Full Accreditation is the EAHEA service that reviews an institution as a whole, when it teaches by traditional methods. It covers administration, organization, finances, the educational system, and student and alumni services. To qualify, an institution must be a formal education establishment that offers certificates, diplomas or degrees, with one consecutive year of successful operation and a graduating class, the same ownership or control for one year and one year of responsible financial management, or a goodwill letter if it is new.
This guide summarizes the service in one place for decision-makers: what is reviewed, who qualifies, how the process and the payment work, what the institution receives, how the accreditation renews and what it leaves out. Details are on the Full Accreditation page of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA).
What It Covers
Full Accreditation is a voluntary, external peer review of how an institution is run and how it teaches. It examines administration and organization, finances, the educational system, and student and alumni services. It evaluates the institution as a whole, not each program. Degrees, programs and courses are outside its scope and need Program Accreditation or Course Accreditation, which can be obtained at any time, with or without institutional accreditation.
Who It Is for
Universities, educational institutes, vocational institutions, colleges, schools, corporations and similar organizations that teach by traditional methods. An institution that teaches mostly or entirely online applies for Online Accreditation. See Online Accreditation: a guide for institutions that teach mostly or entirely online.
How Institutions Qualify
- A formal or distance learning establishment offering certificates, diplomas or degrees at any level.
- An identified body of learners in a prescribed learning format, with an interactive component.
- Continuous and successful operation for at least one consecutive year immediately before applying, with at least one graduating class.
- The same ownership or control for at least one year, unless the Accrediting Commission waives it on documentation.
- A record of responsible financial management of at least one year and sufficient resources to complete instruction for all enrolled learners.
- Agreement to the EAHEA Bylaws, Principles of Ethics and Standards for Accreditation.
A newly established institution may apply with a goodwill letter, which EAHEA considers at its discretion. Membership is not required. See eligibility for accreditation.
The Process in Brief
- Complete the online application and upload documents, including a Self-Study Report.
- Pay the Application Fee, which starts the review and the eligibility check.
- After the Secretary confirms eligibility, pay the Accreditation Fee.
- The Secretariat grades each standard from 0 to 4. A Commission member may interview the institution or visit it.
- The Commission reviews the results within 30 days, the President endorses the final grades and the Secretary informs the institution.
An average of 3.0 to 4.0 leads to accreditation, 2.0 to 2.9 to Conditional Accreditation for one year and below 2.0 to denial, with reapplication possible after 12 months. See the accreditation process step by step.
How Payment Works
Full Accreditation is paid in two steps: the Application Fee first, then the Accreditation Fee after eligibility is confirmed. Fees follow the World Bank Country Income Classification, with possible further discounts according to the economic situation of the country of main activity or legal establishment. Amounts are in euro and are shown when applying and on the Service Fees page. Card payments add 3 percent, and VAT of 24 percent applies to applicants in Estonia and to EU applicants without a valid VAT number. Fees are non-refundable, except an amount paid twice or by mistake. See how fees work for international accreditation.
What the Institution Receives
- Full Accreditation Certificate.
- Education Quality Certificate and Education Quality Audit Report.
- EAHEA Accredited Institution Seal and Badges.
- Listing in the public Institutional Members Directory.
- E-delivery news alerts and newsletter, and discounts on EAHEA sponsored events.
- Accredited Membership, automatically, for as long as the accreditation lasts.
Validity and Renewal
Accreditation is valid for one year and renews annually with the annual membership fee. In every fifth service year, the renewal fee replaces it and includes a re-accreditation review. An accreditation that is not renewed ends. See renewing accreditation and membership.
Duties of an Accredited Institution
- Follow the Code of Ethics Declaration Form and the Logo and Emblem Usage Guidelines.
- Report contact changes within 30 days and major changes (name, legal status, ownership or control, legal address, delivery mode) before implementation, with a change fee and a new review. Minor changes need only notice.
- Answer EAHEA requests within 15 days and facilitate compliance checks, which may take place with or without notice.
What It Does Not Cover
Accreditation is not a substitute for legal authorization, recognition or regulation under local law, and it is not a license to practice a profession. EAHEA does not award titles or degrees and does not authorize diplomas or employment. It does not guarantee admission, credit transfer, visas or jobs. EAHEA is not part of any government agency. To start, apply online or contact the Secretariat.
Services This Guide Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
The institution as a whole: administration and organization, finances, the educational system, and student and alumni services. It does not cover degrees, programs or courses.
A formal education establishment with one year of continuous operation and a graduating class, the same ownership or control for one year and one year of responsible financial management, or a goodwill letter if it is new.
In two steps: the Application Fee first, then the Accreditation Fee after eligibility is confirmed. Fees follow the World Bank income classification.
A certificate, an Education Quality Certificate and audit report, a seal and badges, a directory listing, news and event discounts, and automatic Accredited Membership.
One year, renewed annually, with a re-accreditation review in every fifth service year.
No. It is a voluntary, non-governmental review and does not replace legal authorization.