Quality assurance is the systematic, structured and continuous commitment to quality. It requires the organization of an internal system of principles, criteria and regulations, the smooth functioning of which is certified by periodic internal and external evaluation procedures. These procedures must be made public.
Quality assurance and improvement of higher education institutions, study programmes and degree titles is highlighted as a fundamental objective of Greek Higher Education (Law 3374/2005), with the aim of best meeting the needs of society and the expectations which the society places on higher education institutions. These goals were further enhanced by the establishment of accreditation (Law 4009/2011) at the Institutional and Study Programme Level.
The responsibility for ensuring the quality of each Higher Education Institution lies with each Quality Assurance Unit (QAU), which in co-operation with the HQA. The HQA is responsible for supporting and conducting the evaluation and accreditation procedures of HEIs, with the aim of ensuring and improving the quality of Higher Education.
The core objective of the HQA is also to develop a unified framework for ensuring the quality of education and research of HEIs at national and international level, in the interest of the nation, as well as to further develop and continuously improve the European Higher Education Area.
