History and Developments

  • The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education (QAHE) is a globally respected organization dedicated to advancing educational excellence through accreditation and strategic partnerships. Founded as an independent, private entity registered in Delaware, USA, QAHE has focused on enhancing quality assurance across Pre-tertiary and higher education worldwide. With over 300 institutions accredited and an expanding network of alliances, QAHE’s history reflects its commitment to fostering educational standards through its Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and significant organizational milestones.

Founding and Early Years

  • QAHE was established in the 2010s in Delaware, USA, as an ISO-certified, non-governmental accrediting agency. Its mission to uphold international educational standards was reinforced by early adoption of certifications like ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 20000:2018 (IT Service Management), ISO 17011:2017 (Conformity Assessment), ISO/IEC 17040:2005 (Peer Assessment), and ISO 27001:2013 (Information Security Management). These efforts laid the groundwork for its first strategic partnerships via MOUs in 2022, marking the beginning of its global outreach.

2022

    • MOU with Technology and Human Association (TEKINDER)
      • Purpose: Promotes collaboration in technology education and research.
    • MOU with European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA)
      • Purpose: Enhances educational quality across the USA and Europe.

2023

    • MOU with Agency for Accreditation of Educational Programs and Organizations (AAEPO), Kyrgyz Republic
      • Purpose: Improves vocational education quality.
    • MOU with Independent Accreditation Agency “Elbaasy”, Kyrgyz Republic
      • Purpose: Advances global quality assurance.
    • MOU with National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research (ANACEC), Republic of Moldova
      • Purpose: Strengthens quality assurance collaboration.
    • MOU with Agency for Accreditation of Educational Organizations and Programs “Sapattuu Bilim”, Kyrgyz Republic
      • Purpose: Enhances accreditation with INQAAHE and APQN ties.
    • MOU with Tamilnadu Council for Open and Distance Learning (TCODL), India
      • Purpose: Advances open and distance learning quality.
    • MOU with Accreditation Council for Education (ACE), Indonesia
      • Purpose: Ensures quality in Indonesian education.
    • MOU with Agency of Quality and Rating Accreditation (AQRA), Kyrgyz Republic
      • Purpose: Enhances quality assurance in Kyrgyzstan.
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2024

      • MOU with American Association for Higher Education and Accreditation (AAHEA)
        • Purpose: Enhances global higher education quality.
      • MOU with Association of Compulsive E-Learning (A.C.E.L.)
        • Purpose: Advances digital learning.
      • MOU with International Accreditation, Rating and Certification Institute (IARC), Kyrgyzstan
        • Purpose: Establishes dual accreditation.
      • MOU with Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA)
        • Purpose: Elevates educational standards in the Arab world.
      • MOU with International Teachers Association (ITA)
        • Purpose: Promotes global education standards.
      • MOU with Ciulabs Skills Accreditation Council (CSA Council)
        • Purpose: Supports skills development in India.
      • MOU with Nigeria Council for Theological Studies and Christian Education (NICTSCE), Abuja
        • Purpose: Enhances theological education quality.
      • MOU with National Human Rights and Humanitarian Federation (NHRF), India
        • Purpose: Promotes educational and human rights initiatives.
      • MOU with Accreditation and Rating International Agency (ARIA), Uzbekistan
        • Purpose: Enhances educational quality in Uzbekistan.
      • MOU with International Association of Coaches, Therapists & Mentors (IACTM)
        • Purpose: Enhances professional development.
      • MOU with Association of Chartered Christian Instructors (ACCI)
        • Purpose: Supports Christian education programs.
      • MOU with EDU
        • Purpose: Establishes reciprocal accreditation recognition.
      • MOU with Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), Egypt Chapter
        • Purpose: Enhances collaboration with security professionals.
      • MOU with Society for Community Strengthening and Promotion of Education, Balochistan (SCSPEB)
        • Purpose: Promotes education access in Balochistan.
      • MOU with Mercosul Accreditation Agency (MACCA)
        • Purpose: Strengthens accreditation collaboration in the Mercosul region (e.g., Brazil, Argentina).

2025

      • MOU with National Accreditation Commission of Schools and Colleges (NACSC)
        • Purpose: Enhances educational quality under NACSC’s authority.
      • MOU with Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS)
        • Purpose: Renews collaboration for private school quality.
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      • MOU with Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA)
        • Purpose: Establishes reciprocal accreditation recognition.
      • MOU with Brazilian Association of Distance Education (ABED)
        • Purpose: Establishes reciprocal accreditation recognition on Distance Education.
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Key Milestones and Achievements

  • ISO Certifications (2010s): Achieved multiple ISO standards early on, including ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and ISO 17011:2017 for conformity assessment, establishing QAHE as a credible accrediting body.
  • Accreditation Growth (2020s): Expanded to accredit over 300 institutions worldwide by 2025, spanning countries like the USA, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Nigeria, showcasing its global footprint.
  • Recognition by International Bodies: Gained recognition from organizations which are members of like INQAAHE and APQN through partnerships (e.g., Sapattuu Bilim), enhancing its standing in the global quality assurance community.
  • Award Programs: Initiated recognition programs for educational excellence, such as honorary degrees and institutional awards, reflecting its role in celebrating quality.

 

These milestones highlight QAHE’s evolution from a nascent accrediting agency to a globally influential organization, complementing its partnership-driven growth.

Broader Development Context

  • QAHE’s MOUs and achievements align with its accreditation of over 300 institutions and ISO certifications, reinforcing its credibility. Its partnerships and milestones span continents and sectors, from technology to community education, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to quality assurance.

     

Impact of MOUs and Achievements

  • These efforts have:

    • Global Reach: Engaged over 15 countries, amplifying QAHE’s influence.
    • Diverse Scope: Covered e-learning, security, human rights, and more.
    • Quality Standards: Ensured institutions meet international benchmarks, bolstered by ISO recognition.

Looking Ahead

  • With 2025 MOUs like NACSC and GNACOPS, QAHE continues to expand its network. Additional partnerships and milestones anticipated in 2025 will further its mission.