Membership brochure 2025-26 - International Associate Membership
Publication date: 03 Mar 2025
Join us today and unlock the full potential of your institution with QAA International Associate Membership. Together, we can shape the future of higher education.
International Associate Membership is for higher education institutions recognised by their local quality agency/regulator – for example, through a letter of approval or a quality assurance report. It is suitable for those institutions who have not yet achieved International Quality Review (IQR) accreditation from QAA.
What’s included in your membership
Programme of events (webinars and conferences)
Extensive resources on our Membership Resources website
Series of workshops for professional development
International Member Network to share best practice
Opportunity to lead a Collaborative Enhancement Project
Sector insight via our Member newsletter
Becoming a QAA Member
Existing members
Renewing your membership is simple. You’ll receive an email in May with a link to your renewal form – just click on the link and submit your completed form by the end of July. To confirm your renewal, you must pay your membership invoice within 30 days of receipt, otherwise your membership will be terminated.
Becoming a member
The process for eligible institutions to join is quick and easy. If you are thinking about joining us, please contact our QAA Global Team who will be happy to discuss how we can help.
The QAA Membership year runs from 1 August to 31 July each year. To become an International Associate Member, your institution will need to demonstrate that you are recognised by your local quality agency/regulator – for example, through a letter of approval or a quality assurance report.
If your institution subsequently receives IQR accreditation status, you have the option to apply for Full International Membership in the current membership year, with the additional fee charged at a pro-rata rate for the remainder of that year.
Further information is set out in our International Membership Terms and Conditions.
International Quality Review (IQR)
Find out more about IQR and the benefits it offers to your organisation and its approach to the quality of higher education.
QAA International Associate Membership Terms and Conditions
Publication date: 22 Apr 2022
Elevate your membership
We also offer the following opportunities to take your membership to the next level:
Additional QAA products and services
International Quality Review
Specially developed to provide institutions outside the UK with an independent peer review leading to accreditation by QAA.
International Quality Review (IQR) tests whether an institution meets the 10 European standards of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).
A successful IQR means that you are officially accredited by QAA. You will be able to use the IQR Accreditation Badge on your website and marketing materials, which shows that you are accredited by us against internationally recognised standards.
IQR also unlocks access to QAA's Full International Membership.
International Programme Accreditation
Designed to offer institutions outside of the UK the opportunity to have an independent peer review of their curriculum development and quality assurance process.
This includes systematic monitoring and evaluation of learning and teaching, and the processes that support them, to make sure that the standards of academic awards meet the required level and that the quality of the student learning experience is being safeguarded and continually improved.
Successful International Programme Accreditation means that you are eligible to display the QAA International Programme Accreditation Badge, which demonstrates that your approach to programme design, development and monitoring is not only effective, but also comparable with international best practice.
International Quality Assurance Programme
A stimulating five-day course designed to increase your understanding of higher education quality assurance and enhancement.
Learn about UK and international quality assurance best practice and build relationships with quality assurance professionals from around the world. The course includes four days of interactive high-quality sessions delivered by QAA quality experts, where you will have the opportunity to engage in case studies, discussion points and group activities. One day will be dedicated to visiting two UK institutions for a unique chance to learn more about higher education quality in practice.
At the end of the programme, you will receive a certificate of participation signed by Vicki Stott, Chief Executive of QAA.
As a proud member of QAA, the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies has greatly benefited from the valuable resources, guidance, and support provided through QAA Membership. These resources help us guide the enhancement of our academic programmes and student experience and particularly keep us informed about the latest trends and developments in higher education and how they are addressed.
Hala Alsouk, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Quality Assurance, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
