DUALSCI – Strengthening the capacity of dual education in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The connection between higher education institutions and the labor market in Bosnia and Herzegovina is still not at a satisfactory level, which is particularly reflected in the employability of young people and the relevance of study programs. To bridge this gap, the Erasmus+ project “Strengthening Capacities for the Implementation of Dual Education in Higher Education in BiH (DUALSCI)” was launched in 2020, in cooperation with partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Austria, and Germany.

The project’s goal is to establish models of dual education in higher education based on European examples, where students acquire theoretical knowledge at universities and practical experience in companies. This approach enables students to gain a better understanding of the real sector, while employers have the opportunity to develop future professionals in line with industry needs.

Project Goals

• Develop legislative and institutional frameworks for the implementation of dual education at universities in BiH.

• Create prerequisites for launching higher education programs based on a combination of theoretical and practical teaching.

• Reduce the number of students dropping out of technical faculties and increase their employability after graduation.

• Strengthen cooperation between universities, the business sector, and public institutions in the areas of education and employment.

Activities

The project implemented numerous activities aimed at improving cooperation between educational institutions and industry. Bit Alliance, as a project partner, contributed to developing models for applying dual education at faculties of electrical engineering and information technology, thereby directly supporting the growth of the IT industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As part of the project, the first Dual Education Forum was organized by Bit Alliance in January 2022. The forum brought together representatives from universities, companies, and institutions, with the key message that only through synergy between education, the economy, and government can sustainable systemic solutions be achieved.

Study visits were also organized to partner institutions in the region and the EU, during which representatives of BiH universities – the University of Sarajevo, University of Zenica, University of East Sarajevo, and the University of Mostar – had the opportunity to explore best practices in the implementation of dual education. The visits were held at universities and institutes in Serbia (University of Novi Sad), Germany (DHBW Heilbronn), Austria (FH JOANNEUM and WUS Austria), and Spain (IMH Campus).

Results

• Drafted legislative and institutional framework proposals for implementing dual education in BiH.

• Established contacts and signed memoranda of cooperation between universities and companies.

• Developed models for applying dual education at technical faculties.

• Increased understanding among universities and employers about the importance of practical education and partnership.

Long-term Impact

The DUALSCI project contributes to the modernization of the higher education system in BiH and aligns it with European Union standards. By implementing dual education, students gain knowledge that is immediately applicable in the labor market, while companies gain the opportunity to actively participate in the education of future professionals. For the IT sector, this means faster talent development, reduced youth migration, and stronger ties between academia and industry.

More information about the project is available on the project’s official website.