To verify an institution accredited by EAHEA, open the public Accredited Institutions directory, search by the institution’s name or by the certificate number printed on its certificate, and read the record: the type of accreditation, the scope, the dates and the status. If the institution does not appear, the dates have passed or the scope does not match what the institution says, the claim is not confirmed. The check takes a minute and should not depend on links supplied only by the seller.
This guide is for students, parents, employers, partner institutions and advisers. It explains each step of the check, how to read a record, how to check other EAHEA lists and what warning signs to look for. It uses the public lists of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA), which are open to everyone and need no account.
The Steps
- Go to the Accredited Institutions directory on eahea.org by typing the address yourself or using the link from the EAHEA website.
- Search for the institution by name, or by the certificate number on its certificate or website.
- Open the record and note the type, scope, dates and status.
- Compare them with what the institution claims.
- If the claim is about a program or course, check that item specifically.
- Record what you found, with the date, if the decision matters.
Searching: Name or Certificate Number
The directory is designed to be searched, not browsed as a full list. Searches by name need a minimum number of characters, and common generic words in names such as “University” or “College” are ignored, so type the distinctive part of the name. Searching by certificate number is exact and is the most reliable route when the institution shows one. Try the name in its original language and in English, and alternative spellings. The search may also ask for a quick security check.
Reading the Record
| Field | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Name and country | Does it match the institution you are dealing with, including its legal name? |
| Type of accreditation | Full, Online, Program or Course Accreditation? |
| Dates | Is today within the validity period? Accreditation is valid for one year |
| Status | Is it current, or suspended or revoked? |
| Website link | Is it the institution’s real website? |
Checking the Scope
This is the check people most often miss. Institutional accreditation, Full or Online, covers the institution as a whole and does not cover individual degrees, programs or courses. If you plan to enroll in a particular program, look for its own Program Accreditation record, or ask the institution which program is accredited. A course with Course Accreditation covers that course only. A provider that claims “accredited courses” should be able to name them. See accredited vs. unaccredited colleges: what students should check.
Other Lists to Check
- ECS certified providers, for providers that say they are approved to use EAHEA credits without accreditation. Accredited institutions are not listed there.
- Suspended and revoked members, for institutions not in good standing.
- Recognized institutions, for organizations in a recognition partnership, which is not accreditation.
- The certified individuals list, for people who claim EAHEA certification.
See how employers check whether a credential can be verified.
If You Find a Problem
- Not listed: ask the institution for the certificate number and the exact name used in the record. It may be listed under a different name.
- Expired dates: ask whether renewal is in process. A lapsed accreditation ends.
- Different scope: ask which programs are covered.
- Suspended or revoked: consider the reason shown.
- A record that seems wrong: contact the EAHEA Secretariat.
If an institution misuses EAHEA’s name, or you have a concern about an accredited, member or recognized institution, you can use the public complaint form.
Warning Signs
- A seal with no certificate number, dates or link.
- A link that leads to a page the institution controls instead of the EAHEA site.
- “Accredited” with no named accrediting body.
- A certificate image that cannot be matched to a record.
- Pressure to pay before you can verify.
See quality seals on online course pages: how learners should read them and red flags in education marketing.
After the Check
A confirmed record shows that an independent body has reviewed the institution, program or course, and that the status is current. It does not show that the institution is legally authorized in its country, that credits will be accepted elsewhere or that you will get a visa or a job, and EAHEA does not guarantee any of these. Check the other things that matter to you with the authorities and institutions concerned. Institutions that want to be listed can apply online or contact the Secretariat. Fees are on the Service Fees page.
Services This Guide Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
Search the public Accredited Institutions directory by institution name or certificate number, and check the type, scope, dates and status in the record.
Ask for the certificate number and the exact name used in the record. If it still cannot be matched, treat the claim as not confirmed.
No. It does not cover individual degrees, programs or courses. Check for a record of the specific program or course.
On the ECS certified providers page, which shows the institution, country, credit systems and validity dates.
With a short reason, for five years from the decision date, on the suspended and revoked members list.
Yes. The public complaint form is for accredited, member or recognized institutions, and the Secretariat can correct records.