CHEA and THEQC Sign Agreement to Strengthen International Quality Assurance Collaboration

Three-year agreement supports cooperation in accreditation, quality assurance, micro-credentials, and emerging higher education issues

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (THEQC) have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding that establishes a framework for cooperation in higher education quality assurance. The agreement covers programmatic, institutional, and cross-border accreditation, as well as micro-credentials and other developments shaping higher education.

The agreement was signed in Istanbul on September 15, 2026, by Dr. Nasser H. Paydar, President of CHEA, and Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak, President of THEQC. It reflects the organizations’ shared commitment to mutual understanding and respect, as well as cooperation that benefits both higher education communities.

“This agreement reflects CHEA’s commitment to building meaningful international relationships grounded in mutual respect and practical cooperation,” said Dr. Paydar. “THEQC brings important experience and perspective to global quality assurance. By creating opportunities for shared learning, professional exchange, and joint work, we can strengthen connections between our communities and contribute to the continued development of quality assurance in higher education.”

Dr. Kocabıçak emphasized the broader value of the partnership. “Bringing together the experience and perspectives of our two organizations will strengthen mutual learning and help us address the evolving expectations of higher education quality assurance,” he said. “We believe this cooperation will deepen the relationship between our quality assurance communities and create a strong basis for sustained collaboration in areas of shared interest.”  

Under the agreement, CHEA and THEQC may collaborate through consultations, information exchange, and joint activities. Potential areas of work include events, roundtables, workshops, conferences, and training on quality assurance in higher and vocational education; digital education; micro-credentials; quality assurance within higher education institutions; the exchange of best practices, innovations, and challenges in accreditation; and selected innovative or research projects.

The organizations will identify at least two core areas for collaboration each year through a separate letter signed by both parties. This approach provides a practical structure for advancing shared priorities while allowing the partnership to respond to emerging needs and developments in higher education.

About CHEA

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a U.S.-based organization that advances academic quality through accreditation. CHEA serves a broad membership of degree-granting colleges and universities and recognizes more than 60 institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations. CHEA also engages internationally with institutions and quality assurance and accrediting bodies in multiple regions, advancing quality, recognition, and cooperation in higher education. For more information, visit www.chea.org.

About THEQC

The Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (THEQC) is Türkiye’s national authority for quality assurance in higher education. Operating as an independent public body, THEQC is responsible for the external evaluation and institutional accreditation of higher education institutions, as well as the authorization and recognition of accreditation agencies. By shaping and overseeing key quality assurance mechanisms, THEQC supports continuous improvement across the higher education system and contributes to the credibility and international recognition of Turkish higher education. For more information, visit www.yokak.gov.tr.