01INSTITUTION-WIDE
Institutional Accreditation
Institution-wide evaluation against the applicable institutional accreditation standards.
Subject to eligibilityApply in this category
Institutional accreditation and external evaluation
DEFINITION
What is institutional accreditation?
Institutional accreditation is a structured evaluation process through which an eligible institution is assessed against predetermined standards and criteria.
The process may examine governance, academic provision, quality assurance, teaching and learning, assessment, student support, staff, resources, ethics, and continuous improvement.
Who is accreditation for?
HIAC works with eligible institutions and providers. Eligibility is confirmed before an application proceeds.
Eligible educational institutions
Eligible academic providers
Eligible training organisations
Eligible professional education entities
CATEGORIES
Accreditation and recognition categories
All categories are 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
FULL PROCESS
The nine-step accreditation process
01
STEP 01
Initial Enquiry
The institution submits an initial expression of interest.
02
STEP 02
Eligibility Review
The institution's eligibility and documentation are reviewed.
03
STEP 03
Application
The institution submits the required accreditation documentation.
04
STEP 04
Self-Evaluation
The institution undertakes a structured self-assessment against the relevant standards.
05
STEP 05
Documentation Review
Submitted evidence and institutional documentation are examined.
06
STEP 06
External Evaluation
Qualified reviewers conduct an external evaluation. This may involve, where applicable:
Institutional discussions
Document review
Evidence review
Interviews
Academic review
Staff discussions
Review of institutional systems
Physical or virtual evaluation
07
STEP 07
Review Findings
Findings and recommendations are documented.
08
STEP 08
Accreditation Decision
A formal decision is made in accordance with the applicable accreditation framework.
09
STEP 09
Continuous Monitoring
Accredited institutions may be subject to periodic review and ongoing quality requirements.
APPLICATION
Accreditation enquiry and application form
Supporting documents are not mandatory at the initial enquiry stage. HIAC will confirm what is required once eligibility has been reviewed.
Considering accreditation for your institution?
Eligibility, standards, evidence requirements, and timelines can be confirmed before an application is prepared.