The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre‑Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE) is pleased to announce the formal signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Eurasian Centre for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education and Health Care (ECAQA). This landmark agreement, signed on 11 March 2026, establishes a robust framework for collaboration between two internationally recognized quality assurance bodies committed to advancing excellence in education.
ECAQA is widely acknowledged as the first specialized accreditation body for medical, pharmaceutical, nursing, and public health education in the CIS region, and is officially listed in the Register of Recognized Accreditation Bodies of the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan. As noted in the MOU, ECAQA is also included in the FAIMER DORA Directory, the CHEA/CIQG International Directory, and the Asia‑Pacific Quality Register (APQR), and is an active member of global networks such as ENQA, INQAAHE, APQN, CEENQA, and others. The organization has successfully undergone external evaluation by ENQA and EQAR, confirming its compliance with the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG 2015).
Under the newly signed agreement, QAHE and ECAQA will collaborate closely on a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening accreditation systems and enhancing the quality of higher education worldwide. The MOU outlines joint efforts in organizing workshops, conferences, training programs, roundtables, and research projects, with a particular focus on emerging trends such as digital education and innovative learning models. Both organizations will also engage in mutual participation in events, sharing expertise as keynote speakers, panelists, and contributors to professional dialogue.
The partnership further emphasizes the exchange of best practices, methodological support, and scientific collaboration, enabling both organizations to benefit from each other’s extensive experience in institutional and program accreditation. As stated in the document, ECAQA conducts accreditation using internationally recognized frameworks, including WFME Standards, ORPHEUS Standards, ESG 2015, and WHO/EUROPE guidelines for nursing and midwifery education—reflecting a high level of rigor and global alignment.
Importantly, the MOU affirms a spirit of mutual recognition and professional respect, with both parties expressing readiness to consider institutions that have successfully completed evaluation processes conducted by the other organization. This reciprocal understanding strengthens international trust and supports the mobility of institutions across borders.
The agreement also includes provisions for joint publicity, allowing both QAHE and ECAQA to share information about collaborative activities while maintaining strict adherence to branding policies and professional integrity. Financial obligations are not imposed under this MOU, and any future financial arrangements will be addressed through separate agreements.
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in QAHE’s ongoing mission to promote quality, equity, and global cooperation in education. By joining forces with ECAQA—an organization with deep expertise in health sciences accreditation and a strong international presence—QAHE continues to expand its global network and reinforce its commitment to supporting institutions in achieving excellence.
QAHE looks forward to a productive and impactful collaboration with ECAQA in the years ahead.
