Prishtina ‘Hasan Prishtina’, Applied Science Grantee of the project ‘Concrete Applications of Algorithms and Data Structures in modern Web and Mobile Development’. Viktor Ahmeti, student at University of Prishtina ‘Hasan Prishtina’, Applied Science Grantee of the project ‘Concrete Applications of Algorithms and Data Structures in modern Web and Mobile Development’. Testimonials "This was the first grant we’ve implemented along with my team and this was an extraordinary experience for us. We are thankful for all the technical support and guidance for the issues and challenges we have faced during the implementation of the project. We hope to have other cooperations in the future" heras plus quotations HERAS Plus Expert, Ilire Hasani Mavriqi during the Workshop for Regulation on Open Access to Research Infrastructure, June 8, 2021 HERAS Plus Expert, Ilire Hasani Mavriqi during the Workshop for Regulation on Open Access to Research Infrastructure, June 8, 2021 Testimonials “The mission of this Working Group is to is to jointly create the conditions for the future of data-driven and collaborative scientific research. We are continuously having consultations and I believe that we will achieve better results if we involve all stakeholders in this phase. The contribution of this Working Group is very valuable in identifying the needs and requirements of the University of Pristina. heras plus quotations Deputy Minister, Dukagjin Pupovci during the Launching of CRIS/KRIS Roadmap, 25 May, 2021 Deputy Minister, Dukagjin Pupovci during the Launching of CRIS/KRIS Roadmap, 25 May, 2021 Testimonials On behalf of MESTI, as a deputy minister I thank you for today’s event. Improvement of conditions for scientific research is a priority of MESTI and CRIS is extremely important because it will offer us data and information that could be used for various purposes. CRIS is being supported by two international projects like HERAS+ and Research Cult that closely deal with the research... heras plus quotations Vice-Rector for Teaching, Student Affairs and Research at University of Prizren, Prof. Asoc. Dr. Shemsi Morina during the Baseline Assessment launching event, May 20, 2021 Vice-Rector for Teaching, Student Affairs and Research at University of Prizren, Prof. Asoc. Dr. Shemsi Morina during the Baseline Assessment launching event, May 20, 2021 Testimonials “We thank the team of HERAS+ for the cooperation with University of Prizren “Ukshin Hoti” in developing the strategy of the University as well as the support you have offered and are offering for the University. We’ve cooperated with HERAS .... heras plus quotations Rector of UP, Prof. Dr. Naser Sahiti during the signing ceremony of MoU, March 5, 2021 Rector of UP, Prof. Dr. Naser Sahiti during the signing ceremony of MoU, March 5, 2021 Testimonials “It is a great pleasure to continue the cooperation with HERAS+ and formalize it institutionally through signing the MoU. We hope that through this cooperation we can complete and achieve the goals and objectives presented in the Strategic Plan by 2022.” heras plus quotations HERAS Plus Expert, Majlinda Mazreku during the Manual launching event with KAA February 24, 2021 HERAS Plus Expert, Majlinda Mazreku during the Manual launching event with KAA February 24, 2021 Testimonials “I am grateful for the all the work done. The manual for external evaluation of HEIs will help the work of KAA for improving their work and the process for quality assurance. It is important for the future to contextualize the required ENQA standards for Kosova.” heras plus quotations Vice-Rector for International Relations and Quality Assurance of University of Peja, Prof. Dr. Ibish Mazreku during the Manual launching event with KAA February 24, 2021 Vice-Rector for International Relations and Quality Assurance of University of Peja, Prof. Dr. Ibish Mazreku during the Manual launching event with KAA February 24, 2021 Testimonials “Heras Plus is a strong pillar for HEIs in Kosova. The manual for external evaluation of HEIs is a positive matter for all institutions. Having the manual in written form has changed our approach and the way of managing our work and it will help us for the future. I congratulate all stakeholders for the work done.” heras plus quotations H.E. Christoph Weidinger, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Kosovo during the Kick Off Event November 25, 2020 H.E. Christoph Weidinger, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Kosovo during the Kick Off Event November 25, 2020 Testimonials “I am especially pleased that Austria is providing funds to such a significant project that aims at contributing to the well-functioning of higher education and academic research in Kosovo.” heras plus quotations Minister Ramë Likaj during the Kick Off Event November 25, 2020 Minister Ramë Likaj during the Kick Off Event November 25, 2020 Testimonials “We value that the common Heras Plus Project is an ideal platform with which we can vitalize development interventions for higher education, academic research and applied sciences by benefitting from the best Austrian practices in the field.” heras plus quotations Rector of UGJFA, Artan Nimani during MoU signing with University of Gjakova December 24, 2020 Rector of UGJFA, Artan Nimani during MoU signing with University of Gjakova December 24, 2020 Testimonials “The agreement we finalized today is extraordinary for us because of the support of Austrian government for the University of Gjakova. Their funds support strategic planning in creating and strengthening institutions within the University of Gjakova.” heras plus quotations Naim Gashi, Director General of KAA during the MoU signing event November 4, 2020 Naim Gashi, Director General of KAA during the MoU signing event November 4, 2020 Testimonials “This project is vital for KAA because not only it helps with our institutional capacity building and internal regulation, but it simultaneously helps us with fulfilling the criteria for returning Kosovo to ENQA. The project is very detailed, practical and concrete, it addresses explicitly all the needs of KAA in higher education.” heras plus quotations

NEWS

On 30 October 2023, the project team met with the newly appointed Rector of University ‘Isa Boletini’ in Mitrovica (UIBM), Ms. Merita Shala and congratulated her on the new role.
More

HERAS Plus team visit UIBM and attend ceremony of handing over new equipment

HERAS Plus conducted two dynamic two-day training sessions focusing on
More

Empowering Kosovo’s Academic Community: HERAS Plus Facilitates Specialized Training Sessions on research and publications for the Universiteti “Isa Boletini” in Mitrovica and Universiteti “Ukshin Hoti” in Prizren

On 27 September 2023, HERAS Plus organized the workshop on fostering innovation culture in Kosova through co-funded instruments.
More

HERAS Plus organized the workshop on fostering innovation culture in Kosova through co-funded instruments

Load more

PARTNERS NEWS

ADA

Austrian Development Agency

Gjergj Balsha 8, Dragodan 1,
10000 Pristina, Kosovo

ADA

Austrian Development Agency

Str. Gjergj Balsha 8, Dragodan 1,
10000 Pristina, Kosovo

MES

Ministria e Arsimit dhe Shkencës

MEST, Str. Agim Ramadani,
Pristina 10000, Kosovo

WUS Austria

World University Service

Schmiedgasse 40/3, 8010 Graz,
Austria

ZSI

Centre for Social Innovation

LinkeWienzeile 246,
A-1150 Wien

OeAD

ÖsterreichischeAustauschdienst

Ebendorferstraße 7
1010  Wien

IMPLEMENTING CONSORTIUM

Heras Wus Austria
Heras ZSI
oead-heras-plus