Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre of Latvia

Overview

The Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre of Latvia (Latvian: Augstākās izglītības kvalitātes novērtēšanas centrs, abbreviated AIKNC) is a Latvian non-profit foundation established on December 28, 1994. It was founded through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia and the Latvian Rectors' Council. AIKNC's primary function is to evaluate and enhance the quality of higher education institutions and their study programs in Latvia, aligning with European Union standards and guidelines. The Centre operates under the legal framework of Latvian law and is recognized as a credible partner in the European Higher Education Area.

Historical and Legal Framework

AIKNC was established in 1994 with the aim of supporting the development and quality assurance of higher education in Latvia. The foundation was created through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Rectors' Council. In July 2004, AIKNC was restructured from a non-profit organization under the Commercial Law into a foundation, in compliance with Latvian commercial law requirements. This restructuring aimed to enhance the Centre's operational efficiency and legal standing. AIKNC is headquartered in Riga, Latvia and operates in accordance with Latvian legislation governing non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: AIKNC's mission is to promote the improvement of the quality of Latvian higher education and contribute to the development and maintenance of a quality culture in accordance with the standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area.

Vision: To be a trusted and internationally recognized quality agency for higher education, actively contributing to quality assurance processes in the European and global higher education area.

Objectives:

• Organize the examination and quality evaluation of higher education institutions and their study programs using methodologies recognized by European Union member states.
• Conduct self-evaluations of higher education institutions and their study programs.
• Facilitate external evaluations by independent experts based on visits to higher education institutions.
• Publish evaluation results and support continuous quality improvement processes.
• Provide consultations on issues related to higher education institutions' quality evaluation.
• Train experts involved in the evaluation and improvement of higher education.

Governance, Structure and Independence

AIKNC operates as a foundation under Latvian law, with its governance structure comprising a Board of Trustees and an executive team responsible for day-to-day operations. The Centre maintains its independence through its non-profit status and the voluntary participation of its member institutions. Its activities are guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and adherence to European quality assurance standards. AIKNC collaborates with various stakeholders, including higher education institutions, policymakers and international partners, to fulfill its mission and objectives.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

AIKNC plays a pivotal role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education in Latvia. It is responsible for organizing the examination and evaluation of higher education institutions and their study programs, ensuring compliance with European Union-recognized methodologies. The Centre conducts self-evaluations and facilitates external evaluations by independent experts, providing reliable information on higher education quality assessment and development. Through its activities, AIKNC contributes to the continuous improvement of higher education quality in Latvia.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

AIKNC actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality assurance processes in Latvian higher education. It is a member of the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), which recognizes quality assurance agencies that comply with European standards and guidelines. AIKNC's participation in EQAR and other international networks enables it to align Latvia's higher education quality assurance practices with European and global standards, fostering mutual recognition and collaboration.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

AIKNC's work has a significant impact on the development and enhancement of higher education in Latvia. By conducting rigorous evaluations and promoting quality assurance practices, the Centre contributes to the improvement of educational standards and the international recognition of Latvian higher education institutions. Looking forward, AIKNC aims to implement a modern accreditation model that will strengthen institutional autonomy, promote accountability and support excellence in higher education and research. This new model is expected to be gradually introduced between 2025 and 2027, aligning with European best practices and enhancing the quality of higher education in Latvia.

Summary

The Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre of Latvia (AIKNC) is a key institution in the Latvian higher education landscape, dedicated to promoting and ensuring the quality of higher education. Established in 1994, AIKNC operates as a non-profit foundation under Latvian law, collaborating with national and international partners to uphold European quality assurance standards. Through its comprehensive evaluation processes and commitment to continuous improvement, AIKNC plays a vital role in enhancing the quality and international competitiveness of Latvian higher education institutions.

FAQs

• What is AIKNC? AIKNC is the Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre of Latvia, a non-profit foundation responsible for evaluating and enhancing the quality of higher education institutions and their study programs in Latvia.
• When was AIKNC established? AIKNC was established on December 28, 1994, through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia and the Latvian Rectors' Council.
• What is AIKNC's mission? AIKNC's mission is to promote the improvement of the quality of Latvian higher education and contribute to the development and maintenance of a quality culture in accordance with European standards and guidelines.
• Is AIKNC an accrediting body? Yes, AIKNC is responsible for organizing the examination and quality evaluation of higher education institutions and their study programs, ensuring compliance with European Union-recognized methodologies.
• Where is AIKNC located? AIKNC is headquartered in Riga, Latvia, with its legal and postal address at Vaļņu iela 2, LV-1050.
• Is AIKNC involved in international cooperation? Yes, AIKNC is a member of the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) and actively engages in international cooperation to enhance quality assurance processes in Latvian higher education.

Organization Name

Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre of Latvia
Augstakas izglitibas kvalitates novertešanas centrs

Acronym

AIKNC

Year of Establishment

2001

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Valnu 2
Riga
LV-1050 Riga Latvia

Phone

+ 371 2 928 3214

Fax

+ 371 6721 2558

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

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