This status was obtained based on the evaluation of complete documentation, curriculum, educational plan and other relevant components of the study programme carried out by the most eminent experts in the field of computer engineering in the region. Through this procedure the University College needed to demonstrate FER that its curriculum was designed and implemented well enough not only to meet the needs of employers, but also to satisfy the high demands of this premium scientific and educational institution.

This status is a great honor, but also a commitment for us because it was not issued unconditionally and without a time limit and needs to be updated every year through evaluation of the quality of work in all segments.

Conclusions of the analysis of the quality of work carried out in 2013 especially emphasize a number of segments in which the Algebra University improved its services provided to students during and after their studies.

Since the Algebra University was awarded the certificate “approved by FER” as the first higher education institution in 2009, it has significantly improved its business processes and quality of education provided in the field of educating computer engineers which were the main reasons why the expert committee of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing commended the University College during the second approval procedure.

Among major enhancements made by the Algebra University during the past four years we can distinguish the official re-accreditation and acquisition of domestic and international certificates of educational quality, significant enlargement of college premises and facilities (both were graded as “exceeding standard requirements”) as well as a significantly increased number of full-time teachers and staff. Meanwhile, two new study programmes were introduced and a Career Centre was established in order to assist in connecting students with potential employers and adjusting the study programme with the actual demands required by the employers of IT professionals.

The curricula for certain courses have also been updated as well as the concept of final exams, which now include an important practical part. In addition, the analysis conducted by the expert committee of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing commended the concern about quality as well as the expediency of student internships taken by students studying at the Algebra University together with the fact that, based on available data, master students were able to find employment within a satisfactory degree and time frame. Even though exams were passed at a slightly lower rate than expected, Algebra University has been commended by FER for the fact that such rates did not result in the lowering of exam standards.

University College has made significant progress since its previous accreditation, primarily when it comes to its staff, but also its facilities and organization. The College has participated in IPA projects and attempted to acquire additional funding through cooperation with the industry. Furthermore, it has affected educational programmes at high school level, encouraged mobility, participated in the organization of professional student competitions in order to make the University College more attractive to high-quality students and establish cooperation with the industry regarding the organization of internships and subsequent employment of graduated students. In addition, the University College has introduced a practical part of the final exam which reflected its intention to educate students for practical work“, said Professor Damir Kalpić, PhD, Head of commission of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing for the certification of Algebra University..

FER and Algebra are complementary institutions. While FER covers the majority of its educational costs through budgetary resources, the University College is exclusively funded by Algebra as its founder. The University College does not aim to compete with FER, but primarily to educate students at bachelor level so they can fit into the needs of their work place as fast as possible. This includes awarding students with industrial certifications. The needs of the economy and society for the employees educated by the University College are large and cannot, nor should, be covered exclusively by students graduating from faculties such as FER“, concludes prof. Professor Damir Kalpić, PhD..