Акредитаційна комісія України

Overview

The National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance (NAQA) is Ukraine's sole state-designated accreditation body for higher education institutions. Established to implement the Law of Ukraine "On Higher Education," NAQA is a permanent collegial body operating under the Cabinet of Ministers' Decree No. 244, dated April 15, 2015. According to uniRank, NAQA commenced its official activities in February 2019, following a transparent selection process for its 23-member composition. NAQA's mission is to ensure the quality and transparency of higher education in Ukraine, aligning with European standards.

1 Historical and Legal Framework

NAQA was legally established as part of comprehensive higher education reforms enacted after Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity in 2014. The agency's foundation was formalized through the Law of Ukraine "On Higher Education," with its operational framework detailed in the Cabinet of Ministers' Decree No. 244. The agency's legal status and functions are further defined by the Charter of NAQA, ensuring its autonomy and independence in fulfilling its responsibilities. As of April 2024, NAQA is the only national body in Ukraine designated by the state as an accreditation agency, with its establishment and functioning procedures determined by law and government decree.

2 Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

NAQA's mission is to promote quality assurance in higher education through transparent and independent accreditation processes. The agency's objectives include:

• Implementing external quality assurance procedures for higher education institutions and study programs.
• Developing and updating accreditation standards in line with European Standards and Guidelines (ESG-2015).
• Providing recommendations for the improvement of higher education quality.
• Engaging stakeholders, including students, employers and academic staff, in quality assurance processes.

NAQA's vision is to align Ukraine's higher education system with European higher education standards, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and international recognition.

3 Governance, Structure and Independence

NAQA operates as a permanent collegial body consisting of 23 members appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The selection process is conducted through a competitive procedure managed by an independent commission, ensuring transparency and sectoral representation. The agency's governance structure includes:

• A governing board responsible for strategic decision-making.
• Specialized committees focusing on specific areas of accreditation and quality assurance.
• An executive office handling day-to-day operations and implementation of policies.

NAQA's independence is legally established through the Law of Ukraine "On Higher Education" and its Charter, ensuring autonomy in fulfilling its responsibilities without external influence.

4 Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

NAQA conducts external quality assurance procedures for higher education institutions and study programs. The accreditation process involves:

• Evaluation of internal quality assurance systems of institutions.
• Assessment of compliance with accreditation standards.
• Provision of recommendations for quality improvement.
• Granting accreditation status based on evaluation outcomes.

The agency's quality assurance procedures are aligned with the Regulation on Accreditation of Study Programmes, developed by NAQA and adopted by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in August 2019. These procedures ensure that accredited programs meet national and international standards, contributing to the overall quality of higher education in Ukraine.

5 International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NAQA actively participates in international networks and cooperates with foreign quality assurance agencies to enhance the quality of higher education in Ukraine. The agency is a full member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), which provides access to a database of consultants, periodicals and opportunities to participate in global events. NAQA has also established bilateral agreements with several international quality assurance agencies, including:

• Scientific Research Evaluation Commission (KEN), Republic of Poland.
• Non-profit Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR), Kazakhstan.
• National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE), Georgia.
• High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres), France.
• Polish Accreditation Committee (PKA), Republic of Poland.
• Academic Information Centre (AIC), Latvia.
• Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (SQAA), Slovenia.
• Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE), Croatia.
• Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA), Germany.
• Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), United Kingdom.
• ZEvA Hannover, Germany.
• Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS), Romania.
• Independent Agency for Recognition and Quality Assurance in Education (ARQA), Kazakhstan.
• Hungarian Accreditation Committee (MAB), Hungary.
• CORDNGSION DES TITRES d’Ingénieur (CTI), France.
• Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ), Sweden.
• Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA), Estonia.
• Education Quality Assurance Agency (TKTA), Republic of Azerbaijan.
• National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA), Bulgaria.

These collaborations facilitate the exchange of expertise, harmonization of quality assurance practices and integration of Ukraine's higher education system into the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

6 Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

NAQA's activities significantly influence the development and improvement of higher education in Ukraine. The agency's accreditation processes ensure that institutions and programs meet established quality standards, thereby enhancing the credibility and competitiveness of Ukrainian higher education. NAQA's strategic initiatives, such as the National Action Plan for External Quality Assurance in Higher Education for 2024-2026, aim to:

• Strengthen the internal quality assurance systems of higher education institutions.
• Promote transparency and accountability in accreditation procedures.
• Encourage continuous improvement and innovation in educational practices.
• Facilitate the international recognition of Ukrainian higher education qualifications.

Through these efforts, NAQA contributes to the modernization and internationalization of Ukraine's higher education system, aligning it with European and global standards.

7 Summary

The National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance (NAQA) is a central institution in Ukraine's higher education system, responsible for ensuring the quality and transparency of higher education through independent accreditation processes. Established in 2015 and operational since 2019, NAQA operates under the Law of Ukraine "On Higher Education" and the Cabinet of Ministers' Decree No. 244. The agency's governance structure comprises 23 members selected through a competitive process, ensuring sectoral representation and transparency. NAQA's accreditation procedures align with European Standards and Guidelines, contributing to the continuous improvement and international recognition of Ukrainian higher education.

8 Frequently Asked Questions

• What is NAQA?
  The National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance (NAQA) is Ukraine's sole state-designated accreditation body for higher education institutions, responsible for ensuring the quality and transparency of higher education through independent accreditation processes.
• When was NAQA established?
  NAQA was legally established in 2015 as part of comprehensive higher education reforms following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity in 2014. The agency commenced its official activities in February 2019.
• How is NAQA governed?
  NAQA operates as a permanent collegial body consisting of 23 members appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The selection process is conducted through a competitive procedure managed by an independent commission, ensuring transparency and sectoral representation.
• What is NAQA's mission?
  NAQA's mission is to promote quality assurance in higher education through transparent and independent accreditation processes, aligning Ukraine's higher education system with European standards and fostering continuous improvement.
• How does NAQA impact higher education?
  NAQA's accreditation processes ensure that institutions and programs meet established quality standards, enhancing the credibility and competitiveness of Ukrainian higher education. The agency's strategic initiatives aim to strengthen internal quality assurance systems, promote transparency and facilitate international recognition.
• Is NAQA involved in international cooperation?
  Yes, NAQA actively participates in international networks and cooperates with foreign quality assurance agencies to enhance the quality of higher education in Ukraine. The agency is a full member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and has established bilateral agreements with several international quality assurance agencies.

Organization Name

Акредитаційна комісія України

Accreditation Commission of Ukraine

Acronym

ACU

Year of Establishment

2015

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

vul. Metalistiv 5-A
Kiev
03057 Kiev Oblast Ukraine

Phone

+38 (44) 454 9806

Fax

+38 (44) 456 8562

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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