INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION
What is institutional accreditation?
Institutional accreditation is internationally recognised external evaluation designed to strengthen trust, transparency, and excellence in higher education. It shows how effectively your university is functioning as an organization.
What is it based on?
HAKA conducts institutional accreditation in accordance with European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) agreed upon across the European Higher Education Area. As an ENQA member and EQAR‑listed agency with long‑term experience both in Estonia and abroad, HAKA ensures that each evaluation aligns with European standards while respecting local context. This combination provides a reliable and internationally comparable assessment framework.
HAKA accreditation decisions are listed in the Database for External Quality Assurance Register (DEQAR)
What does it give to your institution?
- Stronger international credibility
- Evidence‑based insights
- Enhanced transparency for stakeholders
- Alignment with European best practices
What are the steps in the accreditation process?
The following scheme is an example of the procedure.
Training
Self-evaluation
Site visit
Assessment report
Assessment decision
Follow-up
The time frame may vary from case to case and can be adapted to fit your specific needs. On average, the process takes about one year from the training until the accreditation decision.
Cost of accreditation
The cost includes self-evaluation training for the higher education institution, remuneration of experts, a follow-up, and administrative costs. Transportation and accommodation costs of the experts, which are related to the site visit, will be reimbursed by the higher education institution to HAKA based on the submitted invoice.
Two accreditation models tailored to your needs
We propose two accreditation models to choose from, both of which can be adapted to meet the specific requirements arising from the national legislation.
Both models cover similar topics that are assessed. However, the main difference is that in Model 2 each topic (i.e., standard) is analysed separately, and the institution receives more detailed feedback on each standard compared to Model 1. In addition, Model 2 provides an opportunity to receive feedback on selected study programmes, while no accreditation decisions will be made regarding the programmes themselves. The number of study programmes can be agreed upon with the institution. The final choice between the two options can be made during our discussions.
This model comprises four broad areas. The main difference from Model 2 is that feedback is holistic across each area rather than per individual standard.
Four broad assessment areas
- Organisational management and performance General management, personnel management, management of financial resources and infrastructure.
- Learning and teaching Effectiveness of teaching and learning, formation of the student body, study programme development, student academic progress and student assessment.
- Research, development and/or other creative activity (RDC) RDC effectiveness, RDC resources and support processes, student research supervision.
- Service to society Popularisation of core activities, involvement in social development, educational activities for the general public, other public-oriented activities.
Requirements and procedure of institutional accreditation – current version is based on Estonian standards and serves as a basis for international accreditations.
Download Model 1 guidelines (PDF)
Each standard is assessed and reported separately, giving your institution more granular feedback. In addition, the panel provides feedback on selected study programmes agreed with the institution — this informs the standards analysis, but no separate accreditation decisions are made on the programmes.
Twelve distinct standards
- Strategic management
- Resources
- Quality culture
- Academic ethics
- Internationalisation
- Teaching staff
- Study programme
- Learning and teaching
- Student assessment
- Learning support systems
- Research, development and/or other creative activity (RDC)
- Service to society
Requirements and procedure of institutional accreditation – current version is based on Estonian standards and serves as a basis for international accreditations.
Download Model 2 guidelines (PDF)
How to apply?
1. Fill in the application form
2. Preliminary online call with HAKA to discuss your interest and our assessment process
3. Offer from HAKA
4. Contract with HAKA
Helpful links
- Higher Education Assessment Council – HAKA – The Council takes institutional accreditation and study programme accreditation decisions in higher education.
- Institutional accreditations outside Estonia – HAKA – See the institutional accreditations HAKA has conducted outside Estonia.
Please contact me for any questions at any time!
Tiia Bach
Assessment Coordinator / International Accreditations
tiia.bach@harno.ee
+372 5660 6419
Quality you can trust.
Expertise you can build on.