Kosovo Accreditation Agency Achieves CHEA Recognition

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Audrey Hamilton
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WASHINGTON, DC) – (May 13, 2026)—The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) announced today that the Board of Directors accepted the Committee on Recognition’s recommendation for CHEA recognition for the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA) based in Pristina, Kosovo. KAA accredits 22 institutions and 354 programs that offer baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

KAA was officially established by law in 2005 to support and advance quality assurance in public and private institutions of higher education across Kosovo. The agency operates in alignment with international best practices and relevant European standards for accreditation and institutional review. Through its accreditation activities, KAA promotes continuous improvement, institutional accountability, and public confidence in the teaching and learning provided to students in Kosovo.

This recognition reflects KAA’s strong commitment to advancing the quality of higher education programs, supporting continuous improvement, and strengthening opportunities for students,” said CHEA President Nasser H. Paydar. “CHEA is pleased to welcome KAA into a growing international community of accrediting organizations dedicated to academic quality and student success.”

KAA’s application for recognition was reviewed by CHEA’s Committee on Recognition (COR) during its March 2026 meeting. Based on its findings, COR recommended initial recognition of KAA. The CHEA Board accepted COR’s recommendation and granted KAA recognition on May 4, 2026. Incorporating international accrediting organizations into CHEA's recognition process offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen global collaboration and elevate higher education standards worldwide.

“Receiving CHEA recognition is an important affirmation of the progress KAA has made in strengthening quality assurance and advancing higher education in Kosovo,” said KAA General Director Mr. Naim Gashi “This recognition reflects the dedication of our institutions, academic community, and stakeholders to building a transparent, credible, and internationally aligned accreditation system that expands opportunities for students and strengthens confidence in the quality of higher education in Kosovo.”

International accreditors seeking to learn more about the CHEA international recognition process and procedures can visit the CHEA website for more information.

About the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is the national advocate and institutional voice for academic quality through accreditation. Representing degree-granting colleges and universities, it is the only national organization focused exclusively on higher education accreditation and quality assurance. CHEA plays a central role in recognizing accrediting organizations and strengthening public trust in higher education. For more information, visit www.chea.org.