IQR Case Study: Institutional accreditation in Kuwait
QAA’s International Quality Review (IQR) helped Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) in Kuwait to enhance their international reputation and expand partnerships with global institutions and industry.
Professor Bashar Ibrahim, Acting President at GUST, discusses how IQR has helped act as a strategic tool for continuous development.
Why did you choose to work with QAA and seek international accreditation?
GUST sought international accreditation to benchmark itself against leading global universities, strengthen its quality assurance systems, and increase international visibility. We chose QAA’s IQR for its reputation for rigorous academic standards, its global recognition, and its emphasis on institutional improvement.
How has accreditation influenced internal quality assurance, academic programmes, or administrative processes?
International accreditation institutionalised a culture of continuous improvement, embedding quality into all aspects of teaching, learning, and governance. The accreditation process led to the following positive impacts:
- More systematic reviews of curricula through the University Curriculum Committee
- Student feedback integrated into teaching evaluations and curriculum review cycles
- Professional development workshops attended by 70% of faculty.
Has accreditation affected your institution’s reputation locally or globally?
Accreditation has significantly enhanced GUST’s visibility both locally and internationally. It has led to increased recognition from employers who now actively seek GUST graduates, acknowledging the quality of education provided. Additionally, accreditation has strengthened the University’s standing with the Private Universities Council and the National Bureau for Academic Accreditation and Education Quality Assurance (NBAQ) in Kuwait.
Key benefits resulting from international accreditation
Expanded partnerships with international and UK universities
Increased applications and registrations following accreditation
Enhanced partnerships with industry through advisory boards
The successful completion of IQR accreditation marks a defining moment for GUST as a regional leader in higher education. It has reinforced our academic governance, strengthened our assurance mechanisms, and ensured that our curricula meet the highest international benchmarks. More importantly, it has positioned GUST as a trusted partner in global education, opening new pathways for collaboration, research, and innovation.
Accreditation is not a destination but a strategic platform — one that enables us to expand our international presence, attract outstanding faculty and students, and contribute more meaningfully to Kuwait’s knowledge economy.
About the University
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Kuwait’s first private university, was established in 2002 with a focus on academic excellence, international engagement and industry collaboration. Its modern campus offers cutting-edge facilities and a student-centred, career-focused approach. The University has partnerships with institutions in the UK, US, and across the region, as well as strong links to industry.
Contact us to find out more about IQR
If you would like further information about IQR and the process of QAA accreditation, please email us.
