Sector briefing

Education and Training Opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Why Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) currently has the status of potential candidate country for membership of the EU and the reform of the education and training sector is seen as the key for countrys economic development. With a population of 3.8 million an official GDP per capita of US$4,436 (2009), BIH is regarded as a lower middle-income country. Approximately 6% of GDP is allocated to education. The Bosnian education system is predominately public. Although public schools are universities are generally affordable, the programmes they offer often fail to meet the needs of the labour market. A number of independent secondary schools and universities offering international accreditation is growing. Traditionally, Bosnians perceive education as important for career development and are ready to invest in relevant education and training programmes, particularly those provided locally.

Find general information on the Bosnian website. market conditions on UKTIs website The Doing Business Guide for Bosnia and Herzegovina gives an overview of Bosnias economy, business culture, potential opportunities and an introduction to other relevant issues.

UK Trade & Investment Sector briefing: Education and Training opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Opportunities
BIH is aiming to develop an effective VET system to improve links between education and the employment sector. Given that over 70% of students in secondary education opt for occupational programme, VET is a crucial aspect of the education sector reform programmes. Although there is an issue over official recognition of international qualifications (VET and academic), a growing number of independent educational consultancies who specialise in education and corporate training programmes are keen to forge partnerships with UK educators that offer vocational qualifications. In general, donor support aims to highlight education as an element of socio-economic development and move the BIH education system closer to EU education standards. Whilst the sector enjoys the support of Council of Europe, UNICEF, Council of Europe, OSCE and ADC Austria, the main donor is the EU. Under IPA 2009, the EU has allocated 5million to provide support to education and labour market reform by improving the quality of the workforce and to reduce the unemployment rate. 7th EU Framework Programme is the instrument for supporting Research and Technological Development in the EU. The programme is designed to support cooperation between universities, research centres and industry by providing financial support for sustainable multi-country projects. The Programmes budget is estimated at 50.5billion. In addition, the country can access complementary instruments - EUREKA R&D and COST. EUREKA R&D is industry-led platform designed to increase productivity and competitiveness through technology. COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) fosters the establishment of scientific excellence in biomedicine, food and agriculture, forests, ICT, transport and urban development, chemistry, societies and health, environmental management. Tempus IV supports the reform of higher education mainly through university cooperation projects in line with EU standards. The programme is open to higher education institutions and to other organisations (NGOs, training companies, chambers of commerce, public enterprises). Erasmus Mundus Action 2 Partnerships with Third Country higher education institutions

(including scholarships) Lot 10 aims at enhancing the quality of European higher education and student mobility and is contributing to the development of human resources. The indicative annual allocation for Tempus and Erasmus Mundus for BIH is around 2.4million. The Government has expressed interest in participating in the following programmes: Life Long Learning, Youth in Action and Competition and Innovation Programme for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CIP-EIP). Historically, the most widely taught second language at BIH schools has been English. English is viewed as a tool for access to information and technology, achieving academic goals and opening up a range of professional opportunities. Many English language schools are therefore looking for partners that offer English for Specific Purposes, English for Business/Executives, Work Experience and Young Learner Courses. Higher education institutions from BIH would be interested in collaboration with UK institutions with a view to develop joint degree programmes, especially masters and PhD programmes, as well as for joint participation in the Community programmes. The UKs education is very much valued. There is a potential market for UK degrees since there is a sustained demand amongst young professionals for graduate and postgraduate studies with direct career relevance. Distance learning opportunities seem to be gaining in relevance. Young professionals are ready to pay for their professional development, but usually not willing to leave their jobs. If you have any questions on the opportunities above, contact the UKTI contacts named in this report. Business opportunities aimed specifically at UK companies are added daily to UKTIs website. These leads are sourced by our staff overseas in British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, across all sectors and in over 100 markets. You can be alerted to business opportunities on a regular basis by registering on the UKTI website. Find out more on UKTIs business opportunities service on the UKTI website

UK Trade & Investment Sector briefing: Education and Training opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Major events and activities

In the Region:
TVET Scoping Mission to the Balkans Contact: Matthew Anderson, TVET UK Email: matthew.anderson@tvetuk.org Time: March 2011 Corporate Education Event, Vienna, Austria Contact: UKTI Education & Skills Sector Group Email: education@ukti.gsi.gov.uk Time: June 2011 (tbc)

UKTI contacts
Alma Kadunic Trade and Investment Manager UKTI Bosnia and Herzegovina Tel: +387 33 282 237 Email: alma.kadunic@fco.gov.uk

In the UK:
Business English Inward Mission Contact: Sarah Wang, Business English UK Email: sarah@englishuk.com Time: 30 September -2 October 2010 English UK inward Mission Contact: Alexandra Jones, EnglishUK Email: alexandra@englishuk.com Time: 4-8 October 2010

Find full details of all events regarding this country on the UKTI website. New export events are added daily to the site and you can register to be alerted to them on a daily, weekly or monthly basis UKTIs Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SME's) to attend trade shows overseas. Find out more about UKTI support for attendance at overseas events.

UK Trade & Investment Sector briefing: Education and Training opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Next steps How UKTI can help

British companies wishing to develop their business in the Bosnian market are advised to undertake as much market research and planning as possible in the UK. UKTIs team in Bosnia, with its wide local knowledge and experience, can provide a range of services to British-based companies wishing to grow their business in the Bosnia market. This can include: ! Provision of market information ! Validated lists of agents/distributors ! Key market players or potential customers in the Bosnia market ! Establishment of interest of such contacts in working with you ! ! Arranging appointments appointments Organise seminars or other events for Organise seminars you to meet contacts and promote your contacts an promote company in the Bosnian market

This work is available via our Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS), a chargeable service which assists British-based companies wishing to enter or expand their business in overseas markets. To find out more about commissioning this work, or accessing other UKTI services and specialist advice, please visit the UKTI website to find contact details for your local UKTI office.

Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this document is accurate, neither UK Trade & Investment nor its parent Departments (the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office), accept liability for any errors, omissions or misleading statements, and no warranty is given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organisation mentioned. Published 2010 by UK Trade & Investment. Crown Copyright

UK Trade & Investment Sector briefing: Education and Training opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina