APPRAIS

The Erasmus+ APPRAIS project focuses on transforming governance, strategic planning, and management practices in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Through the implementation of the Bologna Process, APPRAIS aims to align local higher education systems with European standards, enhancing institutional capacity, quality assurance, and internationalization strategies.

Key Highlights of the APPRAIS Project

• Programme: European Commission Erasmus+, KA2 – Capacity-building in the Field of Higher Education.

• Duration: January 15, 2021 – January 14, 2024.

• Mission: Modernize governance systems in Kurdistan HEIs to foster autonomy, accountability, quality assurance, and strategic planning while aligning with international standards.

• Partners:

  • Leading European universities: 

    • Università di Pisa - (Italy), 

    • Universitetet i Oslo - (Norway), 

    • Universidad de Murcia - (Spain), 

    • Universidade de Évora - (Portugal).

  • Kurdistan HEIs: 

    • Salahaddin University – Erbil, 

    • University of Sulaimani - Sulaimani

    • University of Duhok - Duhok

    • University of Garmian - Kalar

    • University of Zakho -  Zaxo

    • Charmo University - Chemchemall

  • Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (KRG).

Relevance to the University of Duhok (UoD)

The University of Duhok is a key partner in the APPRAIS project, leveraging its participation to:

• Enhance Strategic Governance: Develop comprehensive institutional action plans aligned with Bologna Process standards.

• Quality Assurance Training: Build capacity in quality assurance mechanisms, ensuring sustainable development and accountability.

• International Collaboration: Strengthen ties with European universities and adopt best practices in academic and administrative management.

• Bologna Process Implementation: Facilitate credit recognition and learning mobility, enabling students to benefit from a global academic environment.

By participating in APPRAIS, the University of Duhok plays a pivotal role in driving higher education reform in Kurdistan and Iraq, contributing to a more cohesive and internationally recognized education system.

Objectives of APPRAIS

1. Enhancing Governance: Strengthen HEI governance through the creation of roadmaps for strategic planning and reform.

2. Capacity Building: Train university leaders, QA staff, and administrative personnel in strategic management and quality assurance practices.

3. Bologna Process Support: Facilitate credit recognition and learning mobility across HEIs in Kurdistan.

4. Institutional Action Plans: Develop and validate tailored strategic plans for each participating institution.

Work Packages and Activities

APPRAIS is structured into eight work packages (WPs), each addressing a critical aspect of higher education reform:

WP1: Needs Assessment

• Conduct self-evaluations and field visits to assess governance frameworks.

• Define best practices and glossary for reforms.

WP2: Roadmap Design

• Define mission and work plans for governance improvements.

• Host consultative workshops.

WP3: Capacity Building

• Deliver training sessions in Norway, workshops in Kurdistan, and study visits to European universities.

• Focus on strategic planning, quality assurance, and credit recognition.

WP4: Bologna Process Implementation

• Develop an online training platform and handbook for HEIs.

• Organize study visits to Rome and Murcia.

WP5: Strategic Plan Harmonization

• Conduct national-level training sessions.

• Validate institutional action plans for governance reform.

WP6: Quality and Evaluation

• Establish evaluation teams and monitor project progress.

• Prepare mid-term and final evaluation reports.

WP7: Dissemination

• Manage the project website and create dissemination materials.

• Host a final conference to share outcomes.

WP8: Project Management

• Oversee financial and operational management.

• Coordinate plenary and virtual meetings.

Impact of APPRAIS on Kurdistan HEIs

The APPRAIS project is a catalyst for meaningful change in Kurdistan’s higher education sector, focusing on:

• Institutionalizing good governance practices.

• Supporting HEIs in achieving international standards.

• Empowering university staff to implement reforms effectively.

• Promoting sustainability and accountability in higher education management.

Discover More About APPRAIS The University of Duhok remains committed to advancing education quality and governance through initiatives like APPRAIS. Together with its partners, UoD strives to create a modern, inclusive, and internationally competitive education system in the Kurdistan region.

For further details, contact DOIR Office at the Presidency building of the University of Duhok