Accreditation sounds like bureaucracy. But it is one of the most important factors when choosing your degree programme. Accreditation means: a programme or university is externally reviewed. Not by the university itself, but by independent, state-legitimised bodies. They assess content, lecturer qualifications, structure, and examinations. In short: does this programme meet defined standards?
Three Forms of Accreditation in the DACH Region
1. Programme Accreditation
Here, an individual degree programme is reviewed. Specifically, the Bachelor or Master in your subject. An independent agency evaluates the content, structure, and quality of the programme.
2. System Accreditation
Here, the university's internal quality system is reviewed. If it passes, the university may accredit its own programmes. This is efficient but requires a functioning internal quality management system.
3. Institutional Accreditation
Here, the entire university is assessed. Structure, organisation, and long-term stability are the focus. This form is primarily relevant for private universities.
Who Grants Accreditation?
- Germany: The Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) decides. The review is carried out by approved agencies such as ACQUIN or FIBAA.
- Austria: AQ Austria is responsible. It accredits private universities and universities of applied sciences.
- Switzerland: The Swiss Accreditation Council decides. The procedures are conducted by agencies including AAQ.
Good to know
Accreditation does not automatically mean excellence. But it does mean: the degree is formally recognised. A non-accredited programme may have good content, but it carries the risk that your degree will not be accepted everywhere.
Why Accreditation Matters for Your Career
Without accreditation, you risk your degree not being recognised. This affects employers who want to assess your qualification. It affects universities where you might apply for a part-time Bachelor's or a further degree. And it affects regulated professions where recognition is mandatory.
The difference is not marketing. It is a legal foundation.
Having Accreditation Checked
If you are unsure whether a specific programme is properly accredited and what that means for your career, let us talk about it. In a free initial consultation, I will check the status for you. Clear and straightforward.
Conclusion
Accreditation is not a marketing label. It is the foundation for your degree being recognised. When choosing your programme, look for programme or system accreditation and find out about the responsible body in your country. If you need help with the assessment, I am here for you.
Frequently asked questions
What does accreditation mean for a degree programme?
Accreditation means a programme or university is reviewed by an independent, state-legitimised body. It assesses content, lecturers, structure, and examinations. The result tells you whether the programme meets defined quality standards.
What is the difference between programme and system accreditation?
Programme accreditation reviews a single degree programme. System accreditation reviews the university's internal quality system, after which the university may accredit its own programmes. Both forms are equivalent.
Who grants accreditation in the DACH region?
In Germany the Accreditation Council decides, with reviews by agencies like ACQUIN or FIBAA. In Austria AQ Austria is responsible, and in Switzerland the Swiss Accreditation Council works with agencies such as AAQ.
Is a non-accredited degree worthless?
Not automatically, the content may be good. But you risk your degree not being recognised everywhere, for example by employers, further universities, or in regulated professions. Check the status before you enrol.