On February 12th, 2025, the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE) held a comprehensive Foundational Criteria Assessment Workshop at Soran University in the Erbil Governorate, supporting the institution in understanding the initial requirements for entering the accreditation process.
The workshop introduced participants to the full set of KAAE’s 21 foundational criteria that institutions must meet to begin the accreditation eligibility phase. These criteria cover mission clarity, governance and administrative structures, academic quality, assessment practices, resource planning, financial stability, and evidence-driven decision making.
Throughout the session, KAAE facilitators provided detailed explanations of each criterion and guided attendees in evaluating their current institutional practices. The discussion emphasized the importance of accurate documentation, transparent processes, and alignment between institutional priorities and national quality expectations.
Stakeholders from Soran University participated actively, raising questions, sharing experiences, and identifying areas for further development. Their engagement reflected a strong institutional commitment to strengthening academic standards and advancing quality assurance across the university.
This workshop contributes to KAAE’s broader effort to support higher education institutions across the Kurdistan Region as they prepare for accreditation. By helping universities understand the expectations and evidence required, KAAE aims to build a consistent and informed foundation for quality improvement.
Additional workshops will continue throughout 2025 as part of KAAE’s mission to advance educational quality, transparency, and continuous improvement in the region.