UKIM hosted a high-level strategic meeting bringing together university leadership, faculty deans, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Agency for Quality Assurance, and the National Board for Accreditation to discuss the implementation of the Joint MA in Political Science – Integration and Governance (JoPScip). The meeting positioned the project within the broader framework of North Macedonia’s higher education modernization agenda, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, quality assurance, and the development of sustainable joint degree programs aligned with European Higher Education Area standards.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and national authorities to ensure an enabling regulatory environment for the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of European joint programs.
Strategic Discussion Highlights
- National accreditation procedures and regulatory requirements for joint degree programs
- Alignment of the program with European quality assurance standards and the Bologna Process
- Legal and institutional frameworks supporting the recognition and implementation of international joint degrees
- Sustainability strategies, institutional commitments, and long-term funding models
- Student mobility opportunities, scholarships, and financial support mechanisms
- Integration of the Joint MA program into national higher education priorities and internationalization strategies
- Roles and responsibilities of universities, quality assurance agencies, and government institutions in supporting program implementation
- Opportunities for expanding international academic cooperation and strengthening North Macedonia’s participation in European higher education initiatives
Impact & Outcomes
The meeting reinforced both institutional and governmental commitment to the successful implementation of JoPScip. Participants reached a shared understanding of the regulatory and quality assurance requirements for joint degrees and expressed strong support for facilitating accreditation procedures and institutional cooperation. The discussions also identified pathways for strengthening sustainability, enhancing student mobility and funding opportunities, and integrating the program into national higher education development priorities, providing a solid foundation for the successful launch and long-term recognition of the Joint MA program