From 20 to 23 April, a study visit took place in Vienna, Austria, bringing together International Office representatives from public higher education institutions of Kosovo, with the support of the SHER Programme. The visit served as an important platform for exchange, collaboration, and strengthening international cooperation in higher education.

Facilitated and coordinated by the SHER’s consortium member OeAD, participants were given a comprehensive introduction to Austria’s higher education landscape, including its institutional structure, key funding programmes, and well-established internationalisation frameworks. This initial orientation was complemented by a series of study visits to leading Austrian institutions: BOKU University, the Medical University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, Hochschule Campus Wien, and OeAD, each offering a distinct perspective on academic organisation and collaboration. Collectively, these experiences fostered a deeper understanding of how Austrian higher education institutions operate within a global context and provided valuable ideas for strengthening partnerships and enhancing institutional development.

Participants included representatives from the University of Prishtina, University “Ukshin Hoti” in Prizren, University “Haxhi Zeka” in Peja, University “Kadri Zeka” in Gjilan, University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova, University “Isa Boletini” in Mitrovica, University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, Public International Business College Mitrovica and the Faculty of Islamic Studies. Ensuring effective implementation, the visit was facilitated by the SHER Programme Officer, Ms. Shqiponjë Kodraliu.