FINAL CONFERENCE OF THE ERASMUS+ PROJECT EPIR

In the framework of the Erasmus+ project EPIR, coordinated by the University of Novi Sad, which has been dedicated to the digitalization of the institutional recognition procedure for foreign higher education qualifications, the final project conference was held at the University of Alba Iulia (Romania) from 7 to 9 June 2026. On behalf of the University of Novi Sad, the Conference was attended by the representatives of UNS project team, led by the Vice-Rector for Organization and Finance Prof. Dr. Artur Bjelica, project coordinator.

The meeting brought together representatives of partner institutions, which, in addition to the University of Novi Sad and the University of Alba Iulia, included the Marche Polytechnic University of Ancona (Italy), the University of Split (Croatia), and the Qualifications Agency of the Republic of Serbia. The conference provided both onsite and online participation of the universities representatives of all project work packages.

The conference was an opportunity to summarize project activities, and to review the contribution and impact of this project on improving the digitalization processes at partner institutions, especially in the area of ​​recognition of foreign higher education qualifications.

From the perspective of the University of Novi Sad, the two and a half year period of project implementation was dedicated to intensive work on setting up a portal (digital tool) for the recognition of foreign higher education qualifications for the purpose of continuing education at UNS, with the idea of ​​ensuring its full functionality starting from July 1, 2026. This process also included establishment of a new legal framework for the implementation of this procedure in a contemporary, digital environment, through the new  Rulebook on the Evaluation of Foreign Study Programmes and the Recognition of Foreign Higher Education Documents for the Purpose of Further Education , which was adopted by the University Senate on January 29, 2026. The new regulation defines that the submission of recognition requests will be exclusively done electronically. Furthermore, the University EPIR team also organized training sessions for the UNS staff who will be using the new portal in their everyday work. Finally, instructions have been defined that will additionally support the digitalization of this procedure.

The aim of the EPIR project (E-procedure of institutional recognition of foreign higher education documents) has been to improve the digital and so-called "green" competences of the higher education sector, through the implementation of activities leading to the digital transformation of the procedure for the recognition of foreign higher education institutions for students from abroad. These activities have included: development of new or improved IT systems, definition of accompanying institutional policies, processes and structures, improvement of digital skills and competences of students and employees, as well as raising awareness about the benefits of using modern technologies in various services within the higher education sector. The completion of the EPIR project has been planned for the end of June 2026.