Accreditation Standards
SAC standards are built on a transparent, evidence-based quality-assurance approach in the Swedish tradition, applied to institutions worldwide.
Three Frameworks, Opening in Stages
Higher Education is open for applications. The K-12 and Vocational & Technical frameworks will be published once their standards are approved.
Informed by the Swedish quality-assurance tradition
Quality Domains:
- Institutional Governance & Strategy
- Programme Design & Learning Outcomes
- Research Environment & Output
- Faculty Qualifications & Development
- Student Admission & Support Services
- Quality Assurance Processes
- Internationalization & Partnerships
- Graduate Employability & Impact
For: Universities, colleges and higher education institutions
Standards under development
Quality Domains:
Standards under development. Domains will be published once approved.
For: Primary, middle and secondary schools
Standards under development
Quality Domains:
Standards under development. Domains will be published once approved.
For: TVET institutions and professional education providers, including corporate training and non-profit education providers where their activity fits
Guides to the standards and process
Institutional vs programme accreditation
What each one covers and how to decide which you need.
Read moreAccreditation, licensing and recognition
Three terms that are often confused, and who decides each.
Read moreWho can apply, and what to prepare
Eligibility requirements and the evidence an application usually needs.
Read moreHow to prepare a self-evaluation report
The eight Higher Education domains and practical writing tips.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
Timeline, cost, outcomes, eligibility and renewal.
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
Is SAC accreditation recognised by governments or ministries of education?
SAC is a new accreditor and makes no claim of recognition by any government, ministry or regulator. Whether a foreign or private accreditation is recognised is decided by each country's competent authorities and differs from country to country. Please check the requirements that apply to you before applying.
How long does accreditation take?
SAC targets 3–6 months from application to final certificate for all tracks. The actual duration depends on the scope of the accreditation and on how quickly your team completes the self-evaluation and submits evidence.
What are the possible outcomes?
SAC uses three final outcomes: Accredited, Conditionally Accredited, Not Accredited. Institutions may reapply once they have had sufficient time to implement the requested changes.
Which institutions can apply?
Institutions must hold a valid licence or authorisation from the competent authority in their country, have been operating for at least two academic years, name a focal contact point, and have adequate governance, learner records and evidence. SAC accepts applications from any country. At launch, applications are open for Higher Education only.
Can we apply for programme accreditation as well as institutional accreditation?
Yes. Institutional and programme accreditation are separate applications, each with its own review, decision, certificate and renewal date.
How long does accreditation last, and how is it renewed?
4-year accreditation with annual monitoring. Annual monitoring is a proportionate progress review rather than a re-accreditation. Renewal at the end of the period is risk-based and focuses on changes since the last cycle, monitoring history and any open conditions.