The German Accreditation system provides for three different types of procedures:
- the programme accreditation
- system accreditation and
- Alternative Procedures.
The programme and system accreditation procedures are characterized by a two-stage process:
The assessment and preparation of an accreditation report with a recommendation for resolution and evaluation in accordance with the standards set out in the specimen decree is organized by an agency commissioned by the higher education institution. However, the Accreditation Council is responsible for the accreditation decision. Upon application by the higher education institution, the Accreditation Council decides on the accreditation of a study programme or a higher education institution’s internal quality management systems. The decision is made on the basis of the accreditation report, whereby a justified deviation from the expert recommendation is possible. The representatives of the higher education institutions on the Accreditation Council have the majority of votes when voting on compliance with academic criteria.
The legal foundation of the accreditation system is formed by the State Treaty on the Organization of a Joint Accreditation System for Quality Assurance in Teaching and Learning at German Higher Education Institutions, the specimen decree of 07.12.2017 and the Law on the German Accreditation Council (Accreditation Council Law).
The Fee Regulations of the German Accreditation Council entered into force on 08.08.2018 and were last amended on 01.01.2023.
