Programme Accreditation

Programme accreditation entails the evaluation of higher education academic programmes in accordance with the HEQC’s programme accreditation criteria, which stipulate the minimum requirements for programme input, process, output and impact, and review.

Institutional audit, on the other hand, which is also within the HEQC’s jurisdiction, evaluates an institution’s policies, systems, strategies and resources for quality management of the core functions of teaching and learning, research and community engagement, using the HEQC’s audit criteria. Quality management encompasses arrangements for quality assurance, quality support and enhancement, and quality monitoring, and covers aspects of input and process as well as outcomes.

The HEQC’s accreditation and audit systems form part of an interconnected quality assurance system. This connection is evident in institutional requirements for achieving self-accreditation status.10 The HEQC’s decision about self-accreditation status will be informed by evidence of programme quality deriving from a range of sources, including evidence from audits. Self-accreditation is one of the HEQC’s key strategies for facilitating the move of the higher education system towards a greater measure of quality assurance self-regulation.

Accreditation Committee and HEQC Meetings 2024

Accreditation Committee and HEQC Meeting Dates
ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE HEQC MEETING
  08 February 2024 (policy meeting)
20 and 21 February 2024 05 April 2024
21 and 22 May 2024 12 July 2024
23 and 24 July 2024 02 September 2024
25 and 26 September 2024 08 November 2024
18 and 20 November 2024 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to a large number of applications that the directorate is receiving, it is only possible to deal with a maximum of 120 programmes on a first come first serve basis. If a programme is returned after screening, it should be re-submitted as soon as possible. Institutions are advised to submit programmes well in advance of the first proposed offering.

 *The Directorate takes no responsibility for delays caused by non-payment, and no submission of endorsement letters or PQM clearance.