01INSTITUTION-WIDE
Institutional Accreditation
Institution-wide evaluation against the applicable institutional accreditation standards.
Subject to eligibilityApply in this category
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION · EXTERNAL EVALUATION
Supporting Quality Through Independent Accreditation & Evaluation
The Harold International Accreditation Council (HIAC) provides a structured institutional accreditation and external evaluation framework designed to promote academic quality, institutional accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
STANDARDS
10
Evaluation standards across governance, provision, and improvement.
PROCESS
9
Structured stages from initial enquiry to continuous monitoring.
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ABOUT HIAC
An institutional accreditation and external evaluation framework
The Harold International Accreditation Council (HIAC) provides an institutional accreditation and external evaluation framework for eligible educational institutions, academic providers, training organisations, and professional education entities.
HIAC's purpose is to establish a structured process through which an institution's governance, academic provision, quality systems, resources, learner support, and continuous improvement mechanisms may be evaluated against defined standards.
OUR MISSION
To promote institutional quality, accountability, and continuous improvement through structured external evaluation and accreditation processes.
OUR VISION
To develop a credible and transparent institutional accreditation framework that encourages educational providers to maintain robust academic governance, quality management, and continuous improvement.
EVALUATION AREAS
What is institutional accreditation?
Institutional accreditation is a structured evaluation process through which an eligible institution is assessed against predetermined standards and criteria.
ACCREDITATION PROCESS
Nine structured stages
Each stage is documented. Progression depends on the evidence submitted and the applicable accreditation framework.
01
Initial Enquiry
The institution submits an initial expression of interest.
02
Eligibility Review
The institution's eligibility and documentation are reviewed.
03
Application
The institution submits the required accreditation documentation.
04
Self-Evaluation
The institution undertakes a structured self-assessment against the relevant standards.
05
Documentation Review
Submitted evidence and institutional documentation are examined.
06
External Evaluation
Qualified reviewers conduct an external evaluation.
07
Review Findings
Findings and recommendations are documented.
08
Accreditation Decision
A formal decision is made in accordance with the applicable accreditation framework.
09
Continuous Monitoring
Accredited institutions may be subject to periodic review and ongoing quality requirements.
CATEGORIES
Accreditation and recognition categories
Six categories sit within the framework. Each is subject to the applicable accreditation framework and to confirmation of eligibility.
02CONDITIONAL
Provisional Accreditation
A form of accreditation or recognition that may be provided subject to applicable requirements or conditions.
Subject to eligibilityApply in this category
03RENEWAL
Reaccreditation
A structured reassessment of an institution following an existing accreditation period.
Subject to eligibilityApply in this category
04RECOGNITION
Quality Recognition
Recognition following evaluation against applicable quality criteria.
Subject to eligibilityApply in this category
05PROGRAMME LEVEL
Programme or Provider Recognition
Evaluation or recognition of an eligible programme or educational provider.
Subject to eligibilityApply in this category
06INTERNATIONAL
International Provider Evaluation
Evaluation of eligible education providers operating or delivering education internationally.
Subject to eligibilityApply in this category
ACCREDITATION PRINCIPLES
Nine principles that govern every evaluation
The principles apply at each stage of the accreditation process, from initial enquiry through to continuous monitoring.
01Academic Integrity
02Institutional Accountability
03Transparency
04Quality Assurance
05Student Protection
06Effective Governance
07Evidence-Based Evaluation
08Continuous Improvement
09Professional Responsibility
FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Independent Evaluation. Meaningful Improvement. Institutional Confidence.
HIAC provides institutions with a structured opportunity to evaluate their systems, identify strengths, address areas requiring improvement, and demonstrate their commitment to defined quality standards.
HIAC believes that accreditation should not simply represent a status. It should encourage institutions to develop sustainable systems that support academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and learner success.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Every part of the framework, in one place
QUICK ENQUIRYGo to the full application form
Start with a short enquiry
This is a quick enquiry only. The detailed accreditation application form is available on the Accreditation page.
Eligibility is confirmed before an application proceeds.
Supporting documents can be submitted with the full application.
All categories are subject to the applicable accreditation framework.