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Most Popular Questions
General-Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an appeals procedure if EQAS accreditation is refused or removed from an institution?
Yes, please see the EQAS Handbook for more information.
How do I work with EQAS Accredited Institutions?
We exclusively collaborate with formally established partners to endorse their services to our esteemed institutions. Should you wish to introduce your company or organization and provide an overview of the services you offer, along with how they could benefit our institutions, please send your inquiry to info@eqas.org.uk, and include "Partnership Proposal" in the subject line. If you do not receive a response from us, kindly understand that we may not require your services at this moment
I want to work with EQAS. How do I do this?
That entirely depends on in what capacity you wish to work with us. To help us answer your question, please contact us detailing how you hope to work with us. If your request is a sensible one, one of our team will be in touch to advise you further.
How do I apply for a job at EQAS?
We advertise positions on appropriate channels as and when they become open. You are welcome to send in a speculative CV and covering letter to info@eqas.org.uk. Please be aware there is no guarantee that there is a position available and that, by doing so, you explicitly agree to our privacy policy.
How do I become an EQAS Inspector?
Becoming an inspector is a rigorous process that involves initial checks regarding suitability for the post and qualifications, followed by a training programme. If you are interested in becoming an EQAS Inspector, see the answer to the question above. We get a lot of interest in the inspector positions so, if you do not hear back from us, please understand that we have a wide network of inspectors, and we may not need to recruit at this time.
I am an Agent, and I want to work with EQAS/EQAS Institutions. How do I do this?
We advise all of our institutions to only work with registered agents who agree to operate ethically. Our sister company QISAN provides verification services for educational agents.
I sent an email to EQAS, and you haven’t responded. Why is this?
We work UK Office Hours Monday to Friday, and the usual response time to most queries is within two working days. Please check your inbox and spam folder as it is most likely that we have already replied, and you will find the email by searching for “EQAS” within your email folders. If there is a delay in response, it may be because the person you are trying to contact is travelling/on an inspection. If you are still concerned that we have not responded, you can forward your original email to info@eqas.org.uk.
Most Popular Questions
UK Accreditation-Frequently Asked Questions
What is EQAS UK Accreditation?
EQAS is a UK government approved (UK Visas and Immigration) accreditation working with education providers to uphold rigorous and world-leading UK quality standards. We work with private colleges, English language and summer schools, training organisations, and more to reassure international students that, when they choose the UK as their place of study, they will receive a quality educational experience.
EQAS UK Accreditation is a quality standard that you must hold to recruit international students for English courses on the 11-month Short Term Study Visa or 6-mont h short-courses on the Standard Visitor Visa, as required by UKVI (UK Home Office). We are one of several bodies approved to accredit education providers for this purpose, and you can find our listing here on the UKVI website. Find out more here.
Complaints concerning an EQAS accredited institution: what is the process?
In the first instance, if a student or staff member contacts EQAS to make a complaint, they will be asked to resolve the matter according to the institution’s complaints procedure.
If the complainant has followed the procedure and the matter is not dealt with satisfactorily, they may contact EQAS for assistance:
- The student/staff member must provide evidence that: they have a valid complaint or grievance; show that they have followed/or tried to comply with the complaints procedure.
- If the evidence supplied requires further investigation, EQAS will contact the institution directly to try and resolve the matter.
EQAS's involvement is to ensure the institution is complying with its own internal procedures and upholding our standards. In an extreme or serious situation, the EQAS Accreditation Committee may become involved, and accreditation withdrawn.
More information is in the EQAS Handbook.
Most Popular Questions
Your Guide to Accreditation in the United Kingdom
What is EQAS International Accreditation?
EQAS Accreditation is a world-class quality standard that can transform your institution's attitude towards quality assurance and boost your international standing and profile. Learn more.
What are the benefits of holding EQAS International Accreditation?
Our Standards benchmark against rigorous UK quality markers whilst also drawing on global best-practice, helping you develop your internationalisation goals, grow your student recruitment, and showcase your commitment to providing quality international education.
Read more about the benefits.
What types of institution does EQAS accredit, and is my institution eligible to apply?
We accredit all types of education providers, from higher education institutions to secondary or K-12 provision to specialist business schools. Find out more here.
Do you accredit new start-up institutions without students?
Yes, we accredit newly operating institutions - who will go through the process up to the first inspection (Stage 2), where (if successful) they will be awarded Interim for up to a year. Depending on what stage of development your institution is currently in, you may find other services more appropriate, such as consultancy, EQAS Membership, or Candidacy Accreditation. If you get in touch with us, we can help you choose which of our services are right for you at the current point in your journey.
We are an online institution; why are you asking for a physical address?
- Send you any documentation relating to your accreditation (including, if accredited, the certificate and report).
- Some online institutions operate a blended learning model. In this case, EQAS needs to know the physical address the institution operates from as part of the inspection process.
- An online institution may have an office but no physical premises from which they teach (again, this information is needed as this forms part of the inspection process).
Are there minimum qualification requirements for staff?
- For the head of the institution, we would expect that they hold either a higher degree (Masters or Doctorate) or have substantial industrial, business, or commercial experience.
- All teaching staff should hold a qualification equivalent to or above the level of the subject they teach. (Teachers/lecturers are not required to possess a formal teaching qualification, but this would be beneficial.)
Are there minimum requirements for the size of the institution/number of classrooms?
Not as such, but the space provided should be suitable for purpose and be compliant with fire and health and safety regulations (in your country). If you contact the EQAS Office, we can help answer more specific questions.
How do you calculate Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs)?
FTEs are determined by what your institution classes as full-time (attending lectures or classes for 15 hours, 20 hours, or more a week) for the length of the academic year (which depends on how you operate your term time).
For example:
- 1 FTE = 1 student, 20 hours a week, for 40 weeks.
- Or, to make 1 FTE with part-time students = 2 students, 10 hpw, for 40 weeks
- Or, if the part-time courses are shorter than the full-time courses, 1 FTE = 4 students, 10 hpw, for 20 weeks.
What is the accreditation process, and how long does it take?
You can read about the process and stages here.The timeline can vary:
- If the application and documentation are submitted correctly, and you respond to our communications promptly and have dates available for inspection, it can take as little as six weeks.
- If the application and documentation are incomplete or we find that your response to our communication is slow/there is difficulty in confirming dates for inspection, then it can take months. We recommend that you talk to our team before submitting the application form, and they can help you make sure that you progress smoothly through the accreditation stages.
What happens during an inspection?
You can read about what our inspectors need to see at each stage here. Or go to the Inspections section of the EQAS Handbook.
What are the fees for EQAS Intl Accreditation?
For an international institution, the accreditation fees start from £5,000 and vary depending on the type and size of provision. You can read more about the process and timeline of fees required at each stage here.
To receive a tailored quotation, fill in the enquiry form - and we will get back to you within two working days to either advise of expected fees (or recommend a different service such as Membership or Candidacy).
Our fees are ethical and transparent, and there are no hidden costs (we will always advise of expected inspector travel and accommodation expenses beforehand). Once a formal quote is issued, it remains valid for six months.
To receive a tailored quotation, fill in the enquiry form - and we will get back to you within two working days to either advise of expected fees (or recommend a different service such as Membership or Candidacy).
Our fees are ethical and transparent, and there are no hidden costs (we will always advise of expected inspector travel and accommodation expenses beforehand). Once a formal quote is issued, it remains valid for six months.
How much is the annual fee?
The annual fee is dependent on the size of your institution. Please see above regarding fees. We offer a generous discount of 25% if you pay the full accreditation cycle upfront – resulting in one year free.
Why is the accreditation period 4 years?
The 4-year improvement cycle is:
- Enough time to implement and benefit from the recommendations we suggest to your operation
- Value for investment
- Non-intrusive to your daily operation
- In alignment with the expectations of other organisations and regulatory bodies worldwide
- Increases accountability, leading to better outcomes
Does EQAS give an institution awarding powers or validate degrees/courses/programmes?
No, EQAS inspections include an examination of the content and standard of the curriculum as well as the quality of its delivery to learners. We also pay close attention to the consistency and reliability of assessment. We will also check that you have appropriate awarding powers for the courses on offer at the institution. However, it should be noted that EQAS neither confers nor validates degree-awarding powers. Applicants for distance education programmes should always satisfy themselves that the level of recognition of a relevant award is sufficient to meet their needs.
Most Popular Questions
UK Accreditation-Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if an institution is accredited?
All of our currently accredited institutions are listed on our directory here.
Please note, we cannot comment on unaccredited institutions.
Is or will my qualification be valid/acceptable in a particular institution or country? Can EQAS help me?
You need to check the level of your qualification's award against the requirements of the institution/country you wish to study at/in. Institutions/countries are entitled to set their own conditions - and there is no international law or rule or standardisation.
Unfortunately, we cannot help you, as it is not within our role or power to decide on qualification requirements either in the UK or elsewhere. If you want to either embark on further study or work abroad, you will need to speak to the relevant body responsible for benchmarking international qualifications in the country you wish to study/work in. For example, in the UK, you would need to speak to UK ENIC.
Unfortunately, we cannot help you, as it is not within our role or power to decide on qualification requirements either in the UK or elsewhere. If you want to either embark on further study or work abroad, you will need to speak to the relevant body responsible for benchmarking international qualifications in the country you wish to study/work in. For example, in the UK, you would need to speak to UK ENIC.
Can EQAS tell me if the course I wish to study is accredited/validated?
No, we are sorry that is not our role as a quality assurance body. We recommend that you approach the institution you are considering applying to and ask them who the awarding body is for your course/programme of study.
Any institution you consider studying at will either:
- Be able to tell you the awarding body for the programme of study that you are considering
- Or they will award their own courses (and be approved/allowed to do so by an in-country body/law)
But my institution is EQAS Accredited, doesn’t that mean my course is too?
Accreditation means different things in different countries and contexts, and we understand that this can be confusing. Our accreditation is a quality standard for institutions, not their courses. We inspect institutions to determine whether they offer students a quality educational experience with professional teaching - in a safe and supportive environment.
Why does EQAS Accreditation matter?
We help students and their caregivers form a realistic and unbiased assessment about the type of experience and provision on offer at an institution. Just like in-country and world ranking tables can tell you about the reputation of an institution, EQAS accreditation demonstrates that an institution:
- Follows international best-practice
- Cares about continually improving their students' experience
- Offers adequate student support and facilities
- Employs professionally qualified teachers and staff
- Cares about international students and their welfare
- Has voluntarily undertaken external assessment by unbiased inspectors
- Is committed to upholding EQAS Standards over the 4-year accreditation period
- Abides by the EQAS Code of Ethics in their operation
I want to come and study in the UK. Can EQAS help?
The UK is a top student destination and global leader in the international education sector. We accredit our institutions here, so you can benefit from the world-class experience that studying in the UK will deliver - in a safe and supportive environment. You can use our directory of institutions to find those that appeal to you - and then approach them about what you need to do to apply to study there.Organisations that may be able to help you with questions about studying in the UK:
- UKCISA (The UK Council for International Student Affairs)
- UK ENIC (The UK national agency for international qualifications and skills)
- UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration - Part of the UK Government Home Office)
My institution is not accredited by EQAS, but it works with/ is partnered with an institution/has a sister campus that is. Does this mean my institution is accredited?
We only accredit institutions that have been inspected and have successfully completed the process, receiving approval for accreditation from The EQAS Accreditation Committee.
- If an institution is accredited, they are listed on the directory.
- If an institution is not on our directory, they are not accredited (or are no longer accredited - and this is the same as not accredited).
- If an institution is accredited, it only covers the institution we have inspected (you can check the address on the directory) – not any of their partners.
- Our accreditation cannot be bought, conferred, transferred, or associated in any way with a non-accredited institution.
I have a complaint about an EQAS Accredited Institution. What should I do?
If you contact us before doing so, we will tell you that we cannot get involved until there is a situation where you have tried to resolve the matter with the institution, and they have not responded satisfactorily.
If you have tried to do the above and believe that the institution has not acted in compliance with their policies and procedures or the EQAS Code of Ethics, then you can contact EQAS:
- Please write to us to outline your complaint/grievance and attach all correspondence and evidence that you have concerning the complaint in email or post.
- If our assessment of the evidence submitted determines that we need to investigate further, EQAS will contact the institution directly on your behalf. We will keep you informed throughout the process.
Is EQAS Accreditation fake?
No, we find that this question usually comes from confusion over terminology, different uses of the word accreditation in different contexts, and what our accreditation covers. EQAS Accreditation is an internationally renowned quality standard, and we have independently inspected every institution that carries its EQAS Badge of Accreditation. You might also find the answers to this question about what our accreditation is and this question about whether we accredit courses helpful.
Is EQAS Accreditation recognised?
EQAS and our Accreditation is recognised around the world in many different ways (depending on local context and laws), including approved regulatory status in some countries and external voluntary status in others, MoUs with governments and Ministries of Education, and memberships and affiliations with other education organisations concerned with international quality assurance.
Sometimes a country will not recognise QA bodies from outside of the country, or we have simply not yet worked in a particular region or area. We are always happy to enter into dialogue with governments and ministries to either explain who we are and what we do or work with them to find a way for us to accredit institutions in the country that works in alignment with local laws, regulations, and requirements. If you need something specific, such as a letter explaining what EQAS Accreditation is, please contact the EQAS Office.
Is EQAS Accreditation recognised by the UK government for schools overseas?
We have two distinct roles:
- In the UK, we accredit institutions as an approved body on behalf of the UKVI (Part of the UK Government Home Office). You can read more here.
- Internationally, we provide a world-class inspection and benchmarking service for institutions interested in improving their international educational offering. Learn more here.
Is EQAS Accreditation good?
As a marker of international quality standards, our international accreditation is unrivalled. We are the only UK accreditation body that focuses on improving international standards in a way that respects best-practice, heritage, and culture in the country of operation without imposing a British curriculum or antiquated ideas about different models of delivery. Discover more here.
My institution is EQAS accredited but not recognised by "x" department of education, country, organisation, [other] institution etc.?
EQAS Accreditation is recognised and accepted around the world as an international marker of quality. However, just like international trade, travel, or immigration rules - all countries operate in different ways, with their own laws and requirements regarding education. (Just as individual institutions are also able to choose their own entry requirements.)
- Sometimes our accreditation will be enough/combined with other recognition for an institution to be accepted.
- Sometimes other requirements or conditions need to be met that holding our accreditation alone will not satisfy.
If needed in an application or letter, you can link to your institution's listing on our directory. We hope that this helps you.
Is an institution accredited by EQAS legit?
- Every institution we have accredited has been independently inspected and verified by EQAS inspectors. They have assessed across these areas, and you can look at our standards for more detailed information.
- Every institution we accredit meets the requirements to operate by law in their country of operation.
- Different countries have different laws, regulations, types of institutions and recognition that exist within these frameworks. Even more confusingly for an international student, sometimes reputation, the country of operation, and the model of the provision will provide more recognition internationally than others.
- For example, a larger provider operating on an international scale will often be accepted as a legitimate provider worldwide due, in part, to its global reputation. Whereas a smaller institution that operates more locally and is not as well-known will often not be automatically accepted as a recognised provider in all countries - even though it is also legitimately operating and provides a good standard of education.
Points 1 and 2 do not mean that institutions have automatic recognition everywhere - and this is because of point 3. You may also find the answer to the question above helpful.
As a parent, what should I look for when choosing an international school?
As a parent, you understand that the most important thing you can do to ensure your child's future is to give them the best possible educational opportunities. Choosing an EQAS accredited institution for your child provides a wealth of advantages:
- Well-being: Student welfare is at the heart of EQAS Accreditation. From student recruitment and induction to ongoing support (as well as adequate provision for those with special educational needs), EQAS accredited institutions put procedures in place to ensure a supportive experience.
- Learning environment: Children perform best when in surroundings that are both safe and conducive to the learning experience. We also require our institutions to undertake health and safety checks.
- Safeguarding and security: Child protection systems must be in place (where relevant), alongside appropriate staff training.
Most Popular Questions
UK Accreditation-Frequently Asked Questions
What is EQAS UK Accreditation?
EQAS is a UK government approved (UK Visas and Immigration) accreditation working with education providers to uphold rigorous and world-leading UK quality standards. We work with private colleges, English language and summer schools, training organisations, and more to reassure international students that, when they choose the UK as their place of study, they will receive a quality educational experience.
EQAS UK Accreditation is a quality standard that you must hold to recruit international students for English courses on the 11-month Short Term Study Visa or 6-mont h short-courses on the Standard Visitor Visa, as required by UKVI (UK Home Office). We are one of several bodies approved to accredit education providers for this purpose, and you can find our listing here on the UKVI website. Find out more here.
What does holding EQAS Accreditation mean for a UK provider?
Accredited institutions can accelerate their growth by recruiting international students – and we provide support to help you do this. You will also be able to display the EQAS Badge of Accreditation across your marketing collateral and use our services and resources to help you broadcast your accredited status to prospective students and their sponsors. Learn more about the benefits or contact us to find out more.
Are there any additional benefits in choosing to work with EQAS?
As one of the world’s largest international accrediting bodies, our network gives you the opportunity to learn from and partner with other institutions from around the globe.
If you want to:
- Expand your network
- Learn from international best-practice
- Attend events
- Take part in free CPD accredited training from global education experts
- Have access to dedicated support to help you with your student recruitment
Is my institution eligible to apply for EQAS UK Accreditation?
All types of providers are welcome to apply. We accredit Colleges, English Language Providers, Drama Schools, Flying Academies, Training Organisations, Beauty Schools, Business Schools and more. View the breadth of providers we accredit here.
My institution is newly operating/start-up, and we do not have students yet. Is the accreditation process different?
First, check you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. If you are eligible to apply, the stages are the same - the difference in the process is that:
- If you successfully complete Stage 2, Interim Accreditation is awarded (for up to a year); this will allow you to start recruiting students.
- Once you have students undergoing their studies with you, you must contact us and arrange the Stage 3 inspection. (If there remaining time on your Interim Accreditation, we will add it to the full accreditation period.)
How long does the accreditation process take?
It can take as little as six weeks, but we have known it to take months. Your availability of dates for inspection and the speed of response to our communications can all affect the timeline. If you talk to us before you submit your application, we can help you make sure you are ready to go ahead to ensure the process goes smoothly.
What can we expect during the accreditation process, and what happens during the inspection?
You can learn more about the process here and see what the inspectors need to see at each stage here, and EQAS staff are here to help and answer any questions you have. Alternatively, you can read the Inspections section of the Handbook.
How long does the UK Accreditation last?
Accreditation lasts 4 years.
For new institutions, see the explanation for Interim Accreditation.
For new institutions, see the explanation for Interim Accreditation.
What are the minimum qualification requirements for our principal/head of institution and staff?
- We expect the principal/head to hold a higher degree (i.e. Masters or Doctorate) or have substantial industrial/business/commercial experience. They are not required to hold a teaching qualification.
- Teaching staff should hold a qualification equivalent to or above the level of the subject they are teaching. We recommend that they have a teaching qualification, but it is not required.
What are the minimum staffing level requirements?
It depends on the size of the institution and the type of courses on offer. If you have a specific query, contact us.
How many rooms does our institution need to have, and is there a minimum size requirement?
There should be enough classroom and office space to run the institution effectively and teach the courses offered. For health and safety purposes, there should be easy access and escape routes in all areas. If you have a specific query, contact us.
Do we need to have physical premises?
Yes, to be accredited by EQAS, the institution must be registered with Companies House, and you must have an admin office/physical premises* in the UK. We will need to visit the premises during the inspection stages. If you are an online provider, please contact us.*We also accredit small home-based providers and providers operating out of larger institutions; we will still need to visit (as required by UKVI), but the nature of the visit may be different. Contact us if you have any questions. Otherwise, we will inform you what we will need to see during Stage 1.
How do you calculate the Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs)?
FTEs are determined by what your institution classes as full-time (attending lectures/tutorials for 15 hours, 20 hours, or more a week) for the length of the academic year (which depends on how the institution prefers to operate its term time).
For example:
- 1 FTE = 1 student, 20 hours a week, for 40 weeks.
- Or, to make 1 FTE with part-time students = 2 students, 10 hours per week, for 40 weeks.
- If the part-time courses are shorter than the full-time courses, 1FTE = 4 students, 10 hours per week, for 20 weeks.
Does holding EQAS Accreditation confer awarding powers to our courses or qualifications?
No, EQAS inspections include an examination of the content and standard of the curriculum as well as the quality of its delivery to learners. We also pay close attention to the consistency and reliability of assessment. We will also check that you have appropriate awarding powers for the courses on offer at the institution. However, it should be noted that EQAS neither confers nor validates degree-awarding powers. (Applicants for distance education programmes should always satisfy themselves that the level of recognition of a relevant award is sufficient to meet their needs.)
If you need to have your courses accredited, please contact:
- Ofqual (England)
- SCQF (Scotland)
- Qualifications Wales
What are the fees for EQAS UK Accreditation?
Our fees are straightforward, ethical, and transparent, with no hidden costs. Please see the UK Accreditation Process for the complete fee breakdown and timeline of fees.
Not a UK institution? Click here for International Accreditation.
For other fees, such as a premises visit (usually due to a change of premises) please see the EQAS Handbook for when/why they may occur.
Are there any extra charges?
Where an inspection has been arranged and then cancelled by you (the institution), or situations occur such as the return of post (where the address was confirmed before sending), then you must pay the costs incurred and those required to rearrange. These situations are listed in the EQAS Handbook and are always avoidable.
Our documents and correspondence will prompt you to check all details before you proceed, so you can take steps to avoid occurring these extra charges in error.
Is there an annual fee required, and how much is it?
Yes, the annual fee maintains your accredited status and the services provided for each year of the accreditation period.The annual fee* is determined by the number of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students at the institution as follows:
*We offer a 50% reduction of the annual fee if an institution holds a current Educational Oversight report (see UKVI approved bodies for university/college sponsor licence).
- Up to 200 FTEs: £1000
- 201 - 400 FTEs: £2000
- 401+ FTEs: £300
*We offer a 50% reduction of the annual fee if an institution holds a current Educational Oversight report (see UKVI approved bodies for university/college sponsor licence).
