On 9 December 2025, a TAM Online Seminar entitled “Synergies between Quality Assurance, Recognition of Qualifications, and Academic Mobility: Adapting European Practices to Strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s Higher Education System” was successfully held online. The event was organized by the National Erasmus+ office in Kyrgyzstan. The event brought together representatives of higher education institutions, policymakers, accreditation agencies, quality assurance experts, and international partners to discuss key aspects of the Bologna Process and its practical implementation in Kyrgyzstan.
The seminar aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the Bologna Process in the national context, highlight the importance of synergy between quality assurance, recognition of qualifications, and academic mobility, and equip participants with practical knowledge to support meaningful reforms in higher education. The discussions focused on strengthening policy and practice, aligning national frameworks with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), and promoting collaborative approaches among key stakeholders.
The event opened with welcome remarks from the National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme in Kyrgyzstan, followed by greetings from the Head of the Department of Higher, Secondary Professional, and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic. These opening remarks emphasized the importance of quality assurance, recognition, and mobility for higher education reform and the commitment of national authorities to supporting international collaboration.
The first thematic session focused on the Bologna Process, its core principles, key commitments, and tools, as well as its relevance for the development of higher education in Kyrgyzstan. This session was led by the Head of the EHEA Secretariat and included an active question-and-answer segment.
The second session addressed quality assurance in higher education through the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) and their application in the Kyrgyz context. A presentation on ESG was delivered by a Policy and Project Officer of the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR), followed by a panel discussion with director of the EdNet Quality Assurance Agency, who discussed current challenges in accreditation practices and explored ways to enhance synergy in quality assurance processes across higher education institutions.
The third session examined qualifications recognition and academic mobility as pathways to openness. Participants explored the national qualifications framework, micro-credentials, and the potential of digital recognition tools. The session was led by a rector of Adam university.
An interactive group discussion allowed participants to identify priority actions to strengthen synergy among quality assurance, recognition, and mobility. The outcomes were summarized by the facilitator, forming the basis for drafting TAM recommendations and outlining next steps for further cooperation.
The seminar concluded with closing remarks and a shared commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration. Key outcomes included a roadmap for improving quality assurance in line with ESG, policy recommendations to address gaps in quality assurance, recognition, and mobility, and strengthened networking and cooperation among higher education institutions, accreditation bodies, student representatives, and international experts.
Recommendations Following the TAM Seminar
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Integrate Micro-Credentials into the National Qualifications Framework
Develop approaches for integrating micro-credentials into the National Qualifications Framework of the Kyrgyz Republic (NQF KR), ensuring alignment with NQF levels, the establishment of quality assurance mechanisms, and the possibility of recognition in both academic and professional contexts. -
Introduce Digital Solutions for Recognition
Support the gradual introduction of digital solutions for the recognition of qualifications and micro-credentials. Formalizing these procedures will increase trust, transparency, and comparability of learning outcomes across all levels of education. -
Pilot and Scale Digital Recognition Tools
Utilize pilot initiatives—including those implemented by Erasmus+ participating universities—to test digital tools for the recognition of qualifications and micro-credentials. Evaluate the outcomes of these pilots and scale up successful practices across the higher education system. -
Organize Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue
Recommend organizing a joint dialogue event involving the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic, higher education institutions, accreditation agencies, employer representatives, and other key stakeholders. The discussion should focus on the current state, challenges, and potential pathways for the development of the quality assurance and qualifications recognition system in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Agenda: TAM_BP_Kyrgyzstan_9dec
Presentations:
