The International Institutional Accreditation Program (IIAP) is an external evaluation activity conducted by the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (THEQC). It represents the Agency’s first cross-border operation, aiming to enhance quality assurance in HEIs abroad.

What is IIAP?

IIAP is based on the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education. Area (ESG) principle that HEIs hold the primary responsibility for the quality of their learning and teaching, research, and service to society activities. Following an evaluation, the evaluation team assigned by THEQC writes an International Institutional Accreditation Report (IIAR) and the Council takes one of the following decisions:

• Grant of accreditation,
• Postponement of the accreditation decision, or
• Refusal of accreditation.

These decisions are transparently shared with stakeholders and the public.

Who Can Apply?

HEIs outside the Republic of Türkiye that meet the application requirements are eligible to apply. Please check the THEQC International Institutional Accreditation Program Guide for the eligibility criteria.

Key Features of IIAP

• Cross-Border Evaluation: Conducted based on the THEQC IIAP Evaluation Criteria, adhering to the ESG standards.
• Self-Evaluation: Emphasizes the Institution’s self-evaluation.
• Quality Assurance: Examines and monitors the effectiveness of quality assurance practices.
• Continuous Improvement: Focuses on aligning with the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
• Peer-Review: Incorporates feedback from both internal and external stakeholders.

Evaluation Focus Areas

IIAP explores the following aspects of an Institution:

• Resource and competency management in governance, quality, learning and teaching, research, and service to society processes.
• Processes for follow-up and improvements.
• Stakeholder involvement and inclusiveness in planning, implementation, follow-up, and improvement processes.
• Strengths and areas for improvement in the internal quality assurance system.
• How the sustainability of the quality assurance system is achieved and the competitive advantage is maintained in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.

IIAP Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria cover 14 criteria and 46 sub-criteria under the categories of Governance and Quality, Learning and Teaching, Research and Development, and Service to Society. The THEQC IIAP Rubric is a tool used to enhance clarity, objectivity, and transparency in evaluation processes.

For detailed information and documentation about IIAP, click here

For application details or any questions, please contact theqcsecreteriat@yokak.gov.tr