Programme accreditation is the evaluation and external quality assurance process through which an accreditation body determines whether a higher education programme meets previously defined academic and field-specific standards. Unlike institutional accreditation, which covers the institution as a whole, programme accreditation examines a single associate or bachelor's degree programme: its educational objectives, programme outcomes, curriculum, teaching staff, infrastructure and continuous improvement mechanisms.
In Türkiye, the authorisation and recognition of accreditation bodies is the responsibility of the Higher Education Quality Council. The authorisation of national bodies and the recognition of international ones are carried out according to principles and criteria set by the Council. For a programme's accreditation to be valid at national level, the registration of the evaluating body with the Council must be current.
Since 2016, the national university admissions guide has listed the programmes accredited by bodies authorised or recognised by the Higher Education Quality Council. Accreditation has thereby become a quality indicator that prospective students can see directly when making their choices.
What Does Accreditation Bring?
The principal benefits of programme accreditation for our stakeholders
For Students
Studying in an accredited programme means an assurance of quality education whose objectives, course content, teaching staff and infrastructure have been examined by an independent body. Accredited programmes are specially marked in the admissions guide and gain visibility at the point of choice.
For Graduates
Diplomas from accredited programmes enjoy stronger recognition nationally and internationally; graduates gain a significant advantage in job applications, postgraduate study and international equivalence procedures.
For Programmes
The accreditation process sets out a programme's strengths and areas open to improvement through an independent lens, systematises assessment and continuous improvement mechanisms, and helps embed a quality culture among teaching staff.
For Our University
An increase in the number of accredited programmes directly strengthens our University's institutional standing, its appeal to applicants, and its performance in the Institutional Accreditation Programme and in internal and external evaluation processes.
1
Choosing the Body
An accreditation body appropriate to the programme's field, authorised or recognised by the Higher Education Quality Council, is identified.
2
Criteria Analysis
The body's evaluation criteria are studied; the programme's current position is compared against them and gaps are identified.
3
Improvement and Evidence
The gaps identified are closed; evidence on learning outcomes, assessment and improvement cycles is gathered systematically.
4
Application and Evaluation
The formal application is made, the self-evaluation report is prepared and the site visit process begins.
