Ask the experts - accreditation vs permission to operate
In the latest edition of our ‘Ask the experts’ feature, our Research, Data and Insights team is answering another popular question that members ask us.
This month, UK ENIC’s Research Manager Emma Kirby provides the answer to this question: accreditation versus permission to operate - what’s the difference?
An institution may be permitted to operate by the authorities in a given country. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that a recognised agency has reviewed the provider and vouched for the quality of its programmes.
Similarly, permission to operate doesn’t automatically mean that an institution belongs to that country’s formal education system.
In short: permission to operate doesn’t equate to accreditation.
Where relevant, always ensure the institution and/or programme in question is accredited. If in doubt, check with UK ENIC.