Online Accreditation is the EAHEA service for institutions that teach mostly or entirely online. Like Full Accreditation it is an institutional review of administration, organization, finances, the educational system, and student and alumni services, adapted to online delivery: platforms, instructor qualifications, assessment methods and online student support. It does not cover degrees, programs or courses, and it confers Accredited Membership automatically.
The service suits open universities, distance learning centers, lifelong learning centers, online course providers and similar organizations. This guide explains who should apply, what reviewers consider, the eligibility conditions, the payment steps and the rules that follow accreditation, using the published information of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA).
Who It Is for
Institutions that “teach by online methods”: open universities, distance learning centers, lifelong learning centers, online course providers and organizations that deliver education through online or distance formats. For an institution that mainly teaches on site, Full Accreditation is the matching service. An institution with a mixed model should check with the Secretariat which service fits.
How It Differs from Full Accreditation
| Point | Online Accreditation | Full Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Mostly or entirely online or at a distance | Traditional methods |
| Standards | Same institutional standards, with evidence on online delivery | Same institutional standards |
| Scope | The institution as a whole | The institution as a whole |
| Payment, validity, renewal, membership | Same rules | Same rules |
What Is Evaluated
Beyond governance and finances, reviewers look at the course delivery platforms, instructor qualifications, assessment methods and online student support. Prepare evidence on the platform and its continuity, the structure of typical courses, instructor verification, assessment integrity, learner records and verification, accessibility and data protection. See international accreditation for open and distance learning universities and learning management system records that support an accreditation review.
Eligibility
- Continuous and successful operation for at least one year before applying, with at least one graduating class.
- The same ownership or control for at least one year.
- A record of responsible financial management of at least one year.
A newly established institution may apply with a goodwill letter, which EAHEA considers at its discretion. A published note says that a hybrid institution with a significant share of online programs may need to confirm the scope with EAHEA, so ask before applying.
Process and Payment
- Apply online by answering the application questions.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Pay the Application Fee, which starts the review.
- EAHEA reviews the documents and issues a preliminary report after confirming eligibility.
- Pay the Accreditation Fee.
- Receive the final result with the certificate and files.
Fees follow the World Bank Country Income Classification, in euro, with card payments adding 3 percent and VAT of 24 percent for applicants in Estonia and EU applicants without a valid VAT number. Fees are non-refundable except amounts paid twice or by mistake. See the Service Fees page and how fees work for international accreditation.
What Is Received
- Online Accreditation Certificate.
- Education Quality Certificate and Education Quality Audit Report.
- Accredited Institution Seal and Badges.
- Listing in the Institutional Members Directory.
- News alerts, newsletter and event discounts.
- Accredited Membership for as long as the accreditation lasts, with no separate application or fee. The Management Board decides on the admission of Accredited Members to the General Assembly.
Renewal and Obligations
Accreditation is valid for one year and renews annually with the annual membership fee, and in every fifth service year with the renewal fee, which includes a re-accreditation review. The institution must follow the Code of Ethics, report contact changes within 30 days and report major changes, such as a change of delivery mode, before implementation. EAHEA may check compliance with or without notice. Suspended or revoked status is published in the public directory with a short reason for five years.
Limits
Online Accreditation does not cover programs and courses. Those need Program Accreditation or Course Accreditation. It is not government authorization, is not a license to practice a profession and does not guarantee credit transfer, admission, visas or jobs. For the wider choice, see choosing between Full, Online, Program and Course Accreditation. Apply online or contact the Secretariat.
Services This Guide Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
Institutions that teach mostly or entirely online or at a distance, such as open universities, distance learning centers and online course providers.
Delivery mode and the evidence on it: platforms, instructor qualifications, assessment methods and online student support. The institutional standards, payment, validity and membership rules are the same.
No. It evaluates the institution as a whole. Programs and courses need Program or Course Accreditation.
Yes. Accredited Membership is granted automatically for as long as the accreditation lasts, with no separate application or fee.
It should confirm the scope with the Secretariat before applying.
A change of delivery mode is a major change that must be reported before implementation and is reviewed again with a change fee.