Certification

Institutional certification

Our Institutional Certification program is designed to help educational institutions demonstrate their commitment to top quality and innovation in higher education. By undergoing our evaluation process, institutions can earn a prestigious certification that signals their alignment with global best practices and their dedication to producing graduates who are prepared for the challenges of the modern world. We assess key areas such as curriculum development, teaching methodologies, industry partnerships, and research initiatives to ensure that the institution meets the evolving demands of both students and employers.

We would like to point out that our certification is not only about meeting a single set of standards, but about being aligned with our values of bringing high quality education to the masses regardless of their region or position and following culture of continuous improvement. Once awarded, the certification provides institutions with a clear pathway for further development, displaying its areas for growth and helping them stay ahead of emerging trends. Through our support, certified institutions gain access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and a global community of like-minded educators, which is beneficial for attracting top-tier students and faculty.

Steps to Certification

We follow a structured timeline for certification, during which we verify an institution meets specific educational standards of quality.

1. Initial Preparation and Assessment

The institution begins by conducting an internal assessment based on our preliminary guidelines, reviewing all aspects of its operations, from faculty qualifications to infrastructure, curriculum, student outcomes, and governance. This step helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

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2. Application for Certification

Once the self-assessment is completed, the institution submits an official application to the EZDP. The application includes the institution’s self-assessment report, documentation of adherence to relevant standards, and a formal request signed by the rector, vice-rector, or corporate director.

Relevant Actions

• Complete and submit the accreditation application to the accrediting body.
• Provide required documents – institutional policies, curriculum details, faculty qualifications, and financial stability reports.
• Pay the application review fee.

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3. Site Visit and Evaluation

After reviewing the application, we will schedule a site visit at the expense of the institution. This will involve flights and accommodation from Singapore or Kuala-Lumpur to the location of your school, most likely for 2 individuals. Under special circumstances, such as in underdeveloped countries, this fee may be forgone. A team of evaluators visits the institution to assess its operations in person. This step ensures that the institution’s self-assessment aligns with reality.

Relevant Actions

• Prepare for the site visit by organizing relevant documentation, hosting meetings with faculty, administrators, and students, and providing access to facilities, such as the corporate office for remote institutions.
• The evaluation team conducts interviews, classroom observations (if physical), and audits of institutional processes.
• The team prepares an evaluation report based on their findings.

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4. Review of Evaluation Report

Following the site visit, EZDP reviews the evaluation team’s report and considers the institution’s adherence to our dedicated standards set to them. The institution may be asked to provide additional information or take corrective actions to meet specific requirements.

Relevant Actions

• Review the evaluation report provided by the accreditation team.
• Address any identified weaknesses or areas of non-compliance.
• Provide additional information if requested by the accrediting body.

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5. EZDP Decision

Once we have reviewed all relevant information, it will issue a decision regarding accreditation. If the institution meets the required standards, it will receive certified status. If the institution does not meet all criteria, it is given a set period to make improvements before reapplying.

Relevant Actions

• Wait for the official decision.
• If granted, the institution is formally accredited for a set period which we have set to 3 years for complete approvals and 1.5 years (18 months) for conditional approvals (i.e., those where specific changes need to be made in order to avoid revocation).
• If denied, the institution receives feedback on areas that need improvement and can reapply in 12 months or later; expectedly, after addressing the deficiencies.
• The yearly institutional membership fee, if approved, is payable. It is linked to the total number of students multiplied by a coefficient set for the country of the institution.

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6. Continuous Improvement and Reaffirmation

Certification is not a one-time event; institutions are expected to continuously improve and meet evolving standards. We hold periodical discussions, meetings, reviews, and reaffirmations with each institution throughout the relevant period. Institutions are also encouraged to make necessary adjustments as soon as they are detected to maintain or enhance quality.

Relevant Actions

• Voluntarily periodic reports and updates to the accrediting body for better standing.
• Participate in any interim reviews or re-accreditation processes if applicable.
• Continue to make improvements based on feedback and evolving best practices.

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7. Reaccreditation

After the certification expires, which is generally in 3 years, institutions must go through the process of reaccreditation. This typically involves another self-assessment, and an evaluation by the accrediting body of any adverse media or amendments to ensure the standards are still met at an acceptable level.

Relevant Actions

• Initiate the reaccreditation process before the expiration of the current accreditation.
• Submit updated documentation and undergo a new evaluation cycle.
• Incorporate any changes or improvements made since the last review.

Program certification

The Program Certification offered by the Educational Zone Development Program is a specialized additional and non-required service designed to evaluate and validate individual academic and professional programs within certified institutional members. This certification ensures that each program completes credit and hour count requirements, is built up of subjects relevant to it, and meets the our quality standards. Through the assessment process, we review the program’s curriculum, faculty expertise, research integration, and student outcomes, among other factors, to ensure that it aligns with global best practices.

The program certification is a mark of distinction that signals to students, employers, and company partners that the program is both current and impactful.

Two (2) program certifications are included as part of premier institutional membership granted upon full unconditional institutional approval.

Appendix 1, Basic certification review plan

Note: the following document is exemplary and does not display all requirements, as some may be adapted/added/removed for different types of institutions and curricula.

Section	Subsection	Description	Criteria
1. Faculty	1.1 Guarantor	Evaluate the qualifications and experience of key faculty members.	The guarantor should hold a relevant advanced degree (Ph.D., equivalent, or higher) and have at least 7 years of experience in academia or industry.
	1.2 Teaching Experience	Assess faculty’s teaching experience and involvement in student mentorship.	Faculty members should have a track record of effective teaching with positive student evaluations and active involvement in mentoring students.
	1.3 Continuous Professional Development	Evaluate the institution’s programs for faculty development and growth.	There should be regular opportunities for faculty to attend workshops, conferences, and pursue additional certifications or qualifications.
	1.4 Student-Faculty Ratio	Review the faculty-to-student ratio to ensure adequate attention to students.	The institution should maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio in order to be able to offer personalized academic support.
	1.5 Faculty Satisfaction	Review faculty satisfaction surveys and feedback mechanisms.	A robust system for faculty feedback should be in place, with evidence of actions taken based on faculty input to improve teaching and research environments.
2. Curriculum	2.1 Program Design	Evaluate the design and objectives of academic programs offered by the institution.	Programs should have clear, measurable learning outcomes and subjects relevant to the issued title and program name, structured to meet academic standards and the relevant job market.
	2.2 Curriculum Flexibility	Review how adaptable and customizable the curriculum is for a diverse student body.	Institutions should offer flexible learning options (e.g., part-time, online, elective courses) to correlate with different learning styles and career goals.
	2.3 Integration of Emerging Technologies	Assess the integration of current and emerging technologies in the curriculum.	The curriculum should incorporate new technologies, such as AI, machine learning, data analytics, etc. (variable based on the sector) to prepare students for modern industries.
	2.4 Industry Relevance	Evaluate how well the curriculum aligns with industry standards and workforce needs.	Program content should reflect the skills and knowledge required by employers, and in most cases include internship or hands-on learning opportunities.
3. Research & Development	3.1 Research Focus	Evaluate the institution’s focus areas for research and innovation.	The institution should have clearly defined research areas that align with global challenges and contribute to industry advancements.
	3.2 External Collaborations	Assess partnerships with external research bodies, industry, and government agencies.	Active collaboration with universities, research centers, and industry partners should be visible in joint projects, publications, and grants. Memberships in relevant business groups, chambers, etc. is not obligated but advantageous.
	3.3 Research Funding	Examine the institution’s ability to secure research funding.	The institution should demonstrate a strong ability to acquire funding for research from both public and private sources, ensuring financial support for innovative projects.
	3.4 Innovation in Teaching & Learning	Assess how research informs and improves teaching methods.	Research findings should be integrated into the curriculum to modify teaching methods and student learning outcomes, and promote evidence-based education.
4. Infrastructure (Parts inapplicable to remote learning institutions)	4.1 Learning Spaces	Assess the quality and availability of classrooms, labs, and study spaces.	The institution should provide modern, comfortable learning environments, including well-equipped classrooms, labs, and spaces for group work and independent study.
	4.2 Digital Infrastructure	Evaluate the technological tools available to support teaching and learning.	A robust digital infrastructure, including, reliable LMS, online libraries, and interactive tools, should be in place for all students and faculty.
	4.3 Library and Resource Access	Assess the availability and quality of academic resources, including libraries.	The library should offer extensive print and digital resources, with access to scholarly journals, research databases, and academic books across various fields.
5. Student Outcomes	5.1 Graduation and Retention Rates	Review data on graduation rates and student retention.	Low dropout rates and standard graduation rates should indicate that students are receiving the necessary support to complete their programs successfully.
	5.2 Employment Success	Assess the institution’s graduate employment and career placement success.	The institution should maintain strong relationships with employers and consistently report high employment rates for graduates in relevant fields.
	5.3 Alumni Engagement	Examine the strength and activity of the alumni network.	An active alumni network should exist, offering ongoing mentorship, and professional development for graduates.
	5.4 Internship and Practical Experience	Review the availability of internships and hands-on learning opportunities.	The institution should have established partnerships with industry leaders to provide students with internship and real-world work experiences.
	5.5 Student Body	Explore the internationality of the programs and readiness for global students.	The institution should be capable of teaching students with different backgrounds and not targeting an overly narrow group.
6. Governance & Leadership	6.1 Leadership Experience	Evaluate the experience and vision of the institution’s leadership team.	Leadership should have a clear vision for the future of the institution, with experience in driving educational innovation and institutional growth.
	6.2 Institutional Governance	Review the governance structure and decision-making processes.	Governance should be transparent, with a clearly defined decision-making structure that includes input from faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
	6.3 Strategic Planning	Assess the institution’s long-term strategic goals and planning processes.	The institution should have a well-defined strategic plan, with clear goals for the next 3-10 years, focusing on growth, innovation, and student success.
	6.4 Financial Stability	Review the financial health and sustainability of the institution.	The institution should demonstrate strong financial health, with diversified funding sources, and should have a clear plan for long-term financial sustainability.
	6.5 Ethical Standards	Review the institution’s commitment to ethical standards and diversity.	The institution should demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices, including diversity and inclusion, and ensure that these values are embedded in its operations and culture.