The digital transformation of higher education in Tunisia reaches a new stage with the conclusion of the RAQMYAT project, as part of the Erasmus+ KA2 – Capacity building in the Field of Higher Education programme. This ambitious project has made it possible to boost doctoral education in Human and Social Sciences (HSS), by fully integrating the digital as a research tool and subject. A major step forward in an area often underestimated economically, but crucial to understand and accompany societal changes.

A lasting legacy for Tunisian higher education

On 11 October 2024, at the final conference of the project, the Tunisian and international partners developed a sustainability plan to capitalize on RAQMYAT’s successes. Its objective? To ensure continuity and effective dissemination of the progress achieved, based on several strategic axes.

Digital strategies adapted to doctoral schools

The seven Tunisian universities partners of the project – University of La Manouba, University of Kairouan, University of Sfax, University of Tunis, University of Sousse, University of Tunis El Manar and Virtual University of Tunis – have developed tailor-made digital strategies for doctoral schools. These reference documents frame the use of digital technology in doctoral research, structure the training offer and promote a coherent digital transition in higher education and in Tunisian research. The strategies and their implementations will be presented at ad hoc conferences in the second part of 2025 to inspire new steps and activities for digital modernization.

A learning platform accessible to all

To accompany this transition, 8 online training courses in digital humanities have been developed and integrated into the platform of the Virtual University of Tunis. Initially dedicated to doctoral students and teachers from partner universities, these courses will gradually be open to a wider audience. The objective is to make digital tools accessible to all HSS researchers and democratize the use of digital humanities.

Skills growth through continuing training

A continuing training programme has been designed to ensure that teachers and academic staff develop their skills. More than 80 Tunisian academic researchers benefited from the expertise and sharing of know-how and knowledge. Cascading training courses, organized between 2025 and 2026, will enable trainers to share their expertise with other teachers and researchers on the technical and pedagogical aspects of distance learning and the use of digital tools in research and doctoral training.

Interactive events to boost research and the employability of PhD students

The “Doctoriales”, whose first edition was a great success, will become an annual event. The next doctoral trainings and events – planned from April to June 2025 – will promote exchanges between PhD students, teachers and socio-economic actors, highlighting research issues related to digital technology and the country’s socio-economic needs.

Another major asset of the project: the summer schools. Organized within the framework of RAQMYAT, they brought together more than 60 Tunisian and European PhD students (including students from the Universities of Granada and Vienna) around research in SHS and digital, strengthening academic links and fostering the creation of an international network of young academics. 

Strengthening international collaborations: the “RAQMYAT core”

Each partner university will set up a “RAQMYAT core”, guaranteeing the continuity of the project and its evolution. This core will ensure the monitoring of activities, local coordination and networking of the actors involved. For its part, UNIMED will continue its role of facilitator by ensuring communication and forging new international alliances.

Finally, the search for additional funding and the development of new collaborations with European and international institutions will make it possible to anchor RAQMYAT in the Tunisian academic landscape. The project is part of a broader dynamic of modernisation and digitalisation, in line with the strategy and reform process of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Tunisia. 

A vision for the future of doctoral education in HSS

RAQMYAT has set the course for a profound and lasting transformation of doctoral education in HSS in Tunisia. By structuring a robust institutional strategy, opening up access to digital resources and strengthening the skills of academic actors, this project is actively contributing to the modernization of higher education and the re-positioning of HSS at the heart of today’s major issues.

Through the testimonies of project beneficiaries, in addition, the voice of all partners was valued to effectively show the efforts of the consortium and the results achieved in the higher education system in Tunisia. 

To find out more, check out the official project video and partner interviews on YouTube project’s channel.