Националната агенция за оценяване и акредитация

Overview

The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) of Bulgaria is an independent statutory body responsible for evaluating, accrediting and monitoring the quality of higher education institutions and scientific organizations in the country. Established in 2004, NEAA plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of teaching, research and institutional development within Bulgarian higher education, aligning with European standards and guidelines for quality assurance.

History and Legal Framework

NEAA was established in 2004 under the Higher Education Act (HEA) of Bulgaria. The agency's creation was influenced by international best practices to align Bulgarian higher education with European standards. NEAA operates as an independent specialized body authorized by law to adopt a criteria system, internal procedures and standards for evaluation and accreditation processes. It is funded by the state budget and by collecting fees from higher education institutions for their accreditation procedures.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The mission of NEAA is to ensure and improve the quality of higher education in Bulgaria by conducting institutional and program evaluations and accreditations. This mission is aligned with national goals to raise the role and quality of higher education as a factor for social development. NEAA aims to stimulate and control higher education institutions, ensuring compliance with standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Governance, Structure and Independence

NEAA operates as an independent statutory body, ensuring autonomy in its evaluation and accreditation processes. The agency is authorized by law to adopt a criteria system, internal procedures and standards for evaluation and accreditation processes. It is funded by the state budget and by collecting fees from higher education institutions for their accreditation procedures. NEAA is responsible for carrying out institutional and program evaluations and accreditations of all higher education institutions in Bulgaria.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

NEAA's primary role is to evaluate and accredit higher education institutions and programs in Bulgaria. The agency assesses the quality of education provided by universities, colleges and other higher education institutions by evaluating curricula, teaching methods, research activities and other aspects of higher education institutions to ensure they meet required standards. NEAA's accreditation process is rigorous and comprehensive, involving a thorough evaluation of the institution or program, including assessments of governance, management, financial stability, facilities, resources and support services to ensure they meet the needs of students and faculty.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NEAA actively participates in international cooperation to enhance the quality of Bulgarian higher education. The agency has signed a framework agreement for cooperation in quality assurance with the Agency for Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, establishing a cooperation platform to share information and good practices. NEAA is a member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and is listed in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), demonstrating its commitment to aligning with European quality assurance standards.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

NEAA's rigorous evaluation and accreditation processes contribute to the continuous improvement of higher education institutions in Bulgaria. By ensuring that institutions meet national and international quality standards, NEAA plays a vital role in enhancing the reputation and competitiveness of Bulgarian higher education on the global stage. The agency's efforts in promoting quality assurance practices and fostering international cooperation are expected to lead to sustained improvements in teaching, research and institutional development within Bulgarian higher education.

Summary

The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency of Bulgaria is an independent statutory body established to ensure and improve the quality of higher education in the country. Through its rigorous evaluation and accreditation processes, NEAA assesses and enhances the quality of education provided by higher education institutions, aligning with European standards and guidelines for quality assurance. The agency's active participation in international cooperation and its commitment to continuous improvement contribute to the advancement of Bulgarian higher education.

FAQs

• What is the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA)?
  NEAA is an independent statutory body in Bulgaria responsible for evaluating, accrediting and monitoring the quality of higher education institutions and scientific organizations.
• When was NEAA established?
  NEAA was established in 2004 under the Higher Education Act of Bulgaria.
• What is NEAA's mission?
  NEAA's mission is to ensure and improve the quality of higher education in Bulgaria through institutional and program evaluations and accreditations.
• How does NEAA contribute to higher education?
  NEAA contributes by assessing and enhancing the quality of education, research and institutional development within Bulgarian higher education, aligning with European standards.
• Is NEAA involved in international cooperation?
  Yes, NEAA actively participates in international cooperation, including agreements with other quality assurance agencies and membership in European networks.

Organization Name

Националната агенция за оценяване и акредитация

National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency

Acronym

NEAA/НАОА

Year of Establishment

1996

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

125 Tzarigradsko Chaussee Boulevard, Bl. 5, Fl. 4
Sofia
1113 Sofia City Province Bulgaria

Phone

+359 (2) 807 7811

Fax

+359 (2) 807 7812

List of Universities accredited by the Bulgarian National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA/НАОА):

Blagoevgrad

1. American University in Bulgaria
2. College of Tourism
3. South-west University "Neofit Rilski"

Botevgrad

1. International Business School

Burgas

1. Burgas Free University
2. University "Prof. Dr Assen Zlatarov"

Gabrovo

1. Technical University

Pernik

1. European Polytechnical University

Pleven

1. Medical University

Plovdiv

1. Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts
2. Agricultural University
3. European Higher School of Economics and Management
4. Higher School of Security and Economics
5. Medical University
6. Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski"
7. University of Agribusiness and Rural Development
8. University of Food Technologies

Ruse

1. Ruse University "Angel Kanchev"

Shumen

1. University of Shumen "Konstantin Preslavsky"

Sofia

1. Academy of Ministry of Interior
2. College of Management, Trade and Marketing
3. G. S. Rakovski National Defence College
4. Higher School for Insurance and Finance
5. Higher School of Telecommunications and Post
6. Medical University
7. National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts "Krustyo Sarafov"
8. National Academy of Art
9. National Academy of Music "Prof. Pancho Vladigerov"
10. National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski"
11. New Bulgarian University
12. Sofia University "st. Kliment Ohridski"
13. Theatre College "Luben Groys"
14. Todor Kableshkov University of Transport
15. University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy
16. University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy
17. University of Forestry
18. University of Library Studies and Information Technologies
19. University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski"
20. University of National and World Economy
21. University of Structural Engineering and Architecture "Lyuben Karavelov"

Stara Zagora

1. Trakia University

Svishtov

1. Academy of Economics "D. A. Tsenov"

Varna

1. Higher School of Management
2. Medical University "Prof. Paraskev Stoyanov"
3. Nicola Vaptsarov Naval Academy
4. University of Economics
5. Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar"
6. Technical University

Veliko Tarnovo

1. St. Cyril and St. Methodius University
2. Vasil Levski National Military University

Official Social Media Channels

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency's Wikipedia article

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