New university in Kosovo supported by CHE Consult strategic consulting

On 28 April, 2010, the Kosovo science minister, Enver Hoxhaj, introduced the strategic concept for the International University of Prizren. “The university foundation is decisive for the development of the country in the next decades”, said Dr. Christian Berthold, head of CHE Consult, at the presentation event. In October 2010 the university shall take up regular lecture activities.

Based on intensive talks with the ministry CHE Consult developed the strategic concept for the university and will accompany the foundation phase. “For a country like the Republic of Kosovo the extension of the existing higher education options must be a central objective of development. 50 per cent of the population is younger than 25”, explained Berthold.

The study programmes will lead to degrees on international level; presently the university plans programmes in economics and business management, engineering, computer sciences, law and social sciences.

From the very beginning the university will co-operate with international partner universities. “The concept for the university is composed of several elements which will shape the profile of the university”, explained Berthold: civilian commitment, employability, internationality and interdisciplinarity, languages as well as a high share of virtual teaching.

This includes programmes in Albanian, English, Slavic languages and Turkish. The most fascinating thing about this foundation, according to Berthold, is the fact that the university is build on a green field – a university for the 21st century, suitable for its country.

The next concrete step for the foundation is the appointment of a rector. For the internationally advertised position there are presently 16 qualified applications. The new rector will take up work in June.

The science ministry pursues a super-ordinate objective with the foundation: a better academic education for significantly more citizens of Kosovo. In this context, the university foundation is a central project of the government.