Stiftung zur Akkreditierung

Overview

The Stiftung zur Akkreditierung, officially known as the Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat (German Accreditation Council Foundation), is a public-law foundation based in Bonn, Germany. Established to oversee and enhance the quality assurance of higher education, it plays a pivotal role in accrediting study programs and internal quality management systems at German higher education institutions (HEIs). Operating under the Interstate Study Accreditation Treaty, the foundation ensures that accreditation decisions are made transparently and in alignment with European standards.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 2005 as the Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programs in Germany, it was initially established by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. In 2018, following the enactment of the Interstate Study Accreditation Treaty, the foundation's name was changed to Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat. This treaty, agreed upon by all 16 German federal states, centralized the accreditation process, transferring decision-making authority to the Accreditation Council while maintaining the assessment procedures with authorized agencies. The legal framework governing the foundation includes the Interstate Study Accreditation Treaty, the Specimen Decree, the Accreditation Council Act, and the scale of fees of the German Accreditation Council.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The foundation's mission is to contribute to the development of quality in teaching and learning at German HEIs and to support the realization of the European Higher Education Area. It aims to ensure that accreditation procedures are conducted reliably, transparently, and in accordance with European Standards and Guidelines. The foundation is committed to academic freedom and the autonomy of HEIs, recognizing their primary responsibility for the quality of teaching and learning. It also focuses on promoting international cooperation in accreditation and quality assurance to enhance the comparability and recognition of qualifications across borders.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The foundation operates with three main bodies:

• Accreditation Council: The central decision-making body responsible for accrediting study programs, internal quality assurance systems, and alternative procedures. It comprises 22 members, including representatives from HEIs, federal states, professional practice, students, and international experts.
• Board: The executive body that manages the foundation's operations and implements the decisions of the Accreditation Council.
• Foundation Council: The supervisory body that monitors the legality and economic efficiency of the foundation's activities. Its members are appointed by the German Rectors' Conference and the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs for a period of four years.

While the foundation is a public-law entity, it operates independently in its decision-making processes, ensuring impartiality and adherence to established standards.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The foundation is responsible for accrediting study programs and internal quality assurance systems at HEIs. Accreditation decisions are based on expert evaluations conducted by authorized agencies, which assess whether the programs meet the criteria set forth in the Specimen Decree and align with European Standards and Guidelines. The foundation also oversees the accreditation of these agencies, ensuring they operate with legitimacy, transparency, and independence. Additionally, it supports the development and implementation of alternative procedures to foster innovation in quality assurance.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The foundation actively engages in international cooperation to promote the recognition and comparability of qualifications. It participates in various European and international networks, including:

• European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA)
• European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR)
• European Consortium for Accreditation (ECA)

Through these memberships, the foundation contributes to the development of common standards and practices in quality assurance and supports the mobility of students and professionals across borders.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

As a central body in Germany's higher education landscape, the foundation plays a crucial role in shaping the quality assurance system. Its activities ensure that HEIs maintain high standards in teaching and learning, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. The foundation's emphasis on transparency, stakeholder involvement, and alignment with European standards enhances the credibility and recognition of German higher education both domestically and internationally. Looking ahead, the foundation aims to further streamline accreditation processes, promote innovation in quality assurance, and strengthen international collaborations to address emerging challenges in higher education.

Summary

The Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat is a cornerstone institution in Germany's higher education quality assurance framework. By centralizing accreditation decisions, accrediting agencies, and promoting international cooperation, it ensures that German HEIs deliver high-quality education that meets both national and international standards. Its commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement positions it as a model for quality assurance in higher education.

FAQs

• What is the role of the Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat?

  The foundation oversees the accreditation of study programs and internal quality assurance systems at German higher education institutions, ensuring compliance with national and European standards.

• How does the accreditation process work?

  Authorized agencies conduct expert evaluations of study programs and quality management systems. The Accreditation Council then makes decisions based on these evaluations, ensuring transparency and adherence to established criteria.

• What is the legal basis for the foundation's activities?

  The foundation operates under the Interstate Study Accreditation Treaty, the Specimen Decree, the Accreditation Council Act, and the scale of fees of the German Accreditation Council.

• How does the foundation collaborate internationally?

  The foundation participates in European and international networks such as ENQA, EQAR, and ECA to promote the recognition and comparability of qualifications and to contribute to the development of common quality assurance standards.

• What is the future direction of the foundation?

  The foundation aims to streamline accreditation processes, promote innovation in quality assurance, and strengthen international collaborations to address emerging challenges in higher education.

Organization Name

Stiftung zur Akkreditierung
Accreditation Council Foundation

Acronym

Year of Establishment

1/01/2005

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

Adenauerallee 73
Bonn
53113 Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany

Phone

+49 (228) 338485

Fax

+49 (228) 338564

List of German Universities accredited by the Stiftung zur Akkreditierung (Accreditation Council Foundation)in 2025:

Baden-Württemberg

• Aalen University of Applied Sciences - Technology and Business - Aalen
• accadis University of Applied Sciences Bad Homburg - Bad Homburg
• Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg im Breisgau - Freiburg
• Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences - Albstadt, Sigmaringen
• Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University - Bad Mergentheim, Friedrichshafen, Heidenheim, Heilbronn, Horb, Karlsruhe, Lörrach, Mannheim, Mosbach, Ravensburg, Stuttgart, Villingen-Schwenningen
• Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen - Tübingen
• Furtwangen University - Computer Science, Technology, Business, Media, Health - Furtwangen, Tuttlingen, Villingen-Schwenningen
• Heidelberg University of Education - Heidelberg
• Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences - Technology and Economics - Karlsruhe
• Karlsruhe University of Education - Karlsruhe
• Karlshochschule International University - Karlsruhe
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology - Karlsruhe
• Catholic University of Applied Sciences Freiburg - Freiburg
• Ludwigsburg University of Education - Ludwigsburg
• Macromedia University of Applied Sciences - Berlin, Freiburg, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart
• Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences - Geislingen, Nürtingen
• Offenburg University of Applied Sciences - Gengenbach, Offenburg
• Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences - vineyard
• Reutlingen University - Reutlingen
• Rottenburg University of Forestry - Rottenburg
• Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg - Heidelberg, Mannheim
• SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University - Riedlingen
• SRH University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg - Calw, Heidelberg
• Stuttgart Media University - Stuttgart
• University of Hohenheim - Stuttgart-Hohenheim
• University of Konstanz - Constance
• University of Stuttgart - Stuttgart
• University of Ulm - Ulm
• Weingarten University of Education - vineyard
• Zeppelin University - Friedrichshafen

Bavaria

• Augsburg University of Applied Sciences - augsburg
• Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt - Eichstätt, Ingolstadt
• Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences - Deggendorf, parish churches
• East Bavarian Technical University Amberg-Weiden - Amberg, Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Neumarkt id Opf., Weiden
• East Bavarian Technical University of Regensburg - regensburg
• Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg - Erlangen, Nuremberg
• Hof University of Applied Sciences - Hof, Münchberg
• Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg - Würzburg
• Kempten University of Applied Sciences - Kempten
• Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences - Neu-Ulm
• Nuremberg Technical University Georg Simon Ohm - Nuremberg
• Nuremberg University of Music - Nuremberg
• Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg - Bamberg
• SRH University of Health - Bamberg, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Gera, Hamburg, Heide, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leverkusen, study and examination centers of the SRH Fernhochschule - The M, Stuttgart
• Technical University of Ingolstadt - Ingolstadt, Neuburg an der Donau
• Technical University of Munich - Garching, Heilbronn, Munich, Singapore (GIST), Straubing, Weihenstephan
• University of Applied Management - Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Ismaning, Cologne, Mannheim, Neumarkt, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Treuchtlingen, Unna, Vienna
• University of Bayreuth - Bayreuth, Kulmbach
• University of Music and Theatre Munich - Munich
• University of Music Würzburg - Würzburg
• University of Passau - Passau
• University of Regensburg - regensburg

Berlin

• bbw University - Berlin
• Berlin School of Economics and Law - Berlin
• Berlin University of Technology and Economics - Berlin
• Charité – University Medicine Berlin - Berlin
• Free University of Berlin - Berlin, Potsdam
• German University of Health and Sport - Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Ismaning, Cologne, Leipzig, Mannheim, Stuttgart, Unna, Vienna
• SRH University Berlin - Berlin, Dresden
• Steinbeis University Berlin - Berlin, Herrenberg, Memmingen, Munich, Stuttgart
• Technical University of Berlin - Berlin, Campus El Gouna (Egypt)
• University of Europe for Applied Sciences - Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Iserlohn, Potsdam

Brandenburg

• European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) - Frankfurt (Oder)
• HSD Döpfer University - Cologne, Regensburg
• University of Potsdam - Potsdam
• Wildau University of Applied Sciences - Wildau

Bremen

• Bremen University of Applied Sciences - Bremen
• University of Bremen - Bremen

Hamburg

• European Distance Learning University Hamburg - Hamburg
• Fresenius University - Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich, location independent, Wiesbaden, Zwickau
• Hamburg University of Applied Sciences - Hamburg
• Hamburg University of Music and Theatre - Hamburg
• HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration - Hamburg
• University of Hamburg - Hamburg

Hesse

• Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences - Darmstadt, Dieburg
• Frankfurt School of Finance & Management - Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg
• Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main - Frankfurt am Main
• RheinMain University of Applied Sciences - Rüsselsheim, Wiesbaden
• Technical University of Darmstadt - Darmstadt
• Wilhelm Büchner University - Private Distance Learning University Darmstadt - Darmstadt, Frankfurt am Main

Lower Saxony

• Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg - Oldenburg
• Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University of Hanover - Hanover
• Leuphana University of Lüneburg - Lüneburg

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

• University of Greifswald - Greifswald
• University of Rostock - Rostock
• Wismar University of Applied Sciences: Technology, Business and Design - Rostock, Wismar

North Rhine-Westphalia

• Aachen University of Applied Sciences - Aachen, Jülich
• AKAD University of Applied Sciences Stuttgart - state-recognized - Stuttgart
• Bielefeld University - Bielefeld
• Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI) - Bielefeld, Gütersloh, Minden
• CBS University of Applied Sciences - Aachen, Brühl, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Mainz, Neuss, Potsdam, Solingen
• Cologne University of Applied Sciences - Gummersbach, Cologne, Leverkusen
• Cologne University of Applied Sciences gGmbH - Bergheim, Geilenkirchen, Cologne, Neuss, Schleiden, Wermelskirchen
• FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics & Management - Aachen, Berlin, Bonn, Bremen, Dortmund, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Gütersloh, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Mannheim, Marl, Munich, Neuss, Nuremberg, Siegen, Stuttgart, Wuppertal
• German Sport University Cologne - Cologne
• IU International University - Bad Honnef, Bad Reichenhall, Berlin, Dortmund, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Killarney, Munich, Nuremberg
• Münster University of Applied Sciences - Münster, Steinfurt
• Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences - Krefeld, Mönchengladbach
• RWTH Aachen - Aachen
• SRH University in North Rhine-Westphalia - Hamm, Leverkusen, Münster
• Technical University of Dortmund - Dortmund
• University of Applied Sciences for Business - Bergisch Gladbach, Bielefeld, Marburg, Mettmann, Paderborn
• University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (FHM) - Bamberg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Hanover, Cologne, Pulheim, Rostock, Schwerin
• University of Cologne - Cologne
• University of Duisburg-Essen - Duisburg, Essen
• University of Siegen - Victories

Rhineland-Palatinate

• Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz - Germersheim, Mainz
• Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences - Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Zweibrücken
• Mainz University of Applied Sciences - Mainz
• Rhineland-Palatinate University of Technology Kaiserslautern-Landau - Kaiserslautern
• Technical University of Kaiserslautern - Kaiserslautern
• Trier University of Applied Sciences - Birkenfeld, Idar-Oberstein, Trier
• University of Koblenz - Koblenz
• University of Trier - trier
• WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management - Düsseldorf, Vallendar
• Worms University of Applied Sciences - Worms

Saarland

• Saarland University - Homburg, Saarbrücken

Saxony

• Chemnitz University of Technology - Chemnitz
• Dresden University of Applied Sciences - Dresden
• Leipzig University of Applied Sciences - Leipzig
• Mittweida University of Applied Sciences - Mittweida
• Technical University of Dresden - Dresden, Tharandt, Zittau
• University of Leipzig - Leipzig
• Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences - Görlitz, Zittau

Saxony-Anhalt

• Anhalt University of Applied Sciences - Bernburg, Dessau, Köthen
• Harz University of Applied Sciences - Halberstadt, Wernigerode
• Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences - Magdeburg, Stendal
• Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg - Magdeburg

Schleswig-Holstein

• Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel - Kiel
• Kiel University of Applied Sciences - Kiel, Neumünster, Osterrönfeld
• Nordakademie - Elmshorn, Hamburg

Thuringia

• Friedrich Schiller University Jena - Jena
• Liszt University of Music Weimar - Weimar
• Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences - Schmalkalden
• Technical University of Ilmenau - Ilmenau
• University of Erfurt - Erfurt

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Wikipedia Article

Stiftung zur Akkreditierung's Wikipedia article

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