Following the launch of Full International Membership at the end of 2021, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education [QAA] has launched an International Associate Membership programme.

The International Associate Membership package offers a range of resources, guidance and networking opportunities for international higher education institutions who do not yet have QAA’s International Quality Review accreditation but are recognised by their local quality assurance agency. This new service has been developed in QAA’s capacity supporting the development of higher education internationally, including activity supporting QAA Members and collaborating with international partners.

QAA, the UK’s independent quality body and a global leader in quality assurance and enhancement, has launched the associate membership service to complement their membership offering in supporting international institutions with safeguarding academic standards and enhancing the quality of the student learning experience, as well as building connections with the UK.

International Associate Membership will provide international institutions with access to a range of informative, timely and responsive quality enhancement resources designed to support institutions in improving their provision alongside access to a number of events, workshops and briefings. They will also have opportunity to attend QAA’s International Member Network where they can discuss the latest developments in international quality assurance and enhancement with other QAA International Members and International Associate Members.

QAA’s Chief Executive Vicki Stott commented: “Following the successful launch of our International Membership programme, we are delighted to extend our offering to include international institutions who have not yet achieved International Quality Review accreditation. This provides a further opportunity for the UK higher education sector to connect with global institutions, facilitating further collaboration between UK and international higher education, and deepening trust and confidence in the UK higher education sector for international partners.”

To find out more about International and International Associate Membership, visit our International Membership web page. If you have any queries, please contact internationalmembership@qaa.ac.uk.