EAHEA accreditations and memberships are valid for one year and renew every year. Full and Online Accreditation renew with the annual membership fee and, in every fifth service year, with a renewal fee that includes a re-accreditation review. Program Accreditation, Course Accreditation, Credit Certification and Quality Certification renew annually, free of charge for holders of qualifying accreditation or membership. A service that is not renewed ends.
The rules differ by service, which makes a calendar useful. This guide sets out the renewal rule of each service, how renewal notices work, what is free, what happens when a payment is missed and what to do to avoid a lapse. It is based on the published pages of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA). For what a re-accreditation review covers, see renewing university accreditation.
The Rules by Service
| Service | Validity | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Full and Online Accreditation | One year | Annual membership fee each year, renewal fee with re-accreditation review in every fifth service year |
| Program Accreditation | One year | Free for holders of valid Full or Online Accreditation, otherwise the renewal fee |
| Course Accreditation | One year | Free for holders of valid Full or Online Accreditation or Associate Membership, otherwise the renewal fee |
| Credit Certification | One year | Renewal fee, with a partner discount for such holders |
| Quality Certification | One year | Free for holders of valid Full or Online Accreditation or Associate Membership. Included in Associate and Observer Membership and renewed with it |
| Associate, Observer and Affiliate Membership | One year from the certificate date | Annual fee, after a renewal invoice from EAHEA. Nothing is charged automatically |
| Professional and Educator Certification | Five years | Renewal fee after a renewal invoice, which extends the certificate by five years |
Renewal Notices and Dates
EAHEA sends a renewal invoice or notice before expiry for the services that carry a fee. The renewal date is tied to the certificate date of the service, so each service has its own date. Keep a list: service, certificate date, renewal date, who pays and who checks. Make sure that the contact details at EAHEA are current, because notices go to them, and contact changes must be reported within 30 days. A notice not received is not a reason to let a date pass.
Free Renewals
Several renewals cost nothing for holders of institutional accreditation or Associate Membership: Program Accreditation, Course Accreditation and Quality Certification. The Service Fees page states that members receive a full discount on the payment page for these annual renewals. This is a practical reason for institutions with several programs and courses to consider institutional accreditation. The condition is that the qualifying accreditation or membership is valid on the renewal date, so a lapse in the institutional service can make the other renewals payable.
The Fifth-Year Review
In every fifth service year, Full and Online Accreditation require the renewal fee instead of the annual membership fee, and it includes a re-accreditation review. The review looks at what has changed and what the institution did since the last review, as described in the EAHEA Reaccreditation Process on the Documents and Forms page. Plan it well ahead, and keep evidence current throughout the five years.
If a Renewal Is Missed
A service that is not renewed ends. For accreditation, EAHEA may first suspend the accreditation, and then revoke it if renewal remains unpaid after the further period stated in the notices. Accredited Membership is suspended or ends with the accreditation. Suspended or revoked status is published in the public directory with a short reason for five years from the decision date. A suspended member receives no discounts and loses member rights, including voting and logo use. See what happens if accreditation lapses.
Reinstatement
Whether and how a lapsed service can be reinstated depends on the stage: before revocation, paying what is due within the period stated in the notice is the usual route, and EAHEA decides on the lifting of a suspension. After revocation or a denial, an institution may need to apply again. A denied application may be repeated after 12 months. Because the rules on reinstatement are set out in the agreement and notices rather than in a single public table, an institution in difficulty should contact the Secretariat promptly and in writing.
Changes That Affect Renewal
- A major change to an accredited institution, such as a new name, legal status, ownership or control, legal address or delivery mode, must be reported before implementation. EAHEA may suspend the accreditation until the review is complete.
- A major change to an accredited program or course, such as curriculum, duration, title, level or delivery mode, is reviewed again with a change fee.
- Minor changes need only notice.
See reporting major and minor changes to your accrediting body.
A Renewal Calendar
- List every EAHEA service held, with certificate and renewal dates.
- Assign an owner who watches the dates and receives notices.
- Run an internal review two to three months before each renewal.
- Pay promptly and file the receipt.
- Update the public statement of status, the seal and the website with the new dates.
- If the status ends for any reason, remove the marks at once.
Fees follow the World Bank country income classification and are listed on the Service Fees page. Contact the Secretariat with questions about a specific date.
Services This Guide Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
One year. Full and Online Accreditation include a re-accreditation review in every fifth service year.
Program Accreditation, Course Accreditation and Quality Certification renew free for holders of the qualifying institutional accreditation or Associate Membership that is valid on the renewal date.
No. EAHEA sends a renewal invoice before expiry, and nothing is charged automatically.
The service ends. For accreditation, EAHEA may first suspend and then revoke it, and the status is published in the public directory for five years.
Five years from the issue date, extended by another five years when the renewal fee is paid.
EAHEA, within 30 days for contact details and before implementation for major changes.