EAHEA accreditation fees work in three layers: a service structure that differs by service, a country adjustment based on the World Bank income classification and a few payment rules that apply to everyone. Full and Online Accreditation are paid in two steps, the Application Fee and then the Accreditation Fee, while Program and Course Accreditation are paid in full at application. Amounts are in euro and are always shown before payment on the Service Fees page and in the application.
This guide explains how the fees are built, without quoting amounts, since the amounts depend on the country and are published on the Service Fees page. It describes the payment sequence for each service, the annual and renewal charges, the extras such as card commission and VAT, and the rules on refunds. The information comes from the published pages of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA).
Fee Structure by Service
| Service | How It Is Paid |
|---|---|
| Full and Online Accreditation | Application Fee first, then the Accreditation Fee after eligibility is confirmed |
| Program Accreditation (per program) | The full amount, including both fees, at application |
| Course Accreditation (per course) | The full amount at application |
| Memberships | One annual fee for Associate, Observer and Affiliate Membership |
| Certification and validation services | The full price at application, unless included in a membership |
The Application Fee
For Full and Online Accreditation, the Application Fee starts the process. EAHEA does not begin an accreditation without the application and this payment. It pays for the preliminary eligibility check by the Secretary, and it is separate from the Accreditation Fee. For some services, the Service Fees page also lists an application fee as an additional line. See how to apply for accreditation online.
The Accreditation Fee
After the Secretary confirms the eligible options, the institution pays the Accreditation Fee, before the evaluation begins. If the application is denied, the Accreditation Fee is not refunded, and the institution may reapply after 12 months. See accreditation timeline: from application to certificate.
Country Discounts
All service costs follow the World Bank Country Income Classification. The applicant chooses the country where the institution does most of its activity or is legally established, and an individual chooses the place of residence. Further discounts may apply according to the economic situation of that country. After the country is selected, the page shows the fees with the applicable discount. See why fees differ by country: income classes explained.
Annual and Renewal Fees
- Full and Online Accreditation: the annual membership fee each year, and every fifth service year the renewal fee, which includes a re-accreditation review.
- Program Accreditation: renewal is free for holders of valid Full or Online Accreditation, otherwise the renewal fee, every year.
- Course Accreditation, Credit Certification, Quality Certification: renewal is free for holders of valid Full or Online Accreditation or Associate Membership, otherwise the renewal fee, every year. The Service Fees page states that members receive a full discount on the payment page for these renewals.
- Major changes to an accredited program or course are reviewed again and incur a change fee.
Card Commission and VAT
- Card payments add 3 percent. Bank or wire transfer carries no such addition.
- VAT of 24 percent applies to applicants in Estonia and to EU applicants without a valid VAT number. VAT is decided by a check of the VAT number at the time of invoicing.
- EAHEA may use third-party software and authorized intermediaries for taxation, invoicing and collection.
Refunds
Fees are non-refundable, except for an amount that was paid twice or by mistake. This includes the Accreditation Fee after a denial. Applicants should therefore check eligibility, service choice and documents before paying.
Seeing Your Fee
- Open the Service Fees page and choose the country, or place of residence for individuals.
- Press the button to show fees with the applicable discount.
- Find the service and the lines that apply: initial application, annual or renewal fee.
- The exact total, with any card commission and VAT, is shown again when applying.
Planning the Budget
For an institution planning Full or Online Accreditation, the first payment is the Application Fee, followed by the Accreditation Fee, then the annual membership fee each year and the renewal fee every fifth year. For programs and courses, plan the one-time payment and the renewal, which is free for holders of institutional accreditation. A school that expects to hold several programs may compare these costs with institutional accreditation. See choosing between Full, Online, Program and Course Accreditation. Apply online or contact the Secretariat.
Services This Guide Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
In two steps: the Application Fee first, then the Accreditation Fee after eligibility is confirmed.
In full at application, per program or per course.
They follow the World Bank Country Income Classification of the country of main activity or legal establishment, with possible further discounts for economic conditions.
Card payments add 3 percent. Bank or wire transfer does not.
VAT of 24 percent applies to applicants in Estonia and to EU applicants without a valid VAT number.
No, except for an amount paid twice or by mistake. The Accreditation Fee is not refunded after a denial.