Kosovo Agency for Accreditation Returns as Full-Right Member in ECAR

The Kosovo Agency for Acronym (AKA) has been accepted as a full-fledged member of the European Register for the Security of Quality in Higher Education (EQAR), following a positive assessment by the independent European Association expert team for the Security of Quality (ENQA).

According to AKA's announcement, in the official letter which, on Monday, ECAR President Stéphene Lauwick has sent to the director general of the AKA, says: “honoured Mr. Naim Gashi, the Register Committee has reviewed your application on the date 02.02.2024 for (residence) to the European Book for High Education Security (EQAR). Your application has been approved and your involvement will be valid by 31.12.2029. Please accept my congratulations on your successful application and my heartfelt congratulations on your work on behalf of all the members of the Subscribe Committee”.

ECAR is the highest European institution to register agencies that act in line with European standards for securing quality in higher education (ESG).

The ECAR's <x0-membership represents an international recognition of AKA's hard work in meeting the highest European standards, significantly increasing the credibility and credibility of the higher education system in Kosovo”, the report said.

Furthermore, as a result, Kosovo students' diplomas will have guaranteed and internationally recognised validity, both academic and professional in the whole of Europe and beyond, since the census in ECAR is an indication that the diploma comes from a programme or institution that meets rigorous quality standards, ensuring students and employers for the value of the diploma.

Nagavci Kurt missed the name of Kosovo Agency for Accreditation

On the other hand, institutions of higher education in the country will have full access to European Union programmes in the field of education, access to international recognition, partnerships, financing, student attractions and continued development.

With EPAR membership, the AKA becomes a credit institution, not only national but also international, since in the sense of quality it is equal to other agencies to assess higher education institutions across Europe and beyond.

After acknowledging the decision on EPA membership in ECAR, the head of the State Council of Quality, prof. Hasije Ilazi, argued that Kosovo is the first country in the Western Balkans to achieve membership in this international institution. “This is a national success and a huge achievement for Kosovar students and graduates, as their diplomats already bear the stamp of European quality. This increases Kosovo's image and credibility as a country with higher education in line with EU standards”, Ilazi was quoted in the communiqué.

AKA General Director Naim Gashi stressed that this success is the result of a long process. We drafted the plan to meet 14 standards in 2020. After membership as afphiliates in ENQA in September 2022 and after official application for ECAR in December 2023, on July 1, 2024, a team of five international experts visited Kosovo and gave a positive assessment,” said Gashi.

Mayor Ilazi and Director Gashi thank you for supporting the AKA Board, the professional staff, Minister of Education. Arberie Nagavci, Government, Parliament, Civil Society, Donors and partner international agencies that supported the process, particularly counterparts agencies from Croatia, Austria and Germany./Periscopi/