المركز الوطني لضمان جودة و إعتماد المؤسسات التعليمية و التدريبية

Overview

The National Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Educational and Training Institutions (NCQAAETI) (Arabic: المركز الوطني لضمان جودة و اعتماد المؤسسات التعليمية و التدريبية) is Libya’s governmental body entrusted with evaluating, accrediting, and enhancing the quality of educational and training institutions across all levels. Based in Tripoli and operating under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Center plays a central role in promoting excellence, transparency, and outcomes-oriented education nationally. According to uniRank, NCQAAETI is recognized as Libya’s principal institution overseeing quality assurance and accreditation.

Historical and Legal Framework

NCQAAETI was initially established in 2006 under a decree of the General People’s Committee as the “Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions.” It underwent name and scope expansions—first in 2009 to include all educational levels, and in 2010 renamed to its current title via Education Law No. 18. It now operates under authority granted by a 2015 ministerial decision, cementing its legal mandate to oversee licensing, accreditation, and equivalency across Libya’s education system.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: To build and implement a comprehensive national system for evaluating, assuring quality, and accrediting educational and training institutions in Libya, aligning with international standards.

Vision: To achieve regional and international leadership in educational quality and institutional excellence.

Objectives:

• Establish and evolve institutional and programmatic standards aligned with global best practices.
• Promote a culture of self-evaluation, continuous improvement, and accountability.
• Provide technical support and guidance to institutions working toward accreditation.
• Oversee recognition and equivalency of foreign academic qualifications.
• Facilitate transparency through publishing accreditation data and supporting research.

Governance, Structure and Independence

NCQAAETI functions as an independent governmental institution, both administratively and financially. It is headquartered in Tripoli with regional branches in Benghazi and Sabha. Its organizational structure includes departments for accreditation, quality assurance, and qualifications equivalency. The Director General, appointed by national authorities, leads the agency and oversees audit teams responsible for on-site evaluations of institutions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

NCQAAETI administers three primary processes:

1. Technical Licensing – granting initial permission to institutions to operate.
2. Institutional Accreditation – assessing governance, resources, outcomes, and compliance with standards.
3. Programmatic Accreditation – evaluating individual academic offerings, especially in specialized and medical fields.

The accreditation process includes self-study, external audit, site visits, and ongoing monitoring for renewal. Standards for medical education are aligned with international benchmarks like those set by the World Federation for Medical Education. Graduates from institutions such as Sebha University have benefited from this accreditation process. NCQAAETI also launched an electronic portal in 2025 to streamline processes like equivalency requests.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NCQAAETI is an active member of regional and global quality assurance networks. It is affiliated with the Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education and became a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). Additionally, it has been awarded recognition status by the World Federation for Medical Education, validating its medical accreditation standards.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

NCQAAETI is reshaping Libya’s educational landscape by raising institutional quality and enhancing the credibility of academic qualifications. Its accreditation procedures, quality capacity building, and transparency initiatives support institutional improvement and alignment with international norms. These reforms are key to Libya’s efforts to develop a modern, competitive higher education sector that better serves students, employers, and national development goals.

Summary

The National Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Educational and Training Institutions is Libya’s authoritative body for education quality assurance. Since its inception in 2006, NCQAAETI has expanded its mandate to oversee institutional and program accreditation, licensing, and qualifications equivalency across all educational levels. Guided by international standards and supported by a clear legal framework, the Center fosters continuous improvement, institutional accountability, and global recognition of Libyan education.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is NCQAAETI?
  The National Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Educational and Training Institutions is Libya’s governmental body for evaluating, accrediting, and assuring quality in educational and training providers.
• When was it established?
  It was established in 2006 and expanded in 2009 and 2010 under Education Law No. 18.
• What does it do?
  NCQAAETI administers technical licensing, institutional and programmatic accreditation, and handles recognition of foreign qualifications.
• Is NCQAAETI recognized internationally?
  Yes. The agency is a member of ANQAHE, INQAAHE, and holds recognition from the World Federation for Medical Education for its medical accreditation standards.
• What recent innovations has NCQAAETI introduced?
  In 2025, NCQAAETI launched an electronic portal to facilitate equivalency and accreditation processes, enhancing digital access for institutions and individuals.

Organization Name

المركز الوطني لضمان جودة و إعتماد المؤسسات التعليمية و التدريبية

National Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Educational and Training Institutions

Acronym

NCQAAETI

Year of Establishment

2007

Control Type

Public

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

Ben Ashur Street
Tripoli
80767 Tripoli Libya

Phone

+218 21 361 7328

Fax

+218 21 361 9604

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

National Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Educational and Training Institutions's Facebook page

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 Libyan higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Libya.

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