Observer Membership is the EAHEA organizational membership without a vote. It is for associations, agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, not-for-profit corporations, partnerships and cooperatives with an interest in evaluation, accreditation and quality assurance in tertiary education. It includes Quality Certification at no extra fee, it is valid for one year and it is not an accreditation service.
It is a “low-commitment” category in the sense that it asks for little beyond documents and the annual fee, and it lets an organization take part in the network while deciding later whether to go further. This guide explains who can join, what members receive, how to apply and how Observer Members can move to other categories. It summarizes the published information of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA).
Who It Is for
Organizations that are interested in quality in higher education but are not education providers seeking accreditation: professional associations, quality agencies, networks, foundations, federations, cooperatives and similar bodies. It is a non-voting category. Institutions that want to be members as education providers normally join as Associate Members, and individuals as Affiliate Members.
Eligibility
- An organization with a government-issued certificate of establishment or authorization can apply.
- An independent organization without one must send a goodwill letter addressed to EAHEA.
What Members Receive
- Observer Membership Certificate, valid for one year, and an Institutional Quality Certificate.
- The EAHEA Member Logo and Badge, for the website and promotional material while a member.
- Listing in the Institutional Members Directory.
- Free subscription to regional and international EAHEA publications, the twice-yearly newsletter and the Annual Report.
- Free Quality Certification, included in the membership.
- Free access to EAHEA Online Courses, with completion certificates.
- Discounted prices for the Annual Conference and Online Forum and discounts on all EAHEA sponsored events.
- Networking, and the option to co-organize seminars, webinars, workshops or events locally and to write articles for the newsletter and blog.
Process and Fees
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the proof documents.
- Pay online by card or by bank or wire transfer.
- EAHEA reviews the application, normally within one to two working days, and longer before the annual conference.
- Receive the certificate and files.
Fees follow the World Bank Country Income Classification, in euro, with possible further discounts. Card payments add 3 percent, and VAT of 24 percent applies to applicants in Estonia and EU applicants without a valid VAT number. See the Service Fees page.
Validity and Renewal
Membership is valid for one year and must be renewed annually for a fee. A membership that is not renewed ends, and a suspended member loses member rights, such as logo use.
Moving up
An Observer Member may apply for another category for which it is eligible, such as Associate Membership, or may pursue Full Accreditation or Online Accreditation, which gives Accredited Membership. Membership is not a requirement for any accreditation service and does not affect the result of an application.
How It Differs from the Other Categories
| Category | For | Vote | Quality Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accredited | Holders of Full or Online Accreditation | Yes, subject to Management Board admission | May apply |
| Associate | Education institutions without accreditation | Yes, subject to Management Board admission | Included |
| Observer | Associations, agencies, NGOs and other organizations | No | Included |
| Affiliate | Individuals | No | Not included |
What It Is Not
Observer Membership is not accreditation, not a recognition and not a partnership agreement. Non-profit organizations that are not potential customers of EAHEA may instead consider the free NGO/CSO Recognition partnership program. See NGO/CSO Recognition: a partnership program explained. Observer Membership does not guarantee admission, credit transfer, visas or jobs. See Accredited Membership explained. Apply online or contact the Secretariat.
Related reading: accreditation vs. membership, Quality Certification.
Services This Guide Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
Organizations such as associations, agencies, governmental or non-governmental organizations, not-for-profit corporations, partnerships and cooperatives with an interest in quality in tertiary education.
No. It is a non-voting category.
Yes, at no extra fee, and it renews with the membership.
An independent organization without one must send a goodwill letter addressed to EAHEA.
Yes. It may apply for another category it is eligible for, or pursue Full or Online Accreditation, which gives Accredited Membership.
No. Observer Membership is not an accreditation service.