The International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) is a global organisation that promotes quality assurance and continuous improvement in higher education. Established in 1991, it brings together organisations involved in evaluating and improving the quality of universities, colleges, and academic programmes worldwide. Its secretariat is based in Barcelona, Spain. Unlike a conventional accreditation agency that directly accredits universities, INQAAHE primarily operates as an international network supporting cooperation, professional development, research, and the sharing of good practices among quality assurance organisations.
INQAAHE’s main activities include supporting quality assurance agencies, developing international standards and guidelines, organising professional development opportunities, publishing research, and facilitating collaboration between members. Its membership includes national and regional accreditation agencies, external quality evaluation bodies, higher education institutions, and individuals involved in quality assurance. The organisation provides opportunities for members to exchange knowledge, improve their assessment procedures, and strengthen their approaches to maintaining academic standards.
An important part of INQAAHE’s work is its development and promotion of international quality assurance standards. Its International Standards and Guidelines provide a framework for assessing the practices of quality assurance agencies. INQAAHE also has an alignment process through which eligible agencies can demonstrate that their quality assurance practices align with its guidelines. This is distinct from ordinary network membership: an organisation being listed as an INQAAHE member does not automatically mean that it has successfully completed the alignment process or received government recognition as an accreditor.
Regarding credibility, INQAAHE is an established international network with published membership criteria and procedures. However, its role should be understood correctly. It is not a universal government regulator, and membership alone does not authorise an organisation to accredit universities or award academic degrees. Recognition of an individual quality assurance agency depends on its legal authority, the country in which it operates, its assessment procedures, and any relevant international recognition arrangements. Students should therefore investigate the specific agency responsible for an institution’s accreditation rather than relying solely on an INQAAHE membership claim.
Overall, INQAAHE plays an important role in advancing international cooperation and professional standards in higher education quality assurance. Before relying on an institution’s claim that it is accredited by an INQAAHE member, I recommend that you verify the accrediting agency’s status, check whether it has completed INQAAHE’s alignment process, and confirm that the qualification is recognised by the relevant education authority in your country.
INQAAHE is a big NAME!
INQAAHE’s role is an important distinction to understand. Being a member of its network doesn’t automatically make an organisation a recognised accreditor. It’s worth checking the agency itself rather than relying on membership claims alone.