Quality Certification is an independent quality assurance certification from EAHEA that assesses an institution against EAHEA’s Quality Standards. It is open only to EAHEA members: accredited members, Associate Members and Observer Members. It signals that the institution operates in line with the standards, and it is distinct from accreditation, which is a broader institutional or program-level review.
The certification is included in Associate and Observer Membership at no further fee, and accredited members may apply for it. This guide explains what it covers, who should apply, how the process and the payment work, what the institution receives and what the certification does not mean. It reflects the published information of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA).
What It Assesses
EAHEA’s Quality Standards fall into three areas:
- Administrative responsibility: identification, financial stability, qualified staff and continuous improvement.
- Institutional integrity: information and veracity, admission procedures, legal contract and post-graduate service.
- Academic quality: course descriptions, learning outcomes, teaching methodology, assessment, certificates and transcripts.
EAHEA presents the standards as an international benchmark that is not affected by local legislative formats or cultural idiosyncrasies.
Who May Apply
| Member Category | Quality Certification |
|---|---|
| Accredited Member (Full or Online Accreditation) | May apply |
| Associate Member | Included at no extra fee |
| Observer Member | Included at no extra fee |
| Non-member | Not eligible. May first join as Associate or Observer Member, or become an Accredited Member |
See Associate Membership, Observer Membership and Accredited Membership.
What It Signals
The certification signals that an institution has been assessed against a published set of quality standards and meets them, and it offers a basis for continuous improvement. It gives members a quality statement that they can show to learners, partners and funders, and a structured way to examine their own administration, integrity and academic practice.
How It Differs from Accreditation
- It is open only to members, while accreditation is open to eligible institutions regardless of membership.
- It assesses against the Quality Standards, while accreditation is a broader institutional or program-level review with its own grading and decision.
- It does not confer Accredited Membership, and it does not cover programs or courses.
- Membership is not accreditation, and Quality Certification does not make a member accredited.
Process and Payment
- Complete the online form.
- Upload proof files.
- Pay online by card or bank transfer, unless the certification is included in the membership.
- EAHEA reviews the application.
- 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. Unless included in membership, the full price is paid at once. Fees are non-refundable except amounts paid twice or by mistake. See the Service Fees page.
Validity and Renewal
Valid for one year and renewed annually. Renewal is automatic and free if the institution holds valid Full Accreditation, Online Accreditation or Associate Membership on the renewal date. Certification that is included in Associate or Observer Membership renews with that membership. Otherwise, the renewal fee applies. A certification that is not renewed ends.
What Is Received
- EAHEA Quality Assurance Certificate.
- EAHEA Quality Certification Badge.
- Listing in the Certified Members Directory.
- An audit report documenting the review outcome.
- News alerts, newsletter and event discounts.
Using It Honestly
State the certification as what it is: a quality certification of a member against EAHEA’s Quality Standards, with dates. Do not describe it as accreditation, and do not use it to suggest that programs or courses are accredited. It is not government approval and does not guarantee admission, credit transfer, visas or jobs. Use the badge within the Logo and Emblem Usage Guidelines and remove it if the certification ends. For the internal systems that support it, read building an internal quality assurance system from scratch. Apply online or contact the Secretariat.
Services This Guide Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
An independent EAHEA certification that assesses an institution against EAHEA’s Quality Standards on administrative responsibility, institutional integrity and academic quality.
Only EAHEA members: accredited members, Associate Members and Observer Members. It is included in Associate and Observer Membership at no extra fee.
No. Accreditation is a broader institutional or program-level review open to eligible institutions. Quality Certification is for members and assesses against the Quality Standards.
One year, renewed annually. Renewal is free for holders of valid Full or Online Accreditation or Associate Membership.
A Quality Assurance Certificate, a badge, a listing in the Certified Members Directory, an audit report, news alerts and event discounts.
No. A non-member may first join as Associate or Observer Member, or become an Accredited Member through accreditation.