ShareAnalysis of Institutional Accreditation Follow-up Reports (2026)
The main aim of the document is to analyse how this new form of institutional accreditation has been implemented over the past two years.
The first follow-up reports were submitted and assessed from the 2023–2024 academic year onwards, coinciding with the launch of the CEAI, which was established at the end of 2023. Over the two years analysed, AQU Catalunya assessed a total of 30 follow-up reports, 18 corresponding to 2024 and 12 to 2025. This initial experience has made it possible to identify common patterns, strengths and recurring difficulties, while also contributing to the gradual consolidation of the process and its methodology.
The analysis of the reports shows that, in general, institutions have operational internal quality assurance systems (IQAS) in place, with defined processes, indicators, improvement plans and mechanisms for periodic review. There is also good formal alignment between institutional strategies and those of their universities, while academic outcomes and graduate employment outcomes are generally satisfactory. However, the main challenges identified include the need to strengthen traceability between strategic objectives, actions and final outcomes; increase stakeholder participation; improve participation in satisfaction surveys; and make further progress in certain areas related to teaching staff and human resource planning.
Overall, the first years of implementation confirm the role of follow-up as a tool for reflection, support and improvement for institutions, going beyond a strictly verification-based function. The experience gained should help strengthen the coherence of the assessment model and provide institutions with a more solid basis for undertaking the first renewals of institutional accreditation.
Institutional accreditation follow-up has been incorporated into AQU Catalunya's assessment model as an intermediate stage between the initial accreditation of higher education institutions and its renewal. The process aims to verify that institutions maintain and further develop the quality standards achieved through the effective operation of their internal quality assurance systems (IQAS). With a focus on continuous improvement, follow-up makes it possible to identify good practices, areas for improvement and recommendations that should help institutions prepare for future renewals of institutional accreditation.
Analysis of Institutional Accreditation Follow-up Reports (2026)