Mission, vision and scope of activity 

Mission 

The Agency for Science and Higher Education is a public, independent and internationally recognised body, which, together with its stakeholders, fosters the ongoing enhancement of quality assurance in higher education and science. The aim of these efforts is the continuous improvement of quality of higher education institutions and scientific organisations, contributing to the better position and recognition of Croatian higher education and science within the European Higher Education Area and the European Research Area. 

The Agency fosters the development of the Croatian higher education system where students have access to high quality higher education which contributes to the development of their creative potential and enables the acquisition of internationally recognised qualifications.

Vision 

The Agency for Science and Higher Education is a recognised example of good practice in the area of quality assurance in higher education and science at the national and international level. 

Principles 

In its work the Agency for Science and Higher Education is guided by the following principles: 

Independence – we act independently in accordance with accepted procedures, standards and the legal framework, and independently make expert decisions. 

Responsibility – we act with social responsibility, transparency, objectivity and credibility, all in accordance with the legal framework. 

Professionalism – given that we are the principal provider of expertise in the area of quality assurance in higher education and science, our staff are guided by high professional and ethical standards. 

Collaboration – we collaborate with stakeholders at the national and international level, building partnerships and mutual trust. 

Adaptability – we respond to the rapid changes in our work environment and to stakeholder needs, fostering innovations which will contribute to positive changes. 

Activities 

Pursuant to the Act on Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education and its Statute,

the Agency for Science and Higher Education is tasked with the following: 

• carrying out external evaluation procedures stipulated by the Act, 
• evaluating the implementation of programme agreements, 
• carrying out the procedure of recognition and evaluation of foreign higher education qualifications, 
• encouraging the acquisition and broadening of knowledge and research on the system of quality in higher education, research and artistic activity in the Republic of Croatia and training expert panel members participating in external evaluation procedures, 
• gathering and analysing information on the system of higher education, research and artistic activity, 
• providing information on enrolment requirements at higher education institutions in the Republic of Croatia and consolidating data on enrolment requirements fulfilled by applicants to higher education institutions, 
• networking and participation in international associations and networks active in the system quality assurance of higher education and scientific activity, 
• carrying out evaluation of higher education institutions and research institutes abroad, 
• other duties pursuant to relevant regulations.