On February 22nd, 2025, the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE) delivered a focused workshop at the University of Kurdistan – Hawlér (UKH) dedicated to the Foundational Criteria required for institutions preparing to enter the accreditation process.
The session introduced participants to the core eligibility requirements that form the basis of KAAE’s accreditation framework. These criteria address essential elements such as institutional mission clarity, governance and leadership structures, academic quality, assessment of student learning, financial sustainability, and evidence-based planning.
Throughout the workshop, KAAE facilitators guided participants through detailed explanations of each criterion, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, documentation, and internal alignment when institutions demonstrate their readiness for accreditation. Attendees examined practical approaches to evaluating current institutional practices, identifying potential gaps, and formulating steps to strengthen compliance.
Participants engaged actively in the discussions, raising questions and exchanging insights about their existing systems and processes. The collaborative environment encouraged deeper understanding of how foundational standards contribute to long-term quality assurance and support sustainable institutional development.
This workshop reflects KAAE’s continued commitment to strengthening the higher education sector in the Kurdistan Region by equipping institutions with the knowledge and tools required to prepare for accreditation. Such sessions play an important role in helping universities build internal capacity, enhance transparency, and advance a culture of continuous improvement.
KAAE will continue offering similar workshops throughout 2025 as part of its broader mission to enhance institutional readiness and reinforce national education standards.