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Our Welcome to Non-Formal Universities

Our Welcome to Non-Formal Universities

For many years there has been an international debate on what is known as non-formal universities. Many Private Institutions, Off Shore Universities, Open Universities, Distance Learning Universities belong to this category. These institutions often do not enjoy government accreditation for various reasons or because of a voluntary choice; however, that is not synonymous with poor quality education.

AHQSE wants to reaffirm that quality, ethics and honesty can be self-regulated values to be implemented in a better education management plan.

Times have changed and educational models too. Today, educational institutions of any kind: universities, schools and training institutions have become able to implement effective learning models through a system of self-regulation, ethical applications and quality certifications. Not to acknowledge that would mean claiming no value for any private school and institution in the world, even the most prestigious ones.

Certainly, this is not the case. Universities may choose to remain government accreditations free in order to maintain a certain flexibility that will allow them to have more students accessing their study programs; or they prefer to provide students with services off-government standards, like for instance former studies or relevant professional experience recognition. Whatever the case, it is fundamental to clearly and truthfully inform potential students about the status of the institution. 

Once students from all over the world are properly informed, they can decide whether to attend a school or a non-formal institution. What our globalized job market values the most today is people’s skill. Especially private practice, multinational corporations, NGOs will look for the expertise behind a degree.

AHQSE will accredit according to its main credo: quality standards satisfaction in the whole operational process of applicant institutions; no matter if they are traditional universities or private institutions, off shore universities or distance institutions. A non-formal institution should never be perceived as a substitute for traditional universities, rather as an alternative.

AHQSE certifies commitment and experience used to build quality education; that process not necessarily follows government standards, but rather professional needs. A fitting example is that of today adult students unable to attend a traditional, campus based university for family or work reasons but, nevertheless, willing to achieve an academic goal.

Non-formal institutions often have highly practical and knowledge-based approach to learning; their educational model implies students' experiences proper monitoring and adaptation to global market needs. That is possible thanks to study programs specifically tailored on their students’ professional future. For all these reasons private schools, distance and non-formal universities as well as free institutions are welcome in AHQSE.