INSIGHTS
Knowledge Base
Answers to the most common questions about EAHEA, accreditation, certification, validation and membership.
About EAHEA
EAHEA (European Association for Higher Education Advancement) is a European-based, non-governmental, independent, and international quality assurance, rating, certification, and accreditation association, founded in 1997.
EAHEA was founded in 1997 and has operated as an independent, non-governmental body supporting higher education quality assurance since then.
EAHEA’s Europe Office and legal headquarters are located in Tallinn, Estonia, alongside regional offices in the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
EAHEA’s mission is to support the advancement of higher education institutions through independent, transparent, and enhancement-led external quality assurance.
EAHEA’s aims include fostering collaboration among higher education institutions, promoting best practices, supporting accreditation and certification standards, and advancing educational and ethical standards globally.
EAHEA maintains a global presence with offices across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, supporting institutions and members worldwide.
No. EAHEA is a non-governmental, independent association; its accreditation, certification, and membership activities are voluntary and not issued by a government authority.
EAHEA operates under its Articles of Association, which set out its governance structure, membership rules, and organizational bylaws.
EAHEA works with universities, colleges, schools, vocational institutions, distance learning centers, corporations, and individual professionals, teachers, and students connected to higher education.
Details about EAHEA’s governance, including its General Assembly, Management Board, President, and Secretariat, are available on the Governance pages of the EAHEA website.
About Accreditation
EAHEA accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental quality assurance process through which EAHEA independently reviews an institution, program, or course against defined educational standards.
EAHEA is an independent, non-governmental accrediting body. Its accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process and does not replace or guarantee recognition by any government authority.
Universities, colleges, schools, vocational institutions, distance learning centers, lifelong learning centers, online courses and corporations that offer educational programs can apply. Full Accreditation and Online Accreditation cover the institution as a whole, while Program Accreditation and Course Accreditation cover a specific degree program or a specific course.
No. Like any accreditation, EAHEA accreditation cannot guarantee automatic credit transfer or admission at other institutions; final acceptance always rests with the receiving institution or employer.
You can verify an institution’s accreditation status at any time through EAHEA’s public Institutional Members Directory on the official website.
EAHEA offers four accreditation services: Full Accreditation (institutional, for institutions that use traditional education methods), Online Accreditation (institutional, for institutions that use online education methods), Program Accreditation (a specific degree program with a curriculum of more than 300 clock hours) and Course Accreditation (a specific course with a curriculum of less than 300 clock hours). ECTS Certification and Quality Certification are certification services, not accreditation.
Choose Full Accreditation if your institution teaches mainly by traditional methods, Online Accreditation if it teaches mainly online or at a distance, Program Accreditation for a specific degree program and Course Accreditation for a specific course. Full and Online Accreditation cover the institution only, not its programs and courses, which are accredited by Program or Course Accreditation.
No. The four accreditation services are independent of each other and of membership: you can apply for any of them at any time, with or without another EAHEA service or membership.
Fees follow the World Bank Country Income Classification of the country in which your institution carries out most of its activity or the country in which it is legally established. The amounts are listed on the Service Fees page. Full and Online Accreditation are paid in two steps: the Application Fee first and the Accreditation Fee after EAHEA confirms your eligibility. Program and Course Accreditation are paid at once, in full, when you apply. You can pay by card or by bank transfer.
No. Fees are not refundable, including when an application is rejected or an accreditation is denied, except an amount that was paid twice or by mistake, which EAHEA returns.
No. An accreditation is valid for one year and is renewed each year. Full and Online Accreditation also need a re-accreditation review every five years. An accreditation that is not renewed ends.
An accredited institution complies with the EAHEA standards, the Terms and Agreement, the Code of Ethics Declaration Form and the Logo & Emblem Usage Guidelines, informs EAHEA of changes (contact details within 30 days), answers EAHEA requests within 15 days, facilitates the checks that EAHEA may make with or without prior notice, and pays the fees when due. The forms and guidelines are on the Documents & Forms page.
EAHEA may send a warning, require a corrective action plan, suspend the accreditation or revoke it. EAHEA may also examine any complaint of a third party about the institution. A suspended or revoked status is published in the public directory with a short reason for five years from the date of the decision; after that the institution is removed from the directory and the records stay in the EAHEA archive.
Accreditation Process
The process generally includes submitting an application, an eligibility review, evaluation by the Accrediting Commission, and issuance of the accreditation certificate upon approval.
Processing time depends on the completeness of the application and the type of accreditation requested; applicants should refer to EAHEA’s current service fee and process documentation for estimated timelines.
Applicants generally need to submit institutional documentation, proof of operational history, and evidence of financial stability, as detailed in EAHEA’s application forms.
Yes. Accreditation involves fees, which are listed on the Service Fees page. Full and Online Accreditation are paid in two steps (the Application Fee first, the Accreditation Fee after EAHEA confirms eligibility); Program and Course Accreditation are paid at once, in full, when you apply. Fees are not refundable, except an amount that was paid twice or by mistake.
Applications are evaluated by EAHEA’s Accrediting Commission, which assesses institutions against defined educational standards before a decision is made.
Each standard is graded from 0 to 4 (4 Outstanding, 3 Standard, 2 Acceptable, 1 Insufficient, 0 Null). The final average decides the result: Full Accreditation from 3.0 to 4.0 (with a re-accreditation review every five years); Conditional Accreditation from 2.0 to 2.9, a temporary status of one year after which a new review must be passed within 12 months, otherwise the accreditation is denied; Denial from 0.0 to 1.9, after which the institution may apply again after 12 months. The detailed accreditation report is always sent to the institution.
If the material is not enough for a clear judgment, or a further clarification is needed, a member of the Accrediting Commission may require an online or face-to-face interview with a representative of the institution, or may arrange an online or on-site visit.
The Secretariat communicates the initial result to the members of the Accrediting Commission, who have 30 days to review and amend the conclusions and grades. The EAHEA President reviews the report and endorses the final grades, and the Secretary informs the institution of the conclusion.
Yes. You can ask the Secretariat in writing, giving your reasons, to reconsider the decision within 30 days of the notice of the decision.
EAHEA issues the certificate, the audit report and the seal and badges, lists the institution in the public directory and, for Full and Online Accreditation, gives it Accredited Membership. The institution then keeps its obligations, pays the yearly fees and renews the accreditation each year.
Accreditation Eligibility
An institution should have operated continuously and successfully for at least one year and have graduated at least one class, have been under the same ownership or control for at least one year, have a record of responsible financial management of at least one year, and agree to abide by EAHEA standards, bylaws and principles of ethics. A newly established institution that does not yet meet these requirements may apply with a goodwill letter.
Yes. Institutions are generally expected to show at least one year of stable operation, but a newly established institution that does not yet meet this requirement may apply by submitting a goodwill letter addressed to EAHEA. EAHEA decides at its discretion whether to accept the application on that basis.
Yes. Accredited institutions comply with the EAHEA bylaws, the principles of ethics and the rules of conduct in the Code of Ethics Declaration Form for as long as they are accredited. The form is on the Documents & Forms page.
Yes, responsible financial management is one of the core eligibility criteria EAHEA reviews before granting accreditation.
EAHEA may send a warning, require a corrective action plan, suspend the accreditation or revoke it. A suspended or revoked status is published in the public directory with a short reason for five years from the date of the decision.
A goodwill letter is a letter addressed to EAHEA by a newly established institution that does not yet meet the requirements on its period of operation (one year of continuous operation and a graduating class, one year under the same ownership or control, one year of financial management record). It describes the establishment, ownership, activities, finances and plans of the institution and confirms its commitment to the EAHEA standards. EAHEA decides at its discretion whether to accept the application on that basis.
No. Membership is not a requirement for any accreditation service and does not change the result of an application.
Accreditation Benefits
EAHEA accreditation provides institutions with an internationally recognized quality assurance credential, degree validation certificates, and academic equivalency statements that support smoother credential recognition.
Accreditation reflects that an institution has voluntarily undergone external peer review, giving it an Accreditation Certificate, official seal, and directory listing that reinforce credibility with students, faculty, and partners.
Students and faculty from accredited institutions can participate in and present at EAHEA’s annual World Conference on Education, Teaching, and Learning (WCETL), with select research eligible for a DOI and publication in the WCETL Journal.
No. Accreditation is voluntary and provides a credible, independently verified foundation, but it cannot guarantee automatic admission decisions or credit transfer at other institutions.
WHELIST is a global directory of universities and higher education institutions coordinated by EAHEA. Accredited institutions gain the right to be published in this directory and may be considered for its annual rankings.
Full Accreditation and Online Accreditation give Accredited Membership automatically, without a separate application and without a separate membership fee. An Accredited Member has the right to vote at the General Assembly, takes part in the determination of the management of EAHEA and has the other rights that the Articles of Association give to members. 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. The membership lasts for as long as the accreditation lasts. Program and Course Accreditation do not give membership.
Yes, as the Logo & Emblem Usage Guidelines allow, only while the accreditation is valid, only for the accredited scope and always with the exact status, scope, validity dates and a link to the EAHEA verification page. The logo cannot be used to suggest that EAHEA endorses a price, a promotion or any commercial offer of the institution. The guidelines are on the Documents & Forms page.
Institutional Full Accreditation
EAHEA Full Accreditation is an institutional-level accreditation for on-campus higher education providers, covering the institution’s overall academic and administrative quality.
Universities, colleges, schools, vocational institutions, corporations and other institutions that use traditional education methods and meet the eligibility requirements can apply: one year of continuous operation and a graduating class, one year under the same ownership or control, and one year of financial management record. A newly established institution that does not yet meet them may apply with a goodwill letter.
Full Accreditation evaluates the institution as a whole, including its governance, academic standards, and administrative practices, rather than a single program or course.
Full Accreditation is valid for one year and is renewed each year: the annual membership fee is paid each year, and in every fifth service year the renewal fee, which includes a re-accreditation review, is paid instead. The details are set out in EAHEA’s accreditation agreement provided during the application process.
Accredited institutions receive a Full Accreditation Certificate, an Education Quality Certificate, an Education Quality Audit Report, the accredited institution seal and badges, and a listing in the EAHEA Institutional Members Directory. The institution also becomes an Accredited Member of EAHEA.
A major change to the name, the legal status, the ownership or control, the legal address or the delivery mode of your institution is reviewed again by EAHEA, and a change fee is charged. Inform EAHEA before you put such a change into practice. A minor change, such as a correction of a typing error or a change of contact details, needs only a notice and no fee.
No. Full Accreditation covers the institution only (administration, organization, finances, educational system and student and alumni services). Programs and courses are accredited separately by Program Accreditation and Course Accreditation, which are independent services you can apply for at any time.
In two steps. You pay the Application Fee when you apply, and the Accreditation Fee after EAHEA confirms your eligibility and before the evaluation starts.
You pay the annual membership fee each year. In every fifth service year you pay the renewal fee instead, which includes the re-accreditation review. The amounts are listed on the Service Fees page.
Yes. It gives Accredited Membership automatically, with the right to vote at the General Assembly, without a separate application and without a separate membership fee, 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.
The accreditation ends. EAHEA may first suspend it, and then revoke it if the renewal is still not paid after the further period stated in the notices. The Accredited Membership ends or is suspended with it, and a suspended or revoked status is published in the public directory for five years.
Institutional Online Accreditation
EAHEA Online Accreditation is designed specifically for institutions that deliver education through online or distance learning formats.
Online Accreditation focuses on the standards relevant to distance and online delivery, such as course platforms and remote assessment, rather than on-campus operations.
Institutions offering a significant portion of their programs online may apply for Online Accreditation for those specific offerings.
Yes. It gives students in online programs a documented, third-party quality reference they can present to employers or other institutions.
EAHEA reviews criteria such as course delivery platforms, instructor qualifications, assessment methods, and student support systems specific to online learning.
A major change to the name, the legal status, the ownership or control, the legal address or the delivery mode of your institution is reviewed again by EAHEA, and a change fee is charged. Inform EAHEA before you put such a change into practice. A minor change, such as a correction of a typing error or a change of contact details, needs only a notice and no fee.
Yes. Like Full Accreditation, it gives Accredited Membership automatically, with the right to vote at the General Assembly, without a separate application and without a separate membership fee, 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.
It is paid in two steps: the Application Fee when you apply and the Accreditation Fee after EAHEA confirms your eligibility. The accreditation is valid for one year and is renewed each year: you pay the annual membership fee each year, and in every fifth service year the renewal fee instead, which includes the re-accreditation review.
No. Online Accreditation covers the institution only. Specific programs and courses are accredited separately by Program Accreditation and Course Accreditation, which you can apply for at any time.
Program Accreditation
Program Accreditation evaluates a specific degree program, rather than the institution as a whole, at any institution. It is an independent service and can be obtained without holding any other EAHEA service.
No. Program Accreditation is an independent service and can be obtained without institutional accreditation or membership. It is renewed free of charge each year for holders of a valid Full or Online Accreditation; otherwise the renewal fee applies.
It allows an institution to highlight the quality of a specific program, which can support marketing to prospective students applying to that program specifically.
Yes, an institution may seek separate Program Accreditation for each individual degree program it wishes to have independently reviewed.
It gives prospective students a documented, third-party quality reference for that specific program when comparing options or applying for further study.
Program Accreditation is the broader service for a whole degree program: it combines the scope of Course Accreditation and ECTS Certification. ECTS Certification alone is available only to institutions that hold a Course Accreditation.
The whole price, the Application Fee and the Accreditation Fee together, is paid at once when you apply.
It is valid for one year and is renewed each year. If your institution holds a valid Full Accreditation or Online Accreditation on the renewal date, Program Accreditation is renewed automatically and free of charge. Otherwise it is renewed each year for the renewal fee. An accreditation that is not renewed ends.
A major change to the program (its educational content such as curriculum and syllabus, duration, name or title, level or delivery mode) is reviewed again by EAHEA and a change fee is charged. Inform EAHEA before you put the change into practice; until the review is completed, the accreditation does not cover the changed program. A minor change, such as a correction of a typing error or a change of teaching staff, needs only a notice and no fee.
Course Accreditation
Course Accreditation applies to individual courses offered by institutions, whether or not they hold another EAHEA service, rather than to full degree programs or the institution overall.
Training providers, professional development bodies, and institutions offering standalone or short courses typically apply for Course Accreditation.
Yes, an institution may hold institutional accreditation alongside separate accreditation for specific courses it offers.
It confirms that the specific course has undergone independent review against EAHEA’s defined quality standards.
Yes, Course Accreditation is commonly used for short courses, workshops, and professional development offerings rather than full academic programs.
The whole price, the Application Fee and the Accreditation Fee together, is paid at once when you apply.
It is valid for one year and is renewed each year. If your institution holds a valid Full Accreditation, Online Accreditation or Associate Membership on the renewal date, Course Accreditation is renewed automatically and free of charge. Otherwise it is renewed each year for the renewal fee. An accreditation that is not renewed ends.
Yes. ECTS Certification is available to institutions that hold an EAHEA Course Accreditation. For a whole degree program, apply for Program Accreditation instead, which combines the scope of Course Accreditation and ECTS Certification.
A major change to the course (its educational content such as curriculum and syllabus, duration, name or title, level or delivery mode) is reviewed again by EAHEA and a change fee is charged. Inform EAHEA before you put the change into practice. A minor change needs only a notice and no fee.
ECTS Certification
EAHEA ECTS Certification certifies that an institution is qualified to issue ECTS credits for its accredited courses or programs of study of at least 150 hours, because the learning outcomes and the hours of study have been met. EAHEA reviews 12 of its 26 accreditation standards and guides the institution to meet the European Higher Education Area guidelines on ECTS credits.
ECTS alignment makes it easier for students to have their credits recognized and transferred when studying or working across different countries and institutions.
Educational institutions that hold an EAHEA Course Accreditation. An institution that does not hold a Course Accreditation should apply for Program Accreditation instead, the broader service that combines Course Accreditation and ECTS Certification for a whole degree program.
No. ECTS Certification specifically addresses credit system alignment and is separate from EAHEA’s institutional or program accreditation.
Yes. It requires a Course Accreditation, and an institution may also hold Full or Online Accreditation or Associate Membership, which give a partner discount on the ECTS renewal fee.
Apply for Program Accreditation. It is the more comprehensive service and combines the scope of Course Accreditation and ECTS Certification for a whole degree program.
The whole price, the application fee and the certification fee together, is paid at once when you apply. Fees are not refundable, except an amount that was paid twice or by mistake.
It is valid for one year and is renewed each year for the renewal fee. A partner discount applies to the renewal fee if your institution holds a valid Full Accreditation, Online Accreditation or Associate Membership. A certification that is not renewed ends.
Anywhere. ECTS Certification is open to any educational institution that holds an EAHEA Course Accreditation.
Twelve of the 26 accreditation standards: identification, legal authorization, accreditation, recognition and references, description of the courses or programs, hours of study, course objectives or expected learning outcomes, course contents and materials, teaching methodology, proficiency of the teachers, assessment and evaluation, and certificate or diploma and transcript.
You can issue ECTS credits only for the courses and programs that were certified, in line with the ECTS requirements and the guidelines of the European Higher Education Area. A major change to a certified course or program is reviewed again and a change fee is charged.
Quality Certification
EAHEA Quality Certification is an independent quality assurance certification for EAHEA members (accredited, Associate and Observer members). It evaluates the institution against the EAHEA Quality Standards in three groups: administrative responsibility, institutional integrity and academic quality.
Quality Certification focuses specifically on demonstrating adherence to quality standards, while accreditation is a broader institutional or program-level review.
Only EAHEA members can apply: accredited members (holders of Full or Online Accreditation), Associate members and Observer members. It is not available to institutions that are not members.
Certified institutions receive an Education Quality Certificate and an Education Quality Audit Report documenting the review outcome.
Quality Certification is valid for one year and is renewed each year. It is renewed automatically and free of charge for an institution that holds a valid Full Accreditation, Online Accreditation or Associate Membership, and the Quality Certification that is included in Associate or Observer Membership is renewed together with the membership. Otherwise it is renewed for the renewal fee.
Yes. Associate Membership and Observer Membership include Quality Certification without a further fee. EAHEA opens it after the membership is approved, and the member provides the data that the certification needs.
No. Quality Certification is only for EAHEA members. An institution can first join as an Associate Member or an Observer Member, which include Quality Certification, or become an Accredited Member through Full or Online Accreditation.
If it is included in your Associate or Observer Membership, no further fee is paid. Otherwise the whole price is paid at once when you apply. Fees are not refundable, except an amount that was paid twice or by mistake.
The Quality Assurance Certificate shows the certified institution and its rating (three or four stars). The institution also receives a Quality Assurance Audit Report, the EAHEA Quality Certification Badge and a listing in the Certified Members Directory.
About EAHEA Membership
Institutions can join as Associate Members, or become Accredited Members through Full or Online Accreditation. Organizations such as associations, agencies and non-governmental organizations can join as Observer Members. Individuals such as teachers, trainers, scholars and researchers can join as Affiliate Members.
EAHEA offers four categories: Accredited Membership (for institutions that hold Full or Online Accreditation), Associate Membership (institutions in education), Affiliate Membership (individuals) and Observer Membership (organizations). Accredited and Associate Membership are full memberships with the right to vote at the General Assembly, once the Management Board admits the member to it; Affiliate and Observer Membership are not.
No. Associate, Affiliate and Observer Membership are not accreditation, do not make an institution accredited and do not affect the result of an accreditation application. Accredited Membership is different: it is given with Full or Online Accreditation and ends with it.
Members gain access to EAHEA’s international network, resources, events such as WCETL, and pathways toward accreditation and certification services.
Apply online on the EAHEA application website: institutions choose Associate Membership, other organizations choose Observer Membership and individuals choose Affiliate Membership. Accredited Membership is not applied for separately: it comes automatically with Full or Online Accreditation.
Accredited Membership is the full membership that comes automatically with Full Accreditation or Online Accreditation, without a separate application and without a separate membership fee. It lasts for as long as the accreditation lasts. Accredited Members have the right to vote at the General Assembly and the other rights that the Articles of Association give to members. 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.
Accredited Membership and Associate Membership are full memberships: they give the right to vote at the General Assembly, a say in the determination of the management of EAHEA and the other rights of the Articles of Association. Affiliate Membership and Observer Membership give no right to vote. 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.
Associate, Affiliate and Observer Membership are valid for one year from the date of the certificate and are renewed each year by paying the annual membership fee. EAHEA reminds the member, but a membership that is not renewed ends. Accredited Membership lasts as long as the Full or Online Accreditation lasts.
Membership fees follow the World Bank Country Income Classification and are listed on the Service Fees page. New members pay the first year while applying, and the annual membership fee is paid for each following year.
The membership ends. EAHEA may suspend it and then revoke it, and a suspended member has no member rights, including the right to vote and the use of the EAHEA Member Logo. A suspended or revoked status is published in the public directory for five years.
Yes, as the Logo & Emblem Usage Guidelines allow, only while the membership is valid and always stating that the membership is not an accreditation. The guidelines are on the Documents & Forms page.
Yes, by a new application for the category that you are eligible for. The fees of the new category apply.
Accredited, Associate and Observer members. Associate and Observer Membership include Quality Certification without a further fee. Affiliate Membership, which is for individuals, does not include it.
Associate Membership
Associate Membership is a membership category for institutions operating in education that hold a government-issued certificate of establishment or authorization. It is valid for one year, is renewed each year for a fee, and is a full membership with the right to vote at the General Assembly (the Management Board decides whether a member is admitted as a member of the General Assembly). It is not an accreditation.
Institutions must provide proof of government-issued establishment or authorization documents to qualify for Associate Membership.
Associate Members receive the Membership Certificate and the Institutional Quality Certificate, the right to use the EAHEA Member Logo, a listing in the directory, publications, newsletters, discounts on events and conferences, the right to vote at the General Assembly and the other rights that the Articles of Association give to members. The Management Board decides whether a member is admitted as a member of the General Assembly.
Yes. Associate Members can apply for institutional, program or course accreditation at any time. Membership is not required for these services and does not affect the result of an application.
Yes. Associate Membership is a full membership of EAHEA: it gives the right to vote at the General Assembly and the other rights that the Articles of Association give to members, until the end of the membership term. 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.
Yes. Associate Membership includes the Quality Certification service without a further fee. It is renewed together with the membership.
The membership is valid for one year from the date of its certificate. EAHEA sends the renewal invoice before it ends, and the membership is renewed by paying the annual membership fee. Nothing is charged automatically.
Yes. Course Accreditation is renewed automatically and free of charge for an Associate Member, and a partner discount applies to the renewal of ECTS Certification and to other services as the Service Fees page states. A suspended member receives no discount.
No. Program Accreditation and Course Accreditation are independent services. ECTS Certification requires a Course Accreditation, not a membership.
Affiliate Membership
Affiliate Membership is the EAHEA membership for individual persons, such as teachers, trainers, scholars, researchers, academics and professional staff, who have an interest in evaluation, accreditation and quality assurance in higher education. It is valid for one year and is renewed each year for a fee.
Individuals with an interest in the field of education who hold a passport or an identity card issued by a government. A degree certificate or diploma is also required.
No. Affiliate Membership is a form of association with EAHEA and does not itself constitute institutional accreditation.
No. Affiliate Membership is for individual persons. Institutions can join as Associate Members and other organizations as Observer Members.
Affiliate Members receive the Membership Certificate valid for one year, a free subscription to the regional and international publications of EAHEA, networking and collaboration opportunities, the electronic newsletter twice a year and the Annual Report, the possibility to write articles for the EAHEA newsletter and blog, discounted participation in the Annual Conference and Online Forum, and the right to apply for free to the EAHEA Online Courses.
No. Affiliate Membership is not a full membership and gives no right to vote at the General Assembly.
Observer Membership
Observer Membership is a non-voting membership category for organizations such as an association, agency, government or non-governmental organization, not-for-profit corporation, partnership or cooperative, with a major commitment and interest in evaluation, accreditation and quality assurance in higher education.
No, Observer Membership is a non-voting category within EAHEA’s membership structure.
Organizations that wish to follow EAHEA activities and network without being voting members typically choose Observer Membership.
Yes. An organization may apply for another category it is eligible for, such as Associate Membership if it is an institution operating in education, or it may obtain Full or Online Accreditation, which gives Accredited Membership.
Observer Members can generally stay informed about and take part in EAHEA activities and events, such as conferences and announcements.
Yes. Like Associate Membership, Observer Membership includes the Quality Certification service without a further fee, and it is renewed together with the membership.
A certificate of establishment or authorization issued by a government. An independent organization that does not have one sends a goodwill letter addressed to EAHEA.
Degree Validation
A Degree Validation Certificate confirms the equivalency of a degree or diploma earned at an EAHEA-accredited or equivalent institution, supporting recognition abroad.
Graduates of EAHEA-accredited or equivalent institutions can request a Degree Validation Certificate.
It can be presented to other institutions, employers, or credential evaluators as documented, third-party evidence of a degree’s validity and equivalency.
It typically includes the degree title, awarding institution, and its equivalency assessment relative to recognized international standards.
No. Employers and educational institutions are free to accept or not to accept the document or the credits, and EAHEA does not guarantee any result in this respect. The certificate gives a documented, third-party reference that can support the acceptance of your degree.
Academic Credits Certificate
An Academic Credits Certificate states a student’s earned academic credits and their equivalencies in the US (USC), UK (CATS), and European (ECTS) credit systems.
It helps students transferring between institutions or countries demonstrate the value of their earned credits in a system the receiving institution can understand.
EAHEA provides equivalency conversions between the US (USC), UK (CATS), and European (ECTS) credit systems.
Students or graduates of EAHEA-accredited or equivalent institutions can request an Academic Credits Certificate.
No. It documents credit equivalency, but final acceptance of credits always depends on the receiving institution’s own policies.
Academic Equivalency Statement
An Academic Equivalency Statement is a formal document stating the equivalency of a qualification earned at one institution against recognized international standards.
Graduates applying for further study, employment, or immigration procedures abroad typically request an Academic Equivalency Statement.
An Equivalency Statement focuses on comparing a qualification to international standards, while a Degree Validation Certificate confirms the validity of the specific degree itself.
Processing time depends on the completeness of the submitted documentation; applicants should refer to EAHEA’s current service documentation for estimated timelines.
No. Employers and educational institutions are free to accept or not to accept the statement or the credits, and EAHEA does not guarantee any result in this respect. The statement gives a documented, third-party reference that can support the acceptance of your qualification.
Educator Certification
EAHEA Educator Certification is a professional certification for teachers and instructors, such as university academicians, school teachers, ESL teachers and all types of individual instructors, recognizing their qualifications and professional career. The certificate is valid for five years.
Teachers, instructors and academic staff working in higher education or in related teaching roles who show a level of professional ability and a professional career can apply for EAHEA Educator Certification.
It provides teachers and instructors with an internationally oriented credential that can support career advancement, credibility and mobility across institutions.
EAHEA reviews the education, the professional career and the teaching experience of the applicant, as shown in the application form, the curriculum vitae and the documents submitted.
The Educator Certificate is issued by EAHEA as an internationally oriented professional credential, verifiable in the EAHEA certified members directory. It is not a license to teach, and its acceptance remains the decision of the employer or institution.
No. It is not given at the end of a course or a training. EAHEA grants it after it reviews and evaluates the supporting documents that prove the competencies of the applicant.
In many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and many European countries, educators who apply for a teaching job, a visa, a work permit or a residence permit are usually asked to document their competence in their field. The Educator Certificate and the Certificate Verification Document give you an independent, verifiable record of your teaching competence that can make this easier. Decisions on permits and employment are made only by the authorities and institutions concerned, and EAHEA does not guarantee any permit, job or other result.
five years from its date of issue. Competencies change over time, so the certificate is renewed every five years by paying the renewal fee, which extends it by another validity period. A certificate that is not renewed ends.
EAHEA sends the renewal invoice before the end of the validity period. Pay the renewal fee (the amounts are on the Service Fees page) and the certificate is extended by another validity period.
The application form, your curriculum vitae and documents in electronic form: full name, complete contact data, birth date, ID picture, a copy of your passport or official identification, details of your education and details of your professional career. You confirm the information with an affidavit.
The EAHEA Secretary reviews your eligibility, and the decision is taken by the majority of three votes, those of the EAHEA President, the EAHEA Secretary and one member of the Commission; if the votes are equal, the decision for which the EAHEA President voted prevails. Educator Certification is granted on a discretionary basis, and you are informed of the decision in writing.
Professional Certification
EAHEA Professional Certification recognizes professionals across fields such as business, technology, law, engineering, coaching, and mentoring, based on their qualifications and experience.
Working professionals in eligible fields who meet EAHEA’s qualification and experience criteria can apply for Professional Certification.
It offers an internationally verifiable credential that professionals can present to employers, clients, or partners as evidence of recognized expertise.
EAHEA offers Professional Certification across fields including business, technology, legal, engineering, coaching, and mentoring.
Yes, employers or clients can verify a certified professional’s status through EAHEA’s certified individual members directory.
No. It is not given at the end of a course or a training. EAHEA grants it after it reviews and evaluates the supporting documents that prove the competencies of the applicant.
In many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and many European countries, applicants for a job, a visa, a work permit or a residence permit are usually asked to document their competence in their field. The Professional Certificate and the Certificate Verification Document give you an independent, verifiable record of your professional competence that can make this easier. Decisions on permits and employment are made only by the authorities and employers concerned, and EAHEA does not guarantee any permit, job or other result.
five years from its date of issue. Competencies change over time, so the certificate is renewed every five years by paying the renewal fee, which extends it by another validity period. A certificate that is not renewed ends.
EAHEA sends the renewal invoice before the end of the validity period. Pay the renewal fee (the amounts are on the Service Fees page) and the certificate is extended by another validity period.
The application form, your curriculum vitae and documents in electronic form: full name, complete contact data, birth date, ID picture, a copy of your passport or official identification, details of your education and details of your professional career to date. You confirm the information with an affidavit.
The EAHEA Secretary reviews your eligibility, and the decision is taken by the majority of three votes, those of the EAHEA President, the EAHEA Secretary and one member of the Commission; if the votes are equal, the decision for which the EAHEA President voted prevails. Professional Certification is granted on a discretionary basis, and you are informed of the decision in writing.
No. It is an EAHEA professional certification, not a license, an authorization to work or an official recognition by a government.
Doctor of Excellence (Honorary)
The Doctor of Excellence is an honoris causa recognition awarded by EAHEA to highly qualified professionals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their field.
No. It is an honorary recognition (honoris causa) of professional achievement and is not equivalent to an earned academic doctoral degree.
Professionals with a distinguished record of achievement and contribution in their respective field may be considered for this recognition.
Candidates are typically reviewed based on their professional achievements and contributions, following EAHEA’s evaluation process for honorary recognition.
Recipients may reference the honorary recognition in professional contexts, provided it is clearly identified as an honoris causa distinction rather than an earned academic degree.
Many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and many European countries, offer visas, residence permits and work permits for people of extraordinary ability, and ask applicants to document outstanding ability in a specific field. A Doctor of Excellence, awarded after an independent evaluation of your curriculum vitae and documents, gives you an official record of your standing that can make it easier to document your ability. Decisions on visas and permits are made only by the authorities of each country, and EAHEA does not guarantee any visa, permit or other result.
No. The Doctor of Excellence is awarded only after a detailed review and evaluation of the documents of each candidate, to individuals who truly deserve it. It is not given at the end of a course or a training. Reaching the required points of the EAHEA Honorary Point System (HPS) does not oblige EAHEA to confer the award.
General
No. EAHEA accreditation, certification, validation and membership are voluntary and non-governmental. Decisions on visas, permits, employment and admission are made only by the authorities, employers and institutions concerned, and EAHEA does not guarantee any visa, permit, job, admission or other result.
EAHEA does not currently accept applications from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Syria. These countries are not available in the location list of the online application form.
The list follows international sanctions and the limits of the payment channels that EAHEA uses, and it is updated when those conditions change.
Every application starts with a payment, and EAHEA must be able to receive it lawfully and safely. EAHEA is an Estonian association and takes international sanctions and restrictive measures seriously. Financial dealings with these countries are restricted by sanctions regimes, and the payment providers on which EAHEA depends, including card and international bank transfer services, do not process payments from or to some of them.
Because the application fee could not be collected, an application from these countries could not be completed. EAHEA therefore does not accept applications that it cannot carry through, which also protects applicants from paying fees that could not be processed.
The location of an application is the country in which your institution is legally established and carries out most of its activity or, for an individual, your place of residence. The current list of countries is in the answer to the question above.
If you are unsure whether your situation is affected, please contact the secretariat before you apply.
NGO/CSO Recognition
NGO/CSO Recognition is the partnership program of EAHEA for legally established non-profit foundations, associations, agencies and organizations. It is formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that covers reciprocal recognition, joint awards, cross-promotion, joint campaigns, co-branding and strategic partnerships. Recognized organizations are listed in the Recognized Institutions directory.
Yes. NGO/CSO Recognition is completely free of charge. There is no application fee, review fee, recognition fee or renewal fee, and nothing is paid when you apply.
A legally established non-profit foundation, association, agency, institution or organization that is registered with the competent authority of its country and is not a potential customer of EAHEA can apply.
No. Educational institutions, training providers, companies and individuals that need accreditation, certification, validation or membership are potential customers of EAHEA and should apply for the relevant EAHEA service instead.
Three documents are uploaded with the online application: the Registration Document (the official registration or establishment document issued by the competent authority), the Passport/ID of the authorized signatory or director, and an Invoice issued to the legal address of the organization (electricity, water, gas, telephone, etc.). Files can be PDF, JPG, PNG, DOC or DOCX, up to 8 MB each.
No. It is a partnership between peer organizations. It does not evaluate or approve the programs of the recognized organization, and it does not give the rights of an accredited institution or of a member.
The MoU is effective for five years from the last date of signature. Six months before the expiry date, both parties start a joint evaluation, after which the MoU may be renewed for a further five-year period. Either party may request termination in writing ninety days before the proposed termination date.
Complete the online application form with the details of your organization and its authorized representative and upload the three documents. The EAHEA Secretariat reviews the application and, when it is approved, the Memorandum of Understanding is prepared and signed by both parties.
International Higher Education Day
International Higher Education Day (IHED) is a global observance held every year on June 19. EAHEA proclaimed it to recognize the role of higher education in building inclusive, innovative and sustainable societies. The day has its own official website at higheredday.com.
The date recalls the signing of the Bologna Declaration on June 19, 1999, a milestone in building the European Higher Education Area. EAHEA chose it as a symbol of global academic cooperation.
The day was proclaimed and is led by EAHEA. Its organization is carried out by the Event Committee, a team of twelve members: the EAHEA President and the Secretary General as permanent members, and ten independent representatives of universities selected from around the world, whose list changes every year.
Everyone can take part. Universities, colleges, research institutions, student unions, associations, governments and civil society organizations from any country are invited to celebrate, and registering an event or using the toolkit is free of charge on the official IHED website.
The full text, signed by the EAHEA Board of Directors on January 6, 2020, is published on this page under the heading Official Declaration, and on the official IHED website.
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