The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE) stands as a globally recognized, independent, and private accreditation body committed to advancing educational excellence across all levels of learning. Headquartered in the United States, QAHE is dedicated to fostering inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which advocates for lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Vision and Mission

QAHE envisions a world where quality education is universally accessible, empowering individuals and institutions to reach their full potential. Central to this vision is the belief that robust academic accreditation not only enhances established institutions but also inspires emerging ones to strive for excellence. QAHE’s mission is to provide comprehensive, internationally benchmarked accreditation services that support continuous improvement in education. These services are grounded in globally recognized standards, including ISO/IEC 17011:2017 and ISO/IEC 17040:2005, ensuring that institutions meet rigorous criteria in academic governance, curriculum quality, and institutional integrity.

Accreditation Framework and ISO Certifications

QAHE’s accreditation model is designed to accommodate a wide range of educational providers, including universities, colleges, schools, training organizations, and e-learning platforms. The association has earned multiple ISO certifications that reinforce its credibility and operational excellence. These include:

• ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System
• ISO 29990 – Non-formal Education and Training Services Management
• ISO/IEC 17011:2017 – Competence and impartiality of accreditation bodies
• ISO/IEC 17040:2005 – Peer assessment processes
• ISO 20000:2018 – Service Management System
• ISO 27001:2013 – Information Security Management System

These certifications affirm QAHE’s commitment to transparency, consistency, and global best practices in quality assurance.

Global Reach and Strategic Partnerships

QAHE has cultivated a vast international network, accrediting over 300 institutions and collaborating with more than 70 global partners. Its strategic alliances span continents and include memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with prominent quality assurance agencies such as:

• ANACEC (Republic of Moldova)
• Sapattuu Bilim and EdNet (Kyrgyz Republic)
• FIBAA (Germany)
• ACE (Indonesia)
• Russian Register (Russia)
• AROQA (Arab Region)
• ABED (Brazil)
• IABE (USA)
• All Pakistan Private Schools’ Federation
• TCODL (India)
• National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria

These partnerships facilitate reciprocal recognition, joint accreditation efforts, and the exchange of best practices, thereby strengthening the global quality assurance ecosystem.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

QAHE’s objective is not only to accredit but also to elevate the standards of education and training institutions worldwide. By promoting collaboration among regional and international quality assurance bodies, QAHE fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Its accreditation signals an institution’s dedication to delivering education that meets international expectations and prepares learners for global challenges.

In sum, QAHE is more than an accrediting body—it is a catalyst for educational transformation. Through its rigorous standards, strategic collaborations, and unwavering commitment to SDG 4, QAHE is shaping a future where quality education is a universal right, not a privilege.

For more information, visit the QAHE About page.