Current Calls

Higher Education Quality Council (HEQC), Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority

Bhutan’s education and training ecosystem is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by globalisation, digitalisation, and the need for lifelong learning. Yet, the country lacks a framework to guide the design, recognition, and quality assurance of microcredentials. This project proposes to develop a National Micro-credentials Framework, drawing inspiration from INQAAHE’s Micro-credential Programme, the EU’s Common Micro-credential Framework, UNESCO’s Micro-credential Focus and the Australian Microcredentials Framework.

The framework will define microcredentials in the Bhutanese context, establish unifying principles, and set minimum standards for recognition, portability, and industry alignment. It will provide clarity for learners, employers, and providers, ensuring that microcredentials are outcome-based, assessed, and quality-assured.

The project will involve stakeholder consultations across higher education, vocational training, industries, and relevant government agencies. It will produce a draft framework document, pilot guidelines for implementation, and a dissemination plan to build awareness and adoption. By aligning microcredentials with Bhutan’s national qualifications framework and labour market needs, this initiative will strengthen employability, support reskilling, and enhance Bhutan’s participation in global education networks. Finally, the project will contribute to INQAAHE’s mission of advancing quality assurance worldwide by positioning Bhutan as a regional leader in microcredential innovation.

The purpose of this project is to develop a nationally recognised framework for micro-credentials that guarantees consistency, transparency, and quality across all educational and training institutions. Micro-credentials, as short and targeted learning achievements, have the potential to transform the education system by offering flexible pathways for learners to acquire specific skills and knowledge. However, without a unified
framework, their value and recognition remain limited. This project seeks to bridge this gap by establishing clear definitions, standards, and principles that will guide the development and implementation of micro-credentials nationwide.

• The first goal is to define what micro-credentials mean within Bhutan’s education and training system. A shared understanding will ensure that learners, educators, and employers interpret micro-credentials consistently, thereby strengthening their credibility.
• The second goal is to set unifying principles that emphasise outcome-based learning, responsiveness to industry needs, promotion of lifelong learning, and transparency in processes. These principles will serve as the foundation for designing and delivering micro-credentials that are relevant and future-oriented.
• The third goal is to establish minimum standards for recognition, assessment, and quality assurance. With this, micro-credentials will be held to rigorous benchmarks, ensuring that they are trustworthy indicators of competence.

Finally, aligning micro-credentials with the National Qualifications Framework will integrate them into the broader education system, allowing learners to stack credentials, progress through formal qualifications, and enhance employability. Collectively, these goals will position micro-credentials as a credible and strategic tool for advancing education and workforce development in Bhutan.