MOU Signed Between QAHE and IARC/NIARS for Reciprocal Recognition and Strategic Collaboration

The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE) is thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Independent Accreditation and Rating Agency, Kyrgyz Republic (IARC/NIARS). This MOU establishes a framework for reciprocal recognition and strategic collaboration between the two esteemed organizations.

The Independent Institute for Accreditation, Rating, and Certification (IARC/NIARS) is the leading accreditation agency in the Kyrgyz Republic, dedicated to ensuring quality assurance in education. Since its establishment in 2019, the Institute has operated in accordance with the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Civil Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, and other relevant regulatory legal acts.

IARC/NIARS obtained a license from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic for educational programs in "Expert in the field of education," "IT," and "I&C" in 2021. The Institute has also fostered collaborations within the country, including a memorandum of cooperation and interaction with the Agency for Education Quality Control and Career Development in March 2022. Furthermore, an agreement was signed between NIARS and the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University in August 2022, focusing on independent accreditation of educational programs and conducting training seminars in areas such as "Industrial Engineering" and "Electronics and Electrical Engineering."

In a significant development, the NIARS Research Department team developed methodologies for the formation of the national rating of colleges of the Kyrgyz Republic, which were duly registered in the State Register of Copyright Objects and the State Register of Computer Programs of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2023. These methodologies will play a pivotal role in assessing and evaluating the quality of colleges in the Kyrgyz Republic. Moreover, on July 4, 2023, NIARS PF became a full member of the International Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). INQAAHE is a global association comprising over 300 organizations actively engaged in the theory and practice of quality assurance in higher education.

The signing of the MOU between QAHE and IARC/NIARS marks an important milestone in fostering collaboration and enhancing quality assurance practices in education. The agreement establishes a framework for reciprocal recognition, enabling both organizations to acknowledge and endorse the accreditation and rating processes carried out by each other. Through this strategic collaboration, QAHE and IARC/NIARS aim to promote excellence in education, encourage international partnerships, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in quality assurance. By leveraging their respective expertise and resources, both organizations seek to strengthen the educational landscape and empower institutions to provide high-quality education and training.

About QAHE:
The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE) is a global organization dedicated to promoting and advancing quality assurance practices in education. Through accreditation, recognition, and collaboration, QAHE strives to ensure excellence in educational institutions across the world.

About IARC/NIARS:
The Independent Accreditation and Rating Agency, Kyrgyz Republic (IARC/NIARS) is the leading accreditation agency in the Kyrgyz Republic, committed to quality assurance in education. The Institute collaborates with educational institutions, carries out accreditation processes, and develops methodologies for rating colleges to ensure high-quality education in the Kyrgyz Republic.