The Registration for Accreditation process marks the formal entry point for higher education institutions seeking accreditation from the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education.
Institutions begin their accreditation journey by engaging with the Foundational Criteria for Eligibility (FCE) which is a structured set of 21 criteria designed to ensure readiness, institutional integrity, and alignment with national and global quality standards.
Register Process
This process applies to all:
- Public and private universities
- All higher education academies and research institutions
- Institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education jurisdiction
K–12 institutions are governed by a separate pathway and are not covered under this registration process
The Registration Journey
The process includes six major structured stages, each supported by templates, tools, and direct guidance from KAAE’s Commission on Higher Education:
Formal Submission
The registration process begins when the president of a higher education institution submits a formal email of readiness to che@kaae.org, expressing its commitment to begin the institutional accreditation process. This step is mandatory, in line with legislation enacted by the Kurdistan Regional Parliament.
Upon receipt, KAAE responds by issuing an official Application e-Form. This digital form must be completed by the institution to initiate the onboarding process and to enable the creation of a formal institutional case file within KAAE’s accreditation system.
Application Review and Onboarding
Once the completed e-form is received, KAAE creates a dedicated institutional case file and issues a Welcome Package that includes:
- Overview of the 21 Foundational Criteria for Eligibility (FCE)
- Access to KAAE documentation tools
- An invitation to the Introductory Seminar for institutional leaders
Letter of Accreditation Engagement
Following the onboarding seminar and confirmation of readiness, KAAE issues a Formal Letter of Accreditation Engagement signed by the president of KAAE, officially recognizing the institution as being under review and development in the accreditation process.
Engagement with Foundational Criteria (FCE)
Institutions begin internal assessments and planning based on the 21 criteria. KAAE supports this stage through templates, guidance documents, and FCE-focused workshops.
Monitoring and Support
Institutions are expected to submit quarterly progress reports. KAAE conducts reviews and offers feedback, including site visits if necessary. Where needed, KAAE may provide capacity-building support to close gaps.
FCE Report (SSR) Submission
Once the institution confirms it has met all foundational criteria, it submits the FCE Report for review. KAAE then conducts a final verification site visit before determining eligibility readiness.
Key Documents and Tools
- KAAE Standards of Higher Education
- CHE Foundational Criteria for Eligibility
- Formal Letter of Accreditation Engagement – Sample
- Formal Expression of Readiness to Begin with KAAE
- Foundational Criteria for Eligibility (FCE) Overview
Key Documents and Tools
KAAE is committed to guiding institutions through every step of the registration process. For questions, assistance, or to schedule a consultation:
Email: che@kaae.org