Agjencia e Kosovës për Akreditim AKA

Overview

The Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA), known in Albanian as Agjencia e Kosovës për Akreditim, is an independent public institution established to ensure the quality of higher education in Kosovo. Operating under the legal framework provided by the Law on Higher Education and the Law on the Kosovo Accreditation Agency, KAA is responsible for accrediting both public and private higher education institutions and their study programs. Its mission is to support the development of quality in these institutions and assure the society of Kosovo that the quality of teaching and learning meets international standards.

History and Legal Framework

KAA was established in March 2008 by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) in accordance with the Law on Higher Education (2003/14) in Kosovo. Initially, KAA operated under this law until 2023, when it began functioning under Law No. 08/L-110 on the Kosovo Accreditation Agency, which granted it the status of a regulatory agency for higher education. This transition aimed to enhance the agency's independence and effectiveness in overseeing the quality of higher education in Kosovo.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

KAA's mission is to promote and ensure the quality of higher education in Kosovo through independent accreditation processes. Its vision is to contribute to the development of a competitive and internationally recognized higher education system. The agency's objectives include:

• Conducting accreditation, re-accreditation, monitoring and validation of higher education institutions and their study programs.
• Developing and implementing standards and guidelines for quality assurance in higher education.
• Ensuring compliance with national and international quality standards.
• Supporting continuous improvement in the quality of higher education.

Governance, Structure and Independence

KAA operates as an independent institution, governed by the State Council of Quality (SCQ), which serves as its decision-making body. The SCQ is composed of members appointed based on their expertise and experience in higher education. The agency's administrative structure is headed by a Director General, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations. KAA's independence is safeguarded by its legal framework, which ensures that its decisions are made impartially and without external interference.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

KAA plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in Kosovo. Through its accreditation processes, the agency evaluates higher education institutions and their study programs based on established standards and guidelines. These evaluations assess various aspects, including curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, infrastructure and student support services. By ensuring that institutions meet these standards, KAA helps to promote a culture of quality and accountability in higher education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

KAA is committed to aligning Kosovo's higher education system with international standards and practices. To this end, it collaborates with various international organizations and networks. Notably, KAA became a full member of the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) in July 2025, following a positive evaluation by a team of international experts. This membership signifies KAA's adherence to the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). Additionally, KAA is an affiliate member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and is working towards achieving recognized accreditor status with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the United States.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Through its rigorous accreditation processes, KAA has a significant impact on the quality of higher education in Kosovo. By ensuring that institutions meet national and international standards, the agency helps to enhance the credibility and competitiveness of Kosovo's higher education system. Looking forward, KAA aims to further strengthen its role by expanding its international collaborations and continuously improving its accreditation processes to adapt to evolving educational needs and standards.

Summary

The Kosovo Accreditation Agency is a vital institution in ensuring the quality and credibility of higher education in Kosovo. Established in 2008 and operating under the legal framework provided by the Law on Higher Education and the Law on the Kosovo Accreditation Agency, KAA is responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and their study programs. Through its independent and rigorous accreditation processes, KAA promotes a culture of quality and accountability, contributing to the development of a competitive and internationally recognized higher education system in Kosovo.

FAQs

• What is the Kosovo Accreditation Agency? The Kosovo Accreditation Agency is an independent public institution responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and their study programs in Kosovo.
• When was KAA established? KAA was established in March 2008 by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in accordance with the Law on Higher Education.
• What is the role of KAA? KAA evaluates and accredits higher education institutions and their study programs to ensure they meet national and international quality standards.
• Is KAA recognized internationally? Yes, KAA is a full member of the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) and an affiliate member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).
• How does KAA impact higher education in Kosovo? By ensuring that institutions meet established quality standards, KAA helps to enhance the credibility and competitiveness of Kosovo's higher education system.

Organization Name

Agjencia e Kosovës për Akreditim
Kosovo Accreditation Agency

Acronym

AKA

Year of Establishment

1/01/2003

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

St. Agim Ramadani, Student's Center, 2nd Floor
Pristina
10000 Republic of Kosovo Serbia

Phone

+381 38 200 205 77

Fax

+381 38 213087

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

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