Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria SUNEDU

Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria SUNEDU

Overview

Overview

The Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria (SUNEDU), or National Superintendency of University Higher Education, is the Peruvian government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education institutions in Peru. Established to ensure the quality and transparency of university education, SUNEDU plays a pivotal role in the licensing, supervision, and evaluation of universities across the country.

History and Legal Framework

SUNEDU was created through the enactment of the University Law No. 30220 in 2014, which aimed to reform and modernize the higher education system in Peru. This law granted SUNEDU the authority to license universities, ensuring they meet established quality standards. The constitutional validity of the law was confirmed by the Constitutional Court of Peru on January 26, 2016. SUNEDU operates as an autonomous public entity attached to the Ministry of Education, with its own legal personality and budgetary allocation.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

SUNEDU's mission is to contribute to the development of human resources by creating enabling conditions for the free movement of individuals and to implement the external quality assurance policy in higher education in Peru. Its objectives include:

  • Evaluating the quality of higher education institutions and study programmes;
  • Assessing qualifications obtained abroad;
  • Providing information on higher education systems and qualifications recognition;
  • Supporting higher education institutions in improving quality;
  • Promoting public awareness of the quality of higher education.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

SUNEDU operates as an autonomous public agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Peru. It is governed by a Director, who is appointed for a five-year term, and is supported by a team of professionals responsible for various functions, including quality evaluation, qualification recognition, and information dissemination. The Centre maintains its independence by adhering to principles of transparency, accountability, and impartiality in all its activities.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

SUNEDU is responsible for the external evaluation and accreditation of higher education institutions and study programmes in Peru. The Centre conducts:

  • Institutional evaluations to assess the overall quality management and strategic development of HEIs;
  • Ex-ante (new) programme evaluations to assess the quality of newly proposed study programmes before their implementation;
  • Study field evaluations to assess the quality of education within specific academic disciplines across all HEIs in Peru.

These evaluations are conducted by expert panels composed of national and international specialists, and the results are used to inform decisions on accreditation and to provide feedback for continuous improvement.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

SUNEDU actively participates in international networks and collaborates with various organizations to enhance the quality assurance processes in higher education. The Centre is a member of:

  • European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA),
  • European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR),
  • European Consortium for Accreditation (ECA),
  • Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (CEENQA).

Through these memberships, SUNEDU aligns its practices with European standards and contributes to the development of quality assurance frameworks in higher education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

SUNEDU continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in Peru. By conducting rigorous evaluations and providing constructive feedback, the Centre helps institutions enhance the quality of education and align with international standards. Looking forward, SUNEDU aims to:

  • Further streamline accreditation processes to reduce administrative burdens;
  • Enhance the recognition of foreign qualifications to facilitate mobility;
  • Promote the adoption of innovative teaching and learning practices;
  • Strengthen international collaborations to share best practices and experiences.

Summary

The Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria is a cornerstone institution in Peru's higher education sector, committed to ensuring and enhancing the quality of education through rigorous evaluations, accreditation processes, and international cooperation. Its work supports the development of a robust and globally competitive higher education system in Peru.

FAQs

  • What is the role of SUNEDU?

    SUNEDU is responsible for the external evaluation and accreditation of higher education institutions and study programmes in Peru, as well as the recognition of foreign qualifications.

  • How does SUNEDU conduct evaluations?

    Evaluations are conducted by expert panels composed of national and international specialists, who assess the quality of education based on established criteria and standards.

  • How can I contact SUNEDU?

    SUNEDU can be contacted at Aldabas 337, Santiago de Surco, Lima, Peru. Email: consultas@sunedu.gob.pe. Phone: +51 1 500 3930.

  • How can I access SUNEDU's evaluations?

    Evaluation reports and other publications are available on SUNEDU's official website: https://www.gob.pe/sunedu.

  • Is SUNEDU involved in international collaborations?

    Yes, SUNEDU is a member of several international networks, including ENQA, EQAR, ECA, and CEENQA, and collaborates with various organizations to enhance quality assurance in higher education.

Organization Profile


Organization Name




Acronym

SUNEDU


Year of Establishment

1/01/2014


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.


Contact Details

Address

Calle Aldabas 337
Santiago de Surco
15039 Lima Peru


Phone

+51 (1) 275 4608

Fax

+51 (1) 275 5019

Location Map



Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

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