هيئة جودة التعليم والتدريب

Overview

The Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA), known in Arabic as هيئة جودة التعليم والتدريب, is Bahrain's national body responsible for ensuring and enhancing the quality of education and training across the Kingdom. Established in 2008 as part of the National Education Reform Project, BQA operates under the supervision of the Cabinet of Ministers and is governed by a Board of Directors comprising distinguished leaders from various sectors. The Authority's mission is to promote excellence, accountability and transparency in Bahrain's educational landscape, aligning with the nation's broader Vision 2030 goals.

History and Legal Framework

BQA was created in response to the need for a dedicated entity to regulate, evaluate and improve the quality of education and training institutions in Bahrain. Initially established as the Quality Assurance Authority for Education and Training (QAAET), the organization underwent reorganization and was renamed in accordance with Royal Decrees No. (83) of 2012 and No. (74) of 2016. This restructuring aimed to strengthen its role in the national education reform efforts and to better align with international standards and best practices. According to uniRank, BQA's establishment was a significant step in Bahrain's commitment to educational excellence.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

BQA's mission is to ensure that all education and training institutions in Bahrain meet high standards of quality, thereby fostering an environment conducive to lifelong learning and personal development. The Authority's vision is to be a leading force in shaping a high-quality, transparent and accountable education and training system in Bahrain. Its objectives include:

• Establishing and maintaining national standards for education and training.
• Conducting comprehensive reviews and assessments of educational institutions.
• Providing support and guidance to institutions for continuous improvement.
• Ensuring alignment of qualifications with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
• Promoting a culture of quality and accountability within the education sector.

Governance, Structure and Independence

BQA operates as an independent national authority, reporting directly to the Cabinet of Ministers. The Authority is governed by a Board of Directors, which provides strategic direction and oversight. The Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the Board, manages the day-to-day operations of the Authority. This governance structure ensures that BQA functions with autonomy and impartiality, enabling it to effectively carry out its mandate without undue influence. According to uniRank, this independent status is crucial for maintaining the credibility and integrity of the quality assurance processes.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

BQA plays a pivotal role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education institutions in Bahrain. The Authority conducts institutional reviews based on the General Framework of Higher Education Institutional Review, which assesses institutions against national standards. These reviews result in published reports that provide insights into an institution's strengths and areas for improvement. BQA's accreditation process ensures that higher education programs are aligned with the NQF and meet the required quality benchmarks. This rigorous evaluation process contributes to the continuous enhancement of higher education standards in Bahrain.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

BQA actively engages in international cooperation to align Bahrain's education and training standards with global best practices. The Authority is a member of several reputable international networks, including:

• International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE): A global association of quality assurance agencies in higher education.
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA): A U.S.-based organization that provides recognition to quality assurance agencies.
• European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA): A network that promotes European higher education quality assurance.

These memberships facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building and the adoption of international standards in Bahrain's education and training sectors.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

BQA's impact on higher education in Bahrain is profound and ongoing. Through its accreditation and quality evaluation processes, the Authority ensures that institutions maintain high standards of education and training. The implementation of the NQF has provided a clear framework for recognizing and comparing qualifications, both nationally and internationally. Looking ahead, BQA aims to further enhance the quality of higher education by integrating emerging educational trends, fostering innovation and supporting institutions in adapting to global challenges. According to uniRank, BQA's initiatives are expected to continue driving improvements in the quality and competitiveness of Bahrain's higher education sector.

Summary

The Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) is a cornerstone of Bahrain's commitment to educational excellence. Through its independent governance, rigorous accreditation processes and active international collaborations, BQA ensures that the Kingdom's education and training institutions meet high standards of quality. As Bahrain continues to evolve its educational landscape, BQA remains dedicated to fostering an environment of continuous improvement, aligning with both national aspirations and international benchmarks.

FAQs

• What is the role of BQA in Bahrain's education system?

  BQA is responsible for ensuring and enhancing the quality of education and training institutions in Bahrain through accreditation, reviews and the implementation of national standards.

• How does BQA assess higher education institutions?

  BQA conducts institutional reviews based on the General Framework of Higher Education Institutional Review, evaluating institutions against national standards and providing feedback for improvement.

• Is BQA an independent authority?

  Yes, BQA operates as an independent national authority, governed by a Board of Directors and reporting directly to the Cabinet of Ministers.

• Which international networks is BQA a member of?

  BQA is a member of INQAAHE, CHEA and ENQA, facilitating international cooperation and alignment with global quality assurance standards.

• How does BQA impact the future of higher education in Bahrain?

  BQA's initiatives aim to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Bahrain's higher education sector by integrating emerging trends, fostering innovation and supporting institutions in adapting to global challenges.

Organization Name

هيئة جودة التعليم والتدريب

Education and Training Quality Authority

Acronym

BQA

Year of Establishment

2014

Control Type

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

Doha Plaza Building, 2334 Road 2830 Block 428
Manama
Capital Governorate Bahrain

Phone

+973 17 562 333

Fax

+973 17 562 398

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Education and Training Quality Authority's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Education and Training Quality Authority's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Education and Training Quality Authority's YouTube channel

Instagram

Education and Training Quality Authority's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Education and Training Quality Authority's Wikipedia article

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