Hungarian Accreditation Committee

Overview

The Magyar Felsőoktatási Akkreditációs Bizottság (Hungarian Accreditation Committee, MAB) is Hungary's national expert body responsible for the external evaluation of the quality of education, scientific research and artistic activities in higher education institutions. Established in 1993, MAB operates independently and is recognized for its adherence to European quality assurance standards. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Hungarian higher education institutions meet national and international quality benchmarks.

History and Legal Framework

MAB was founded in 1993 as an independent professional body authorized by the Hungarian government to conduct external evaluations of higher education institutions. It operates under the supervision of the Hungarian Ministry of Human Capacities. The committee's legal framework is defined by its statutes and is aligned with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). MAB is financed through a combination of state funding and accreditation fees, ensuring its operational independence.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

MAB's mission is to safeguard and enhance the quality of higher education in Hungary through rigorous evaluation processes. Its objectives include:

• Conducting external evaluations of educational, research and artistic activities in higher education institutions.
• Assessing the internal quality assurance systems of these institutions.
• Ensuring compliance with national and international quality standards.
• Providing recommendations for continuous improvement in higher education.

Through these objectives, MAB aims to foster a culture of quality and accountability within Hungarian higher education institutions.

Governance, Structure and Independence

MAB operates with a governance structure that includes a Board and various expert committees. The Board is responsible for strategic decisions, while the expert committees handle specific evaluation tasks. The committee's independence is safeguarded through its operational autonomy and the diversity of its governing bodies, which include representatives from the Hungarian Rectors' Conference, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and other stakeholders. This structure ensures that MAB's evaluations are impartial and based on expert judgment.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

MAB's primary role is to conduct external evaluations of higher education institutions in Hungary. This includes:

• Initial accreditation of new programs and institutions.
• Periodic re-accreditation of existing programs and institutions.
• Evaluation of internal quality assurance systems.
• Assessment of compliance with ESG standards.

These evaluations are essential for maintaining the quality and credibility of higher education in Hungary and ensuring that institutions meet both national and international standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

MAB is actively involved in international quality assurance networks, enhancing its global perspective and contributing to the broader higher education community. It is a full 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). Additionally, MAB participates in the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), collaborating with quality assurance agencies worldwide to share best practices and align with international standards.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking forward, MAB continues to influence the development of higher education in Hungary by:

• Promoting the adoption of innovative teaching and learning practices.
• Encouraging institutions to engage in continuous self-assessment and improvement.
• Facilitating the integration of Hungarian higher education into the European Higher Education Area.
• Supporting the development of a quality assurance culture across all levels of higher education.

Through these efforts, MAB contributes to the enhancement of the quality and international competitiveness of Hungarian higher education institutions.

Summary

The Hungarian Accreditation Committee (MAB) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and accountability of higher education in Hungary. Through its independent evaluations, MAB helps institutions meet national and international standards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Its active participation in international networks further strengthens its capacity to contribute to the global higher education community.

FAQs

• What is the Hungarian Accreditation Committee?
  The Hungarian Accreditation Committee (MAB) is an independent body responsible for evaluating the quality of higher education in Hungary.
• When was MAB established?
  MAB was established in 1993 to conduct external evaluations of higher education institutions.
• What is MAB's role in higher education?
  MAB evaluates the quality of education, research and artistic activities in higher education institutions, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
• Is MAB involved in international quality assurance networks?
  Yes, MAB is a full member of ENQA and is listed in EQAR. It also participates in INQAAHE.
• How does MAB impact higher education?
  By conducting evaluations and promoting quality assurance practices, MAB helps institutions improve and maintain high standards in education.

Organization Name

Hungarian Accreditation Committee
Magyar Felsőoktatási Akkreditációs Bizottság

Acronym

MAB
HAC

Year of Establishment

1993

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

Krisztina krt. 39/B
Budapest
1013 Budapest Hungary

Phone

+36 (1) 344 0314

Fax

+36 (1) 344 0313

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

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