Enquiry process to ensure the accreditation process meets provider needs and to discuss the proposed programmes to include for accreditation.
Your gateway to demonstrating programme quality, driving enhancement and gaining global recognition
QAA International Programme Accreditation (IPA) is an internationally recognised accreditation for higher education programmes delivered outside the UK. Through expert peer review, IPA enables institutions to demonstrate that their curriculum development and quality assurance process for programmes align with internationally recognised quality standards and they deliver a high-quality student experience.
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Compliance with the ESG
The Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) provide the framework for internal and external quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area. QAA’s review methods are compliant with these standards, as are the reports we publish. More information is available on our website.
How IPA helps you evidence programme excellence on a global stage:
International recognition and accreditation
Provides independent confirmation that your programmes meet internationally recognised expectations for quality and standards, certified via the QAA Quality Mark.
Confidence in graduate outcomes
Demonstrates alignment with international best practice, enhancing trust among students, employers, partners and regulators while supporting graduate mobility, employability and progression opportunities.
Drives improvement and excellence
Unites programme teams, academic leaders and professional services staff to create a quality-led culture focused on continuous enhancement and facilitates the development of mature quality assurance systems and processes.
Assurance for partnership expansion
Signals a credible commitment to quality and meeting global standards, strengthening institutional appeal for franchising, dual awards, and transnational partnerships.
This accreditation journey has been deeply transformational. It has strengthened our internal processes, elevated our international standing and affirmed the value of our programmes on a global stage. Since accreditation, we have established several collaborations with British universities, particularly the University of Leeds and the University of Liverpool.
Gulf University for Science and Technology
Accredited in 2024
Read the full case study
Achieving accreditation: A supportive approach from trusted experts
IPA provides independent evidence that accredited programmes meet rigorous expectations for programme design, delivery, assessment, quality assurance, student support and stakeholder engagement. Successful programmes receive QAA's International Programme Accreditation Mark – a visible symbol of quality, credibility and commitment to continuous improvement.
As a result of our experience developing and managing many of the UK’s widely respected sector reference points, we have a deep understanding of high-quality programme design, delivery and outcomes. This expertise is embedded within IPA, ensuring that programmes are reviewed by an organisation that not only evaluates quality, but has helped shape academic excellence.
The accreditation process is conducted by experienced peer reviewers, including subject specialists, through a developmental, enhancement-led approach. The focus is not simply on validating quality today, but on helping institutions strengthen quality for the future.
The key stages in the IPA process
Stage 1
Enquiry and Application
Stage 2
Review and Accreditation
The review is the opportunity for your institution to demonstrate that you meet internationally recognised expectations for internal programme quality assurance. The QAA team conducts the review through analysis of the evidence submitted and a review visit. During the review, your programmes will be assessed against the IPA criteria.
A successful review enables you to demonstrate, through the right to display the IPA Mark, that your approach to programme design, development and monitoring are effective and comparable with international best practice. The accreditation period is five years and is subject to a satisfactory mid-cycle review.
Stage 3
Mid-cycle review
The mid-cycle review occurs in the third year of accreditation after the provider has received their IPA review, and enables QAA to monitor progress against the action plan submitted at the end of the review stage.
Full information about each stage of the IPA method is available in the handbook below:
International Programme Accreditation: Guidance for Providers
Publication date: 21 Jul 2026
Contact us to apply or enquire about how QAA international accreditation can support your quality ambitions
Email us to find out more details about the process and start your programme accreditation journey, or arrange a meeting with our team to discuss IPA within your institutional context.
Published accreditation reports
Drawing on our extensive experience of international review activity, as well as our expert work on sector reference points such as Subject Benchmark Statements and Characteristics Statements, we have accredited programmes at institutions around the world, helping them embed quality, build trust and drive continuous enhancement.
Some of our accredited institutions:
