Conseil suisse d’accréditation

Overview

The Swiss Accreditation Council (Schweizerischer Akkreditierungsrat, SAC; Conseil suisse d’accréditation, CSA) is the central body responsible for accreditation and quality assurance in Switzerland's higher education sector. Established in 2005, the SAC operates under the Federal Act on Funding and Coordination of the Higher Education Sector (HEdA) and collaborates with the Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ) to uphold academic standards and institutional quality across the country.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 2005, the SAC was created to address the need for a unified approach to accreditation in Switzerland. It operates under the legal framework established by the Federal Act on Funding and Coordination of the Higher Education Sector (HEdA), which came into effect on January 1, 2015. This act outlines the roles and responsibilities of the SAC in coordinating the activities of the Confederation and cantons in the higher education sector.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

Mission: The SAC's mission is to ensure the quality and integrity of higher education in Switzerland by overseeing accreditation processes and fostering continuous improvement in academic standards.

Vision: To establish Switzerland as a leading hub for higher education, known for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and international collaboration.

Objectives:

• Conduct institutional and programme accreditation procedures in compliance with the Higher Education Act.
• Develop and implement quality assurance standards and guidelines.
• Provide evaluations to support the development of higher education institutions.
• Engage in international cooperation to align Swiss quality assurance practices with European and global standards.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The SAC operates as a joint body of the Confederation and the cantons, ensuring a balanced representation of all stakeholders in the Swiss higher education system. The council is composed of 18 independent members from various sectors, including higher education institutions, the workforce, students, and faculty members. According to the Higher Education Act, at least five members must be primarily active abroad. This composition ensures that the SAC's decisions reflect a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

The SAC functions as the supervisory body of the AAQ, acting as its executive committee and supervisory board. The AAQ carries out accreditation procedures and quality assurance activities under the authority of the SAC. The SAC's independence is maintained through its legal status and governance structure, which allows it to function as a neutral body coordinating higher education policy across Switzerland.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

The SAC plays a critical role in the Swiss higher education system by:

• Institutional Accreditation: Assessing whether higher education institutions meet the minimum requirements defined in the Higher Education Act.
• Programme Accreditation: Evaluating specific study programmes to ensure they align with national standards and contribute to the overall quality of higher education.
• Quality Audits: Conducting evaluations to review and improve the quality assurance systems within institutions.
• International Recognition: Awarding the EUR-ACE label to accredited engineering programmes, recognizing their compliance with European quality standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The SAC is actively involved in international quality assurance networks, enhancing the global recognition of Swiss higher education. Its memberships and collaborations include:

• ENQA: Full membership in the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, demonstrating adherence to European quality assurance standards.
• EQAR: Registration in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education, signifying compliance with the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG).
• QAN: Membership in the Quality Audit Network, facilitating collaboration on quality assurance practices.
• Réseau FrAQ-Sup: Co-founding member of this network of French-speaking quality assurance agencies.
• German Accreditation Council: Approval to conduct system and programme accreditation procedures in Germany.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The SAC's activities directly influence the quality and international recognition of Swiss higher education institutions. By ensuring that institutions and programmes meet established quality standards, the SAC contributes to:

• Enhancing Educational Quality: Supporting institutions in developing robust quality assurance systems that lead to improved teaching and learning outcomes.
• International Recognition: Facilitating the global mobility of students and staff through the recognition of accredited qualifications.
• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging institutions to engage in self-reflection and continuous development to meet evolving educational needs.

Summary

The Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC) serves as the cornerstone of higher education policy coordination in Switzerland. Through its governance structure, accreditation and quality assurance roles, and international collaborations, the SAC ensures that Swiss higher education institutions maintain high standards of quality and remain competitive on the global stage.

FAQs

1. What is the role of the SAC?
   The SAC is responsible for conducting accreditation and quality assurance procedures for higher education institutions and programmes in Switzerland, ensuring they meet national and international standards.
2. How does the SAC contribute to quality assurance?
   The SAC develops quality standards, conducts evaluations, and provides guidance to institutions to enhance their quality assurance systems and practices.
3. Is the SAC recognized internationally?
   Yes, the SAC is a full member of ENQA, registered in EQAR, and holds approval from the German Accreditation Council, among other international recognitions.
4. What types of accreditation does the SAC perform?
   The SAC conducts institutional and programme accreditation, as well as quality audits, to assess and enhance the quality of higher education in Switzerland.
5. What is the EUR-ACE label?
   The EUR-ACE label is awarded by the SAC to accredited engineering programmes that meet European quality standards, facilitating international recognition and mobility.

Organization Name

Conseil suisse d’accréditation
Swiss Accreditation Council
Schweizerischer Akkreditierungsrat

Acronym

SAC/CSA

Year of Establishment

2005

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

Effingerstrasse 15
Bern
3001 Bern Switzerland

Phone

+41 (31) 380 1164

Fax

+41 (31) 380 1155

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Swiss higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Switzerland.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.