Freie Universität Berlin is a “system accredited” university. What does that mean?
If the seal is our destination ...
Image Credit: Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat
On August 29, 2016, Freie Universität Berlin as an entire institution was awarded “system accredited” status – the first university in Berlin to receive this accolade. The decision of the accreditation agency, AQAS, followed an external evaluation process. It certified that Freie Universität Berlin’s quality management system ensures that degree programs meet quality standards, and that quality is continually maintained, monitored and improved.
It entitles the university to carry out internal accreditation for its degree programs for a specified period of time, rather than relying on an external accreditation process.
(All in German)
- Press release
- Certificate of system accredited status
- Final report
- Letter from AQAS confirming that Freie Universität Berlin has met all requirements
- German Accreditation Council
- Accreditation agency (AQAS)
Why does Freie Universität Berlin have to accredit its degrees? What are the aims and objectives of the process?
In Germany, the Interstate Study Accreditation Treaty of 2018 (German) stipulates that bachelor and master’s degree programs are legally subject to quality controls and must therefore be accredited.
Section 8a of the Berlin Higher Education Act (BerlHG) also stipulates that degree programs in Berlin must be regularly evaluated for quality.
Freie Universität Berlin continually adapts its quality management system in response to changing external and internal requirements. To ensure the system can be successfully implemented, the university also invests in expanding its internal structures.
On August 29, 2016, Freie Universität Berlin as an entire institution was awarded “system accredited” status – the first university in Berlin to receive this accolade. The decision of the accreditation agency, AQAS, followed an external evaluation process. It certified that Freie Universität Berlin’s quality management system ensures that degree programs meet quality standards, and that quality is continually maintained, monitored and improved.
It entitles the university to carry out internal accreditation for its degree programs for a specified period of time, rather than relying on an external accreditation process.