Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about AHQSE and the accreditation process. If you can't find the information you need or would like to talk further, please contact us.
AHQSE Accreditation is an independent, self-regulated quality standard for schools, colleges, universities, training organizations and online and distance education providers. AHQSE was formed to bring independent information to both the student population and the broader world of higher education through its international accreditation service with defined and objective benchmarking. Accreditation through AHQSE helps students and their families to make a more informed choice, it also helps schools, colleges, universities, training organizations, and online and distance education providers show to international students that they are a high-quality institution. The AHQSE accreditation model allows students to get a realistic and honest picture of what an institution is really like in terms of quality, resources, student support and ethics.
Accreditation with AHQSE will raise the profile of your institution and confirm that it meets the standards of education, wellness and best practices set by AHQSE internationally. Accreditation shows those interested in your institution that you have endorsed a model of international best practice and continuous improvement. Indicating that your institution is a good choice for professional teaching, valuable qualifications and a positive learning experience.
AHQSE Membership is available to all institutions that wish to be associated with the AHQSE brand but do not want to go through the full accreditation process. There is an annual fee of € 1,500 for this service. As a member, the institution will be able to display the AHQSE Membership logo on its website and marketing materials, take advantage of a variety of member benefits, including the AHQSE Certificate of Membership. The certificate of membership should not be confused with accreditation, which instead requires a long and diversified verification process.
AHQSE accreditation is open to the following types of institutions worldwide.
Universities - Colleges - Schools - Training organizations - Online and distance education providers.
For an international institution, accreditation fees involve different arrangements depending on the type of institution. You can view the cost breakdown at the following page https://www.ahqse.org/fee. For any additional information or concerns, please email us at info@ahqse.org.
The entire process can be completed within 2/3 months from the moment an application is received. The length of time, however, will also depend on the cooperation of the institution seeking accreditation in cases where the AHQSE needs clarification of documentation, meetings, calls, etc.
Generally, AHQSE accreditation can be granted for a period of one, three, five years. You can see the table here: https://www.ahqse.org/fee
Yes, the first annual fee will be due immediately upon notification of successful accreditation and every 12 months thereafter on the anniversary of the date the first accreditation was granted.
For the executive director of an institution, we normally expect to see a higher degree such as a master's or doctorate. However, an education entrepreneur may have significant industrial, corporate or business experience such that it is sufficient to manage an institution without the need for a degree. In fact, the director is not required to have a specific teaching qualification, rather, managerial expertise.
No. This depends on the size of the institution and the type of courses offered. Each institution hires the necessary staff depending on its operating model.
There is no minimum number of rooms required for an institution, although there should be enough to run the institution and teach the chosen courses, to house administrative and management offices.
No, AHQSE inspections include a review of the content and standard of the curriculum as well as the quality of its delivery to students. We also pay close attention to the consistency and reliability of the assessment. However, it should be noted that AHQSE does not confer or validate degree awarding powers. Candidates choosing an institution for their studies (including those offering distance education programs) should always verify that the level of recognition of a relevant award is sufficient to meet their needs.
If a student contacts AHSE to make a complaint about an institution, the student is advised to contact the institution directly to ensure that he or she has attempted to resolve the issue according to the institution's complaint procedure. If the student has attempted to comply with the institution's procedures and the issue has not been resolved, the student may contact the AHQSE for assistance. The student must provide evidence that his/her complaint is valid and objective and that he/she has already reached the institution. If the evidence provided by the student requires further investigation, the AHQSE will contact the institution directly to attempt to resolve the issue.
To check if an institution is accredited by the AHQSE, simply enter the certificate number in the appropriate Verified Credential area on our website home page.
Yes, it can. AHQSE accreditation can apply to a single course as well. Our model provides for both the accreditation of an entire institution and the accreditation of a single course. You need to contact your chosen institution to confirm whether or not a course is accredited/validated.
