Samoa Qualifications Authority SQA

Overview

The Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) is the principal statutory body responsible for regulating, quality assuring, and coordinating Post School Education and Training (PSET) in Samoa. Established under the Samoa Qualifications Authority Act 2010, the SQA aims to ensure that qualifications and training programs are nationally and internationally recognized, contributing to the socio-economic development of Samoa through enhanced educational standards and workforce readiness.

History and Legal Framework

The need for a coordinated approach to PSET in Samoa was highlighted by a 2003 review conducted by the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations Development Programme. This led to the establishment of the Samoa Qualifications Authority under the Samoa Qualifications Authority Act 2006, which was later repealed and replaced by the Samoa Qualifications Authority Act 2010. The Act provides the legislative framework for the SQA's functions, including the regulation of qualifications and quality standards for all PSET providers in Samoa.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

Mission: To regulate, quality assure, and coordinate Post School Education and Training through partnerships with all stakeholders to improve the quality of education and training for all Samoan learners.

Vision: Relevant, accessible, and sustainable quality Post School Education and Training for all Samoan learners to enhance quality of life.

Objectives:

• Develop and maintain the Samoa Qualifications Framework.
• Ensure that qualifications meet national and international standards.
• Accredit and register PSET providers and their programs.
• Conduct quality audits and promote continuous improvement.
• Facilitate the recognition of prior learning and non-formal education.
• Enhance the employability of graduates through relevant training.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The SQA operates as an independent statutory body under the governance of a Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall management of the Authority. The SQA is structured into four main divisions:

• Quality Assurance Division: Oversees accreditation, quality audits, and the development of quality assurance policies.
• Research, Policy, and Planning Division: Conducts research, develops policies, and plans for the future of PSET in Samoa.
• Qualifications Division: Develops and maintains the Samoa Qualifications Framework and National Competency Standards.
• Corporate Services Division: Manages administrative functions, human resources, and financial services.

The SQA's independence ensures that it can operate impartially and effectively in regulating and quality assuring PSET in Samoa.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

The SQA plays a critical role in accrediting PSET providers and their programs to ensure they meet established quality standards. This process involves:

• Evaluating the capacity of providers to deliver quality education and training.
• Assessing programs to ensure they align with the Samoa Qualifications Framework.
• Conducting quality audits to monitor ongoing compliance with standards.
• Recognizing non-formal learning and prior learning to facilitate access to formal qualifications.

Through these activities, the SQA ensures that graduates possess the skills and knowledge required by the labor market, thereby enhancing employability and contributing to economic development.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The SQA is committed to international collaboration to enhance the quality and recognition of Samoan qualifications. It is a member of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) and has been approved for inclusion on the Asia Pacific Quality Register (APQR), demonstrating its adherence to regional quality assurance standards. These memberships facilitate the recognition of Samoan qualifications abroad and promote the exchange of best practices in quality assurance.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking forward, the SQA aims to:

• Expand the scope of accredited programs to meet emerging industry needs.
• Enhance the recognition of Samoan qualifications internationally.
• Promote lifelong learning and the recognition of prior learning.
• Strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to improve the relevance and quality of PSET.

Through these initiatives, the SQA seeks to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that supports the sustainable development of Samoa.

Summary

The Samoa Qualifications Authority is a key institution in the Samoan education sector, tasked with regulating, quality assuring, and coordinating Post School Education and Training. Established under the Samoa Qualifications Authority Act 2010, the SQA ensures that qualifications meet national and international standards, thereby enhancing the employability of graduates and contributing to the socio-economic development of Samoa. Through its governance structure, accreditation processes, and international collaborations, the SQA plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education in Samoa.

FAQs

1. What is the Samoa Qualifications Authority?
   The Samoa Qualifications Authority is the principal statutory body responsible for regulating, quality assuring, and coordinating Post School Education and Training in Samoa.
2. When was the Samoa Qualifications Authority established?
   The Samoa Qualifications Authority was established under the Samoa Qualifications Authority Act 2010.
3. What are the main functions of the Samoa Qualifications Authority?
   The main functions include developing and maintaining the Samoa Qualifications Framework, accrediting and registering PSET providers and programs, conducting quality audits, and facilitating the recognition of prior learning.
4. How does the Samoa Qualifications Authority ensure the quality of education?
   The SQA ensures quality through accreditation processes, quality audits, and by developing and implementing standards and policies aligned with national and international benchmarks.
5. Is the Samoa Qualifications Authority involved in international collaborations?
   Yes, the SQA is a member of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network and is included on the Asia Pacific Quality Register, facilitating international recognition of Samoan qualifications.

Organization Name

Samoa Qualifications Authority

Acronym

SQA

Year of Establishment

1/01/2005

Control Type

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

P. O. Box L851
Apia
Tuamasaga Samoa

Phone

+685 20976

Fax

+685 26314

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Samoa Qualifications Authority's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Samoa Qualifications Authority's Instagram page

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 Samoan higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Samoa.

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