KAAE (Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education) is the leading body for accrediting and assuring the quality of educational institutions across the Kurdistan Region. We work with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and vocational centers to promote academic excellence, transparency, and global competitiveness.
Institutions interested in KAAE membership must complete the KAAE Membership Application Form, submit supporting documents, and undergo an assessment process. The steps are outlined in the KAAE Institutional Membership Procedures.
Institutions interested in KAAE membership must complete the KAAE Membership Application Form, submit supporting documents, and undergo an assessment process. The steps are outlined in the KAAE Institutional Membership Procedures.
An Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) is appointed by the institution’s president to serve as the primary contact with KAAE, ensuring that the institution maintains alignment with accreditation standards and reporting requirements.
The Fundamental Criteria are a set of core requirements established by the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE) that institutions must meet during the Eligibility Phase of the accreditation process. These criteria represent the foundational elements of quality, governance, accountability, and financial stability required for accreditation consideration.
The Fundamental Criteria ensure that institutions are capable of delivering high-quality education, maintaining sound governance practices, and supporting student success. Meeting these criteria indicates that an institution is prepared for the rigorous evaluation process that follows in the Candidacy and Initial Accreditation Phases.
The Candidacy Phase is a critical stage in the KAAE Accreditation Process where institutions actively work towards meeting KAAE's accreditation standards. During this phase, institutions develop a Realistic Improvement Plan to address areas of non-compliance and align their governance, academic programs, and student services with KAAE’s benchmarks for quality and accountability. The focus is on building capacity, strategic planning, and closing gaps identified during the Eligibility Phase.
Initial Accreditation is the final stage in the KAAE Accreditation Process. It is granted to institutions that have demonstrated full compliance with KAAE's accreditation standards. At this stage, institutions have successfully implemented their Realistic Improvement Plans, undergone site visits, and met all criteria for governance, financial stability, academic quality, and student support services. Initial Accreditation signifies regional and international recognition of educational quality and institutional integrity.
The primary difference is the level of compliance with KAAE standards:
1. In the Candidacy Phase, institutions are still working towards full compliance, guided by a Realistic Improvement Plan.
2. In the Initial Accreditation phase, institutions have achieved full compliance, demonstrating their ability to meet KAAE standards consistently and sustainably.
The Candidacy Phase is crucial because it allows institutions to identify weaknesses, develop structured plans for improvement, and build the capacity needed for long-term accreditation success.
Yes, under exceptional circumstances, an institution may skip or shorten the Candidacy Phase if it demonstrates a high level of compliance with KAAE Accreditation Standards during the Eligibility Phase. This is considered only if the institution showcases exemplary alignment with KAAE's requirements across critical areas such as governance, financial stability, academic quality, student services, and strategic planning. The decision to skip or shorten the Candidacy Phase is made by KAAE’s Board of Trustees (BOT), based on a recommendation from the evaluation team. This recommendation is only given if evaluators are fully confident that the institution has demonstrated robust compliance with KAAE standards and sustainable operational integrity.
To qualify for this advancement, the institution must:
1. Exceed KAAE Standards – The institution must not only meet but exceed the foundational and accreditation criteria during the Eligibility Phase.
2. Exhibit Exceptional Governance and Financial Stability – Governance structures must demonstrate accountability, transparency, and effective leadership, alongside financial stability with clear evidence of sustainability.
3. Demonstrate Academic Excellence – Academic programs must reflect international best practices, clear learning outcomes, and high student achievement rates.
4. Comprehensive Documentation – All required documentation, including the Eligibility Self-Study Report, site visit evaluations, and strategic plans, must be exceptionally well-prepared and reflective of institutional integrity.
Site visits are coordinated as part of the evaluation phase to assess facilities, resources, governance, and academic quality. KAAE review teams visit the institution, conduct interviews, and evaluate compliance with standards.
KAAE accredits K-12 Schools (Public and Private), Universities and Higher Education Institutions, and Vocational and Technical Education Centers within the Kurdistan Region.
You can reach out to our support team at:
info@kaae.org
www.kaae.org
k12@kaae.org
che@kaae.org
KAAE employs a rigorous accreditation process that includes application reviews, site visits, peer evaluations, and continuous monitoring. Accredited institutions are required to submit annual reports and undergo regular compliance checks. Supported by documented evidence.