Validation of non-formal and informal learning – Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) comprises two entities (the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Republika Srpska) as well as a self-governing district (the Brčko District of BiH). The Federation of BiH consists of 10 cantons1. Republika Srpska, the 10 cantons in the Federation of BiH and the Brčko District of BiH (hereinafter referred to as the ‘competent education authorities’", 12 in total) have full and undivided constitutional responsibility for education. The competent education authorities have their own ministries of education and set laws for all levels of education (preschool, primary, general secondary, vocational secondary, higher and adult education). They adopt education strategies, establish and finance state-funded schools, colleges and universities, approve private education providers and enact legislation on the work of the education sector. All resources (human and budgetary) for the implementation of the education policy of the day are held by the competent education authorities. At the national level, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (MoCA) coordinates education policy, including international liaison and there are three agencies that support the implementation of the education policies: i) the Agency for the Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance (HEA); ii) the Agency for Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary Education (APOSO); and iii) the Centre for Information on and Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (CIP).