Kyrgyz Accreditation Agency Extends Dual Accreditation Pathway to QAHE-Accredited Institutions

Jul 15, 2024

The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Agency for Accreditation of Quality and Rating (AAKR/AAQR) in the Kyrgyz Republic. This partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between the two organizations and explore opportunities to enhance the quality of higher education in the Kyrgyz Republic.

According to the MOU, QAHE-accredited institutions are now eligible to apply for accreditation with AAKR and the institutions must maintain their accreditation in good standing with QAHE during the same period. The Kyrgyz Republic's National Accreditation Council has officially recognized and registered the "Agency for Accreditation of Quality and Rating" (AAQR) as one of the country's authorized accreditation agencies. This recognition was granted on December 23, 2022, and the agency's registration is valid for a 5-year period until December 23, 2027.

The AAQR is a non-profit organization established to provide independent, third-party accreditation and quality assurance services for educational institutions and programs in the Kyrgyz Republic. Its primary mission is to promote and enhance the quality of higher education in the country by developing and implementing rigorous accreditation standards and procedures.

According to the information on the AAQR's website, the agency was founded in 2015 by a group of education professionals, researchers, and policymakers who recognized the need for a dedicated accreditation body to support the country's rapidly evolving higher education system. Since its inception, the AAQR has worked closely with the Ministry of Education and Science, as well as other relevant government agencies and stakeholders, to establish a comprehensive accreditation framework that aligns with international best practices.

One of the key priorities for the AAQR is to ensure that Kyrgyz higher education institutions meet the highest standards of quality in areas such as curriculum design, teaching and learning, student support services, research and innovation, and governance. To achieve this, the agency has developed a multi-layered accreditation process that involves a detailed self-evaluation by the institution, a comprehensive on-site review by a panel of independent experts, and a final decision by the AAQR's accreditation council.

The accreditation process not only evaluates the overall institutional performance but also assesses the quality of individual academic programs. This approach allows the AAQR to provide tailored feedback and recommendations to help institutions continuously improve their offerings and better prepare their graduates for the demands of the modern job market.

In addition to its accreditation work, the AAQR also plays a significant role in promoting the Kyrgyz higher education system on the international stage. The agency actively engages with regional and global accreditation networks, such as the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), to share best practices, participate in collaborative projects, and benchmark its standards against global benchmarks.

Through these partnerships, the AAQR aims to enhance the recognition and reputation of Kyrgyz universities, making it easier for their graduates to pursue further education or employment opportunities both within the country and abroad. The agency also works closely with the Ministry of Education and Science to develop strategies for improving the international competitiveness of the Kyrgyz higher education system.

One of the AAQR's key initiatives in this regard is the implementation of a comprehensive quality rating system for Kyrgyz universities and academic programs. This system, known as the "Kyrgyz University Rating," provides prospective students, employers, and other stakeholders with a reliable and transparent assessment of the quality and performance of different higher education institutions and their offerings.

The rating process takes into account a wide range of factors, including academic excellence, research output, student satisfaction, graduate employability, and institutional governance. By providing this information, the AAQR aims to help students make informed decisions about their educational choices and to encourage universities to continuously strive for excellence.

In addition to its work in higher education, the AAQR is also exploring opportunities to expand its accreditation services to other sectors, such as vocational education and training, as well as professional certification programs. The agency's leadership believes that a robust and comprehensive accreditation system can play a crucial role in enhancing the quality and relevance of Kyrgyzstan's entire education and training ecosystem.

As the AAQR continues to evolve and strengthen its capabilities, it faces several key challenges and opportunities. One of the most pressing issues is the need to ensure the agency's financial sustainability and independence, as it relies primarily on funding from the government and fees charged to institutions undergoing accreditation.

To address this, the AAQR is exploring innovative funding models, such as partnerships with private sector organizations, international donors, and philanthropic foundations. The agency is also working to diversify its revenue streams by expanding its range of services and exploring opportunities for cross-border collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Another critical challenge for the AAQR is the need to continuously adapt its accreditation standards and procedures to keep pace with the rapidly evolving higher education landscape. This includes staying abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in areas such as online and distance learning, interdisciplinary education, and the integration of 21st-century skills into academic programs.

To meet this challenge, the AAQR is committed to ongoing research, stakeholder engagement, and international benchmarking to ensure that its accreditation framework remains relevant and effective. The agency also recognizes the importance of fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the Kyrgyz higher education system, and it is working closely with institutions to help them develop robust quality assurance mechanisms and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence.

Despite the challenges, the AAQR remains optimistic about the future of higher education in the Kyrgyz Republic. The agency believes that its work in accreditation, quality assurance, and international engagement can play a crucial role in transforming the country's education system and positioning it as a hub of innovation, creativity, and economic prosperity.

As the AAQR continues to build on its achievements and forge new partnerships, it is poised to become a powerful catalyst for change, driving the Kyrgyz Republic towards a future where its citizens have access to world-class educational opportunities and the tools they need to thrive in the global knowledge economy.

The partnership will enable QAHE-accredited institutions to benefit from AAKR's expertise in the local context, while AAKR can leverage QAHE's international recognition and standards to further strengthen the quality of higher education in Kyrgyzstan. If you are interested in AAKR Accreditation, please contact us at accreditation@qahe.org.uk for further information.