EAHEA’s international accreditation for universities is designed for traditional, distance learning and online universities. It reflects a university’s commitment to providing quality education that is on a par with global standards.
The process is simple and can be completed within 30 days: the university fills in an application form, submits its validation documents and receives a visit from EAHEA. Once institutional accreditation is granted, it strengthens the profile of the university at the international level. It is not the last step. EAHEA continues to guide the university on a regular basis in improving its educational standards, through its continuous improvement process.
Why Accreditation Matters for a University
Accreditation is important for students, faculty and administrative staff alike. Students prefer to enroll at an accredited university because they expect quality and internationally recognized programs. For faculty, an accredited institution offers a recognized academic environment, and employers and organizations around the world value graduates of accredited universities.
To pursue its mission of improving and enhancing educational standards, EAHEA grants international accreditation to universities and colleges that are committed to giving their students a world-class education. The two institutional types are Full Accreditation, for universities that teach by traditional methods, and Online Accreditation, for open universities and universities that teach online.
How the Accreditation Process Works
The process has three steps and can be completed within 30 days:
- Application: The university completes the online application form and submits its validation documents. The EAHEA Secretariat gives a free consultation and reviews the application.
- Review: EAHEA visits the institution, or holds a video call with it, to review its facilities, faculty and educational standards.
- Decision: The members of the Commission review the visit report and, if the institution qualifies, EAHEA grants the accreditation.
Each stage is described on the Accreditation Process page.
Benefits of EAHEA Accreditation for Universities
- Confidence among students and partners: the accreditation shows that the university has been reviewed independently against defined educational standards.
- International recognition: the accreditation status can be checked at any time by anyone on the EAHEA website, which helps with admissions, partnerships and the recognition of credentials.
- Improvement: the self-assessment that is guided by the EAHEA standards helps the university enhance its educational quality and its internal and administrative processes.
- Networking: accredited universities belong to an international community and can build cooperation, academic synergies and agreements with other member institutions.
- Visibility: EAHEA promotes its accredited members on the internet and confirms their accreditation status to anyone who asks.
- Support: EAHEA monitors quality, welcomes feedback from students and stakeholders and can guide a university through periods of difficulty, always with the welfare of students in mind.
Accredited Membership: Full Accreditation and Online Accreditation give the institution Accredited Membership of EAHEA, a full membership, automatically, with the right to vote at the General Assembly and a say in the determination of the management of EAHEA, for as long as the accreditation lasts. The Management Board decides whether a member with Accredited Membership (Full or Online Accreditation) or Associate Membership is admitted as a member of the General Assembly.
What Do You Get upon Institutional Accreditation?
- Accreditation Certificate
- Education Quality Certificate
- Education Quality Audit Report
- EAHEA Accredited Institution Seal and Badges
- Institutional Members Directory listing
- E-delivery news alerts and newsletter
- Discounts for all EAHEA sponsored events
What Are the Institutional Accreditation Fees?
All service fees follow the World Bank Country Income Classification, and additional discounts may apply depending on the economic situation of the country in which your institution carries out most of its activity or in which it is legally established. The fees are listed on the Service Fees page. To begin, start your application or read more about Full Accreditation and Online Accreditation.
A complete overview of the benefits is available on the Accreditation Benefits page, and the types of accreditation are described on the About Accreditation page.