Ranking and Accreditation: Which is Which?

“We complement each other. Rankings and accreditation are a key to establish a way forward for institutions,” said Ashwin Fernandes, regional director, MENA and South Asia at Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), one of the world's leading international higher education network. "Our mission at QS is to enable more educated people around the world to fulfill their potential by fostering international mobility, educational achievement and career development."

Fernandes spoke as part of a symposium hosted by AUC on “Accreditation or Ranking in Higher Education: Which is Which.” Watch the sessions on international accreditation and global ranking.

"AUC is called The American University in Cairo, and this means that it has both the quality of American education and that it also abides by the rules and regulations of Egyptian higher education," said AUC Counselor Ashraf Hatem. "NAQAAE [Egypt's National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education] gives us a stamp of the quality of education, and this quality makes AUC ahead of most of the Egyptian institutions."

The event aimed to raise awareness of the value of international accreditation and ranking, showcasing the benefits and costs of both. Distinguished and keynote guests included Egyptian and international experts in higher education, including Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Khaled Abdel Ghaffar; Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities Amr Salama; Secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Universities Mohamed Lotayef; and President of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE) Youhansen Eid. Representatives of Egyptian universities — public, private and the international branch campuses — also attended the event. 

“AUC has cooperated with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research with determination to seek institutional and professional accreditation and improve international ranking as well as engage with Egyptian universities and share experiences together,” said Minister Abdel Ghaffar. “Over many decades, this prestigious organization has provided higher education, which means a high level of quality, as it is currently within the 300-range worldwide according to the QS ranking, and is currently accredited by 14 different national, international and professional accrediting bodies.” Watch the opening session here.   

Highlighting the importance of accreditation, Timothy Mescon, executive vice president and chief officer, Europe, Middle East and Africa, at AACSB International, “Our vision is about leveraging business education and to enhance global prosperity. We now have members in 101 countries and territories across the world. ... Our mission is wrapped around three important standards: innovation, engagement and impact." 

Watch here a video about AUC's accreditation and ranking.