International Programme Accreditation

Independent peer review against European standards, with clear coordination and close attention to institutional aims and national context. 

A credible external perspective on programme quality 

AQAS offers international accreditation for Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programmes outside Germany. The procedure combines a clear accreditation decision with constructive external feedback, helping institutions demonstrate programme quality while giving university leadership and programme teams an evidence-based basis for further development. The review uses AQAS criteria closely aligned with Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). It takes account of the institution's profile, the intended qualification, the programme's objectives and the national higher education context. 

Focused on the programme and its context 

The expert panel considers the programme as a coherent whole: its learning outcomes and curriculum; learning, teaching and assessment; the student pathway; teaching staff, resources and support; internal quality assurance and the use of data; and public information. This provides a credible European reference point without imposing a uniform model of programme design. For reaccreditation, the panel also examines results and the programme's development since the previous review. 

Professional coordination from first discussion to decision 

AQAS works with institutions to make a demanding peer-review procedure clear and manageable while safeguarding the independence of the assessment and decision. Scope, possible clustering, a realistic schedule, the expert profile, organisational arrangements and costs are clarified at the outset. A dedicated AQAS consultant remains the main contact throughout. Preliminary orientation and structured feedback make requirements transparent and help the panel receive a coherent picture of the programme. AQAS appoints an independent panel representing academia, professional practice and students, including regional knowledge wherever possible. The site visit allows time for genuine dialogue with key stakeholders. The institution can comment on the draft report before the AQAS Standing Commission decides. A successful accreditation is valid for six years. 

Flexible scope and a clear starting point 

The review may cover one programme or a coherent cluster. The AQAS International Team will discuss the institution's aims, identify an appropriate scope, explain the timetable and prepare an individual quotation. 

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