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EDUCATION QUALITY ACCREDITATION COMMISSION
EQAC INFO

Regulations for Accreditation of Education

Education Quality Accreditation Commission

  

 

These regulations are established to ensure the integrity of the Education Quality Accreditation Commission and all the services provided. These regulations are meant to be effective and their interpretation is based on the assumption of ethical values, integrity and a non profit spirit from each of the members of the Education Quality Accreditation Commission.

These premises may evolve to address new situations or services upon proposal from the members of the Education Quality Accreditation Commission. Proposals will be accepted by the President from individuals or groups, including students, staff, faculty, members of the general public, governmental agencies, and other institutions or organizations. The President reviews any proposal and acknowledges its responsibility to provide a reasonable and impartial review. Proposals should be sent to the EQAC Secretary.

 

1. Regulations for the Education Quality Accreditation Commission members.

 

  • Definition of the Education Quality Accreditation Commission (EQAC).


The Education Quality Accreditation Commission (EQAC) consists of a minimum of five members, including the Secretary and the Chairperson. The Commission members work voluntarily on an annual commitment basis. They are responsible for granting the Education Quality Accreditation status (EQAC) to higher education institutions that apply for it and overseeing any other validation services offered. The EQAC is represented by the Chairperson or the Secretary in dealings with other commission members, educational institutions, or third parties.

In case of a disagreement involving the Chairperson or Secretary, an arbitration mechanism will be established, consisting of three commission members: one selected by the Chairperson (or the Chairperson themselves), one by the conflicting commission member (or themselves), and one mutually agreed upon by the Chairperson and the conflicting member before outlining the nature of the conflict. The arbitration's conclusion will be binding for all parties involved.

1.2. Selection of Commission Members.


The EQAC membership is open to anyone with a postgraduate degree who is willing to contribute to EQAC’s mission and improvement through their work, relationships, or other resources. A candidate must be recommended by an EQAC member, an accredited institution, or a selected organization. Alternatively, candidates may self-nominate to join the Commission. Self-nominated candidates will be accepted if supported by an EQAC member, an accredited institution, or a selected organization. In all cases, the candidate must submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae to the EQAC Secretariat. Final approval of new members rests with the Chairperson of EQAC, granting an initial three-year affiliation, automatically renewable for one-year terms, subject to revocation by either party.

1.3. Integrity of Commission Members.


Commission members must remain impartial and objective when reviewing applications for accreditation or performing any other assigned tasks. Integrity should not be compromised by conflicts of interest or personal gain. If a conflict of interest arises, another Commission member will take over the assigned task. EQAC presumes that any member with an integrity conflict will voluntarily step down from their responsibilities. The Chairperson may propose the removal of any member with an apparent conflict of integrity. This proposal will be announced to all members and take effect ten days after notification unless an express majority opposes the removal.

1.4. Responsibilities of Commission Members.

1.4.1. Voluntary Participation.

Commission members work on a voluntary basis, determining their level of involvement in EQAC activities. Membership must align with other professional or academic positions without directly competing with EQAC's interests and objectives. Members can perform their duties anywhere in the world.

1.4.2. Public Listing on the EQAC Website.


Commission members’ names and educational credentials will be publicly displayed on the EQAC website. EQAC will not disclose personal or contact information without consent. Upon acceptance, members will be listed for a minimum of three years, renewable automatically unless either party decides to terminate the agreement. Resignation must be submitted in writing via letter or email to the EQAC Secretariat.

 

1.4.3. Promotion of EQAC Services.


EQAC relies on members to connect with educational institutions that may benefit from and qualify for accreditation. EQAC provides commission payments based on revenues generated by the member.

1.4.4. Accreditation Evaluation.


Commission members are responsible for assessing educational institutions. The EQAC Secretariat assigns evaluations and other tasks based on members’ availability, institutional preferences, regulations, and budgeted fees. If the member accepts the budget, they will evaluate and grade the institution's application according to EQAC guidelines and record their findings in the Accreditation Evaluation Form (AEF). The completed AEF must be signed, dated, and submitted to the EQAC Secretariat for payment. The Secretariat provides all necessary documentation from the applicant institution. Members are compensated upon returning the completed AEF or completing the assigned task. Members may also supervise accredited institutions’ adherence to EQAC rules at their discretion.

1.5. The Secretariat of the Education Quality Accreditation Commission.


The Chairperson appoints the Secretariat for a minimum term of three years. Candidates must be EQAC members and submit a voluntary application to the Chairperson. The proposal is announced to all members and takes effect ten days after notification unless opposed by a majority. The Secretariat manages applications, ensures fee payments, supervises administrative costs, and authorizes payments for Commission services. They must approve and sign recognition certificates granted by the Chairperson, ensuring compliance with EQAC regulations.

1.6. EQAC Selection Mechanism.


The EQAC Selection Mechanism comprises organizations deemed equivalent to EQAC accreditation by the Chairperson, with the Secretariat’s approval. Institutions belonging to selected organizations automatically qualify for EQAC accreditation. Additionally, selected organizations may propose their members for EQAC inclusion.

1.7. Chairperson of the Education Quality Accreditation Commission.


The Chairperson is an EQAC member elected by a simple majority vote for a five-year term. Candidates must be approved by the outgoing Chairperson and the Secretariat. The Chairperson supervises Commission activities, resolves conflicts, proposes member acceptance or removal, appoints the Secretariat, and selects recognition affiliations with equivalent organizations. The Chairperson also holds the authority to grant institutional accreditation, which must be co-signed by the Secretariat.

1.8. Operational Proposals, Rule Changes, and Service Fees.


EQAC is a non-profit institution. Proposals for new fees, changes to accreditation fees, or modifications to validation services must be reviewed by the Chairperson and approved by the Secretariat before presenting to Commission members. Proposals take effect ten days after announcement unless opposed by a majority. Fees and regulations are reviewed every three years with the Secretariat’s appointment.

1.9. EQAC Financial Distribution.

1.9.1. Accreditation Fee Distribution:
  • 20% to the evaluator.
  • 10% to the Secretariat for administration.
  • 10% to the Chairperson for oversight.
  • 10% to intermediaries for service procurement.
  • 20% to the Institutional Guarantee Fund.
  • 30% to the Operational Fund.
1.9.2. Validation Service Fee Distribution:
  • 20% to intermediaries for service procurement.
  • 10% to the Chairperson for oversight.
  • 10% to the Secretariat for administration.
  • 30% to the Operational Fund.
  • 30% to the Institutional Guarantee Fund.
1.9.3. Operational Fund:


The Operational Fund supports EQAC’s online presence, administrative maintenance, free courses, and overall quality improvement. Fund usage requires Chairperson and Secretariat approval, with annual financial reports available upon request.

1.9.4. Institutional Guarantee Fund:


The Guarantee Fund ensures EQAC's continuity, covering structural maintenance and guaranteeing minimal operations for five years. Fund usage requires Chairperson and Secretariat approval, with annual reports available upon request.

 

2. Regulations for the Accreditation of Educational Institutions.

3. Regulations for the Validation of Degrees and Diplomas.

4. Regulations for Conferring a Doctor Honoris Causa of Excellence.

5. Regulations for the certification to issue ECTS Credits.

  

Education Quality Accreditation Commission

  

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INSTITUTIONAL HISTORY

1999

The Education Quality Accreditation Commission founders were aware of the need of international standard-setting instruments in the field of education quality and accreditation that were indispensable in a decentralized global world in order to keep pace with rapid changes in the private educational sector and to guaranty education quality standards, while promoting the development of efficient education quality and accreditation systems. Following the premise of thinking globally though acting locally, the Education Quality Accreditation Commission was rooted in the most representative socioeconomic environments of the Western World.

The Education Quality Accreditation Commission was incorporated in the United Kingdom with Companies House Reg. Number: 3.728.049 to best represent the interest of UK and Commonwealth countries in the provision of accreditation and quality auditing to education institutions.

2000 

The Education Quality Accreditation Commission was incorporated in Washington D.C., USA, as a non profit corporation to best represent North America and the English language areas of influence. Additionally it was incorporated in Spain with Reg. Number: B80317283 to best represent the interest of European, Mediterranean and Latin American Spanish speaking countries.

The "Together in the World Foundation (TW)", which developed programs and activities in line with the orientations set out by UNESCO in respect to the promotion of social and cultural development, fostered the establishment of the Education Quality Accreditation Commission as the means to enhance the promotion of quality education and complement social and cultural development through sound independent educational initiatives. The Education Quality Accreditation Commission was deeply inspired by the UNESCO policy on education for the Twenty-First Century.

2001

The TW Foundation recognized the need of the Education Quality Accreditation Commission institutional autonomy for further development of the project. Mrs. Mercedes Lopez, director of TW Foundation, resigned her duties in relation to the Education Quality Accreditation Commission. Dr. Francis Dessart, from Belgium, became the president of the independent EQAC. Dr. Samuel Murinda, from Zimbabwe, was appointed EQAC Secretary.

2004

Prof. Dr. Francis Dessart resigned from his position due to age and health problems. Dr. Samuel Murinda reduced his implication in the EQAC Secretary due to his other professional and academic ventures. The Education Quality Accreditation Commission fell into a period of low activity. In 2008, Dr. Guillermo M. Olsen became the new president of the Education Quality Accreditation Commission. The activities, regulations and services of the EQAC were deeply revised. The website was redesigned. Eduardo Cano, from Spain, was appointed EQAC Secretary.

2012

The Education Quality Accreditation Commission met in order to approve a more executive management of the Commission. Doctor William Martin was appointed the new president. Nuria Mañon, from Spain, was appointed EQAC Secretary.