Technical Assistance to Support the Reform and Modernisation of the Higher Education and Scientific Research Sector ESRS

Full description of the project

Algeria has been engaged since 2001 in a policy of reform and modernisation of the higher education and scientific research sector (ESRS). The reform led to the implementation of the 2009 to 2014 five-year plan for higher education and scientific research, which pushed almost all universities to adopt the LMD system (Licence, Master and Doctorate).

Overall objective

The overall objective of this programme initiative is mainly to provide advice and targeted support for key reforms and modernisation of the higher education and scientific research sector. More specifically, this technical assistance programme provides specific experience to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in 4 areas:

1st domain

• The development of a system of diversification and professionalisation to provide training;
• Capacity building of teachers in student support activities;
• The integration of socio-economic actors in the process of professionalisation of training.

2^nd domain

• The development of a doctoral school model adapted to the Licence-Master-Doctorat reform;
• The reinforcement of the capacities of the management structures of the doctoral training;
• The integration of teacher-researchers in European R&D networks.

3^rd domain

The development of an operational system to promote closer cooperation between universities/businesses in the context of the LMD “Licence-Master-Doctorat” reform aiming at improving :

• Training/employment relevance and professional integration of graduates;
• The optimisation and transfer of scientific research and technological development.

4^th domain

The implementation of the quality procedure in :

• The development of internal quality assurance;
• Strengthening quality assurance units in universities;
• Strengthening the skills of those responsible for quality assurance.

Specific objectives

Component I: LMD

• Develop a system that promotes the diversification and professionalisation of the training offer, open to the socio-economic environment;
• Strengthen the capacity of the leaders in the provision of training at the central level, the regional and local control of this system and its subsequent generalisation.

Component II: Education and doctoral training

• Developing a Graduate School model, integrated and open to its national and international environment.

Component III: bringing universities and businesses together

• Develop a system to develop and strengthen the universities’ relationship with companies.

Component IV: Internal Quality Assurance

• Support the integration of internal quality assurance (IQA) and the strengthening of cellular quality assurance (CAQ) in academic institutions.