Guidance System in Bosnia-Herzegovina

GUIDANCE SYSTEM IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

OVERVIEW

The system of career guidance in Bosnia and Herzegovina is characterised by a complex and decentralised governance structure, reflecting the country’s administrative organisation. Responsibilities are distributed across different levels of government (state level, entity level, cantonal levels) and involve a wide range of institutions from both the education and employment sectors, as well as other relevant stakeholders.

Career guidance in Bosnia and Herzegovina relies on cooperation between the education and employment sectors, schools and employment services, and public authorities and employers.

There is no comprehensive national strategy governing the development of career guidance in Bosnia and Herzegovina; however, the existing legal and policy framework clearly designates schools and public employment services as the principal institutions responsible for delivering lifelong career guidance programmes and services to all target groups across the education and labour market sectors.

Career guidance services in Bosnia and Herzegovina are delivered by a range of providers, including public employment services, schools, universities, non-governmental organisations, and private initiatives. These services are organised through different public institutions and programmes and are designed to support individuals in career planning, decision-making, and access to employment opportunities.

Overall, the main objective of the career guidance system in Bosnia and Herzegovina is to improve the alignment between education outcomes and labour market needs.

Due to the decentralised structure and the involvement of multiple actors, the system remains complex and requires continuous coordination and development.

POLICY

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the system of career guidance is fragmented and decentralised, as responsibilities are distributed across multiple levels of government and between two key sectors: education and employment.

There is no single national career guidance strategy; policies differ between the Federation of BiH, Republika Srpska and Brčko District.

Career guidance is embedded in employment strategies, education reforms and youth policies.

The normative framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the development of career guidance activities consists of the following documents:

• Human Resources Development Convention, International Labour Organisation, 1975 (No. 142) (ratified in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1993);
• Framework Law on Primary and Secondary Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adopted in 2003;
• Framework Law on Secondary Vocational Education and Training in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adopted in 2008;
• Framework Law on Higher Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adopted in 2007;
• Principles and Standards in the Field of Adult Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adopted in 2014;
• Law on the Agency for Labour and Employment of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Law on Employment Mediation and Social Security of Unemployed Persons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Law on Employment Mediation and Rights during Unemployment of the Republika Srpska;
• Law on Employment and Rights during Unemployment of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Policy Recommendation with a Roadmap for Quality Education for All in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2020);
• Priorities for the Development of Higher Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Period 2016–2026;
• Employment Strategy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2023–2030;
• Employment Strategy of the Republika Srpska 2021–2027.

DIVISION OF COMPETENCES AND RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTIONS FOR CAREER GUIDANCE IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

At the state level, a primarily coordinating and strategic role is performed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Agency for Labour and Employment of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These institutions are responsible for facilitating coordination between the education and employment sectors, ensuring international cooperation, and supporting the development of strategic frameworks and projects related to career guidance. Their role is particularly important in strengthening the link between education systems and labour market needs, although they do not have direct implementation responsibilities.

The entity, cantonal, and Brčko District levels represent the main operational level where career guidance services are implemented in practice.

• Within the education sector, key responsibilities lie with the entity and cantonal ministries of education, as well as the Education Department of the Brčko District. Career guidance is delivered through primary and secondary schools and higher education institutions, including university career centres. Activities in this sector mainly focus on supporting students in choosing appropriate secondary education pathways and higher education options, thereby facilitating smoother transitions within the education system.
• In the employment sector, career guidance services are provided by entity-level employment institutions, cantonal employment services, and the Employment Service of the Brčko District. These institutions play a central role in delivering guidance to unemployed persons and adults, offering vocational counselling, and implementing active labour market measures. Their services typically include individual and group counselling, as well as practical support in job search processes, such as CV writing and interview preparation. In addition, employment services actively cooperate with employers and contribute to the development of career management skills among job seekers.

Beyond public institutions, other stakeholders also play an important role in the delivery of career guidance services. These include non-governmental organisations, youth centres, and various international and EU-supported projects that often introduce innovative approaches, pilot initiatives, and targeted support measures, particularly for young people and vulnerable groups.

SERVICE AND PRACTICE

The provision of career guidance services in Bosnia and Herzegovina is organised in a decentralised and multi-sectoral manner, involving both the education and employment sectors.

• In the education sector, career guidance is primarily delivered through schools and higher education institutions. Pedagogues, psychologists, and teachers provide basic career guidance activities, while a number of universities have established career centres offering counselling, workshops, and support for students’ transition to the labour market.
• In the employment sector, public employment services play a central role in delivering career guidance, particularly for unemployed persons. They provide counselling, job mediation, vocational guidance, and active labour market measures.

In addition, non-governmental organisations and international projects contribute significantly by implementing innovative career guidance services, pilot initiatives, and targeted support for young people and vulnerable groups.

TRAINING

There is no career guidance study programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina; guidance counsellors usually have university degrees in fields such as psychology, social work, pedagogy, etc.

Training opportunities are provided through international projects, workshops, and donor-funded programs.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s career guidance system is still developing, with fragmented policies and mostly supported by EU and ETF initiatives and projects. It faces challenges in coordination and training, while research and development efforts are growing to align with European standards.

Development priorities include:

Building data systems to monitor career guidance outcomes.

Expanding projects into sustainable nationwide practices.

ETHICS

Ethical standards are not yet formalised nationally.

Guidance providers follow general professional codes (professionalism, data protection, psychology).