Application Process

The Accreditation Lifecycle

The accreditation lifecycle of WEQSC comprises four stages:

1. Expression of Interest;
2. Self-Evaluation Report;
3. Verification Site Visit;
4. Accreditation Decision.

This page sets out the requirements for each stage.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest

Applications for accreditation are submitted to WEQSC through the online application form at

/affiliation/application-process/start

.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. There is no application window and no application fee.

The Expression of Interest comprises the following information:

• Institution identification and contact details;
• Physical infrastructure declaration;
• Staffing declaration;
• Financial declaration;
• Governance declaration;
• Qualification level and programme mapping.

Where an applicant is uncertain how to complete any part of the Expression of Interest, it may request assistance from the Admissions Office at affiliation@weqsc.org. Assistance is procedural only and does not constitute advice on eligibility or on the merits of the application.

Stage 2: Self-Evaluation Report

Following acceptance of the Expression of Interest, the applicant must submit a Self-Evaluation Report. The Self-Evaluation Report requires the applicant to assess its own compliance with the WEQSC standards across the following areas:

• Infrastructure;
• Academic and Curriculum Standards;
• Administrative Requirements;
• Governance and Leadership;
• Attendance and Student Welfare;
• Financial Management;
• Data and Technology;
• Cybersecurity.

The Self-Evaluation Report must be submitted through the Institution Management Portal, and must be accompanied by supporting documentation proportionate to the size and complexity of the school.

Supporting Documents

The following documents must be attached to the application, in PDF format:

• Certificate of legal registration — current, with jurisdiction of issuance;
• Operating licence or permit — where required by jurisdiction;
• Proof of premises — ownership deed or lease with ≥ 3 years remaining;
• Audited financial statements (2 years) — independent auditor;
• Fire safety certificate — where issued by jurisdiction;
• Photographs of premises — classrooms, library, sanitation, laboratories;
• Teacher credential file — degree certificates, teaching qualifications;
• Written policies — admission, discipline, grievance, fee structure;
• Governance document — board composition or equivalent;
• Programme Mapping statement — where class structure is non-standard;
• Curriculum outline — current curriculum for classes proposed;
• Local Education Authority statement — evidence of no current sanction.

Stage 3: Verification Site Visit

A Verification Site Visit is conducted by a WEQSC inspector or an inspector appointed by WEQSC. The visit is ordinarily conducted within four weeks of the acceptance of the Self-Evaluation Report.

The inspector verifies the declarations in the application against observed conditions. A written report is issued to the Accreditation Committee within ten business days of the inspection.

Stage 4: Accreditation Decision

Upon completion of the Verification Site Visit, the Accreditation Committee decides the application. The decision may take one of four forms:

• Unconditional Approval — Granted where every criterion is satisfied and every minimum standard is met;
• Conditional Approval — Granted where the Committee is satisfied that accreditation may properly be granted, subject to the completion of specified remedial action within a specified period;
• Deferral — A decision to postpone substantive decision where further information is required. A deferral is not a rejection;
• Rejection — Where a criterion or minimum standard is not met and is not capable of conditional remediation.

False Information and Misrepresentation

The applicant certifies, by submitting the application, that all information provided is true, complete, and not misleading in any material respect.

Where WEQSC discovers that an application contains a material misrepresentation, WEQSC may reject the application; withdraw any approval already granted; terminate any accreditation that has come into effect; and disqualify the applicant from re-application for a period of not less than two years.

No Application Fee

WEQSC does not charge any fee for the submission or processing of an application for accreditation. Fees become payable only upon approval, as set out in the Financial Framework.

Conclusion

The application process is administrative, but its requirements are formal. An application that is incomplete, that misstates the position, or that relies on material that cannot be verified will be rejected or returned. All procedures not expressly set out in this portal must follow the Secretariat's official bylaws.