International Institutional Accreditation 

Independent peer review of internal quality assurance for learning and teaching, combining European standards with evidence of how the system works in practice. 

A credible external perspective on institutional quality assurance 

AQAS offers institutional accreditation for higher education institutions outside Germany. It reviews whether the internal quality assurance system reliably ensures and develops programme quality. The accreditation decision and constructive feedback give university leadership and quality assurance teams an evidence-based view of how goals, responsibilities, processes and the outcome of teaching and learning activities connect. AQAS criteria are closely aligned with Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG), while considering the institution's profile and national context.  

From institutional structures to programme-level impact 

AQAS invites experienced experts to assess the internal quality assurance processes and asks them to look beyond formal policies. It reviews strategy and responsibilities; programme design, approval, monitoring and review; stakeholder participation; data, feedback and follow-up; and continuous enhancement.  AQAS usually includes at least one programme sample to gain evidence on how the system works in practice and supports learning and teaching. This connects institutional arrangements with programme-level evidence while respecting the institution's own model. 

Professional coordination for a complex institutional review and services provided 

AQAS makes the systemic review manageable while preserving independent assessment and decision-making. Purpose, scope, programme sample, timetable, expert profile, evidence, arrangements and costs are clarified at the outset. A dedicated AQAS consultant remains the main contact throughout. A preliminary workshop and structured feedback make expectations transparent and support a coherent self-evaluation. AQAS appoints an independent panel of experts representing academia, professional practice and students, with experience in higher education management and quality assurance and expertise relevant to the programme sample. The site visit provides time for dialogue with leadership, quality assurance staff, faculties, programme representatives, students and other stakeholders. The institution can comment on the draft report before the AQAS Standing Commission decides on the outcome of the review process. A successful accreditation is valid for six years. 

A tailored approach and a clear starting point 

AQAS will discuss the institution's aims, select a programme sample, explain the documentation and timetable, and prepare an individual quotation. A separate programme accreditation can be coordinated with the review where useful, while retaining distinct reports and decisions. 

International institutional Accreditation CONTENT PDF

Previous Institutional Accreditations:

Armenian State University of Economics:

Report

Universidad Autónoma de Chile:

Report

Universidad del Alba (Chile):

Report

Universidad San Sebastián (Chile):

Report

Sultan Qaboos University (Oman) – College of Arts and Social Sciences:

Report

Dhofar University (Oman) – College of Arts and Applied Sciences:

Report