Malta Further and Higher Education Authority MFHEA

Overview

The Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) is an independent national body responsible for overseeing and regulating further and higher education in Malta. Established to ensure quality and relevance in educational offerings, MFHEA plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the country. Its mission is to foster the development and achievement of excellence in further and higher education in Malta through research, effective licensing, accreditation, quality assurance, and recognition of qualifications established under the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) .

History and Legal Framework

MFHEA was officially launched on 8 January 2021, legislated by the revised Education Act that came into force on 1 January 2021. This revision consolidated various functions related to further and higher education under a single authority, streamlining processes and enhancing the regulatory framework . The authority operates under Subsidiary Legislation 607.03, known as the Further and Higher Education (Licensing, Accreditation and Quality Assurance) Regulations .

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

MFHEA's mission is encapsulated in its tagline: “Quality Education for Confident Futures.” The authority aims to:

• Provide accreditation to further and higher educational institutions and programmes.
• Ensure quality assurance mechanisms are in place for educational offerings.
• Recognize national and international qualifications.
• Validate informal and non-formal learning experiences.
• Conduct research and provide policy recommendations related to further and higher education.

Through these objectives, MFHEA seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of education in Malta, aligning with both national and international standards.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

MFHEA operates as an autonomous public authority, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations. The authority is governed by a board of directors, with Dr. Rose Anne Cuschieri serving as the Chief Executive Officer. The organizational structure includes various departments focusing on areas such as licensing, accreditation, quality assurance, research, and policy development . This structure allows MFHEA to effectively manage its diverse responsibilities and maintain its independence in decision-making processes.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

MFHEA is mandated to:

• Accredit educational institutions and their programmes to ensure they meet established standards.
• Conduct external quality assurance audits to evaluate the effectiveness of educational offerings.
• Maintain a register of accredited providers and programmes, ensuring public transparency .
• Support institutions in implementing quality assurance practices aligned with European and international guidelines .

These functions are crucial in maintaining the integrity and quality of Malta's educational system.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

MFHEA actively participates in international networks to promote the recognition and mobility of qualifications. Notably, Malta established its Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) in 2007, with MFHEA serving as the local competent authority to recognize qualifications and accredit courses against the MQF . The authority collaborates with various international organizations to align Malta's education system with global standards and practices.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

MFHEA's initiatives are shaping the future of higher education in Malta by:

• Implementing the National Strategic Action Plan for Further and Higher Education 2022–2030, which aims to create a dynamic and resilient knowledge ecosystem .
• Enhancing the quality and relevance of educational programmes through rigorous accreditation and quality assurance processes.
• Promoting lifelong learning and the recognition of diverse learning pathways, including informal and non-formal education.

These efforts contribute to the development of a competent community of empowered individuals, equipped with the right skills to pursue their aspirations and contribute to society.

Summary

The Malta Further and Higher Education Authority plays a central role in regulating and enhancing the quality of further and higher education in Malta. Through its comprehensive approach to accreditation, quality assurance, and international cooperation, MFHEA ensures that Malta's educational offerings meet high standards, fostering a knowledgeable and skilled populace.

FAQs

• What is the role of MFHEA?
  MFHEA oversees and regulates further and higher education in Malta, ensuring quality and relevance in educational offerings.
• When was MFHEA established?
  MFHEA was officially launched on 8 January 2021, following the enactment of the revised Education Act.
• What is the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF)?
  The MQF is a system that classifies qualifications based on learning outcomes, facilitating the recognition and comparison of qualifications.
• How does MFHEA support international cooperation?
  MFHEA collaborates with international organizations to align Malta's education system with global standards and practices, promoting the recognition and mobility of qualifications.
• What is the National Strategic Action Plan for Further and Higher Education?
  This plan outlines the vision and objectives for developing a dynamic and resilient knowledge ecosystem in Malta by 2030.

Organization Name

Malta Further and Higher Education Authority

Acronym

MFHEA

Year of Establishment

14/09/2012

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

Triq J Abela Scolaro, Hamrun
San Gwann
1304 Malta

Phone

+356 2598 1489

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

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