Detailed roadmap for the eqf referencing of the nqf in fyrom

Criterion 3 (QF-EHEA)

The national framework and its qualifications are demonstrably based on learning outcomes, and the qualifications are linked to ECTS or ECTS compatible credits.
The fulfilment of this Criterion is also explained under the Criterion 3 (EQF). Normally, in one academic year students can gain 60 ECTS credits. The number of ECTS credits allocated for different cycles is presented in the following table:
Table 43: Allocation of ECTS credits for different cycles

NQF HE	V	VI		VII		VIII
	VA	VIB	VIA	VIIB	VIIA
QF-EHEA cycles	Short cycle	First cycle		Second cycle		Third cycle
ECTS credits	60-120	180	240	60	120	≥180

On evidence on the stage of implementation of ECTS system 2013/14 (indicator No. 4) in the Bologna Process Implementation Report “European Higher Education Area in 2015”, the Republic of Macedonia is under light green (ECTS credits are allocated to more than 75% of higher education programmes; enabling credit transfer system and accumulation and ECTS credits are demonstrably linked with learning outcomes, Page 69.)³².

Following the adoption of the Decree on NQF HE, as part of the implementation of NQF HE, all study programmes were re-accredited by the HEAEB as learning outcomes based in the course of 2011. For that purpose HEAEB adopted new rulebooks and templates.

Criterion 4 (QF-EHEA)

The procedures for inclusion of qualifications in the national framework are transparent.
The fulfilment of this Criterion is also explained under the Criterion 4 (EQF). On page 67 of the Bologna Process Implementation Report “European Higher Education Area in 2015” under indicator No. 3, the Republic of Macedonia is ranked in the steps 7-9, whereby 9 is defined as “qualifications have been included in the NQF”³³. Under the indicator 3 of the same Report, “Implementation of national qualifications frameworks, 2013/14”, the Republic of Macedonia is ranked in steps 7-9 (defined as: qualifications have been included in the NQF, study programmes have been re-designed on the basis of learning outcomes and the implementation of NQF has started with agreement on the roles and responsibilities of HEI, QA and other bodies).
According to Article 13 of the Decree for the National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications the qualifications awarded prior to the implementation of Bologna Process requirements have been acknowledged according the table presented below:
Table 44: Comparison between degrees of higher education before and after the NQF HE

Level in the National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in RM	V	VI		VII		VIII
	VA	VIА	VIB	VIIА	VIIB
Former degrees	VI	VII/1		VII/2		VIII

Criterion 5 (QF-EHEA)

The national quality assurance system for higher education refers to the national framework of qualifications and is consistent with the Berlin Communiqué and any subsequent communiqués agreed by ministers in the Bologna Process
The fulfilment of this criterion is described under the Criterion 5 (EQF). In the Bologna Process Implementation Report “European Higher Education Area in 2015”³⁴ a number of indicators on the stage of development of the quality assurance systems 2013/2014 are relevant. Under the indicator No. 7 of this Report, the Republic of Macedonia is ranked among the countries with a quality assurance system which is in operation nationwide. The QA system has not been evaluated against the ESG in the EHEA. The QA system applies to all institutions and/or programmes and covers teaching, learning, student support service and internal quality assurance/management³⁵. The indicator No. 8 on the level of student participation in external QA system, has ranked the Republic of Macedonia in the highest category (student participate at all levels of QA reviews)³⁶.

Criterion 6 (QF-EHEA)

The national framework, and any alignment with the European framework, is referenced in all Diploma Supplements.
In higher education, HE institutions are obliged to issue Diploma Supplement attached to each diploma. The Supplement fully complies with the relevant Council of Europe and UNESCO format. In the indicator No. 5 of the Bologna Process Implementation Report “European Higher Education Area in 2015”, the country is ranked among the countries in which the Diploma Supplement is issued to some graduates or in some programmes free of charge.