Information for Students
Choosing an educational institution is an important decision. Students and families should have access to clear, accurate, and reliable information when evaluating a school, college, or university.
ACISC provides an independent accreditation framework through which eligible educational institutions may be evaluated against applicable standards relating to educational quality, institutional capacity, governance, student support, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement.
Our role is to help provide greater transparency regarding the accreditation status of institutions within the ACISC system.
ACISC accreditation is an independent quality-assurance status. It is not governmental licensing, authorization, registration, or a guarantee that a qualification will be recognized in every jurisdiction.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation provides an external framework for evaluating an educational institution against established standards.
For students, accreditation may provide useful information about an institution’s commitment to:
- Educational quality.
- Institutional integrity.
- Academic and administrative capacity.
- Student support and well-being.
- Appropriate governance.
- Continuous improvement.
- Transparency and accountability.
However, students should not rely on accreditation alone when choosing an institution.
We encourage prospective students to consider the institution’s programs, legal status, qualifications, costs, academic outcomes, student services, location, and the requirements of any university, employer, professional body, or government authority relevant to their future plans.
How to Verify an Institution’s ACISC Status
Before enrolling, students should verify the institution’s current status directly through the official ACISC records.
An institution may have different relationships with ACISC, including:
ACISC Member
The institution has been admitted to ACISC membership under the applicable membership requirements.
Membership is not accreditation.
Accreditation Applicant
The institution has submitted an application and is participating in the accreditation process.
An applicant is not an accredited institution.
Eligible for Accreditation
The institution has met the minimum eligibility requirements to enter the accreditation process.
Eligibility does not constitute accreditation.
ACISC Accredited
ACISC has formally granted accreditation to the institution following the applicable evaluation and decision-making process.
Students should also verify the scope, effective date, and duration of the accreditation.
What Does ACISC Accreditation Mean for Students?
ACISC accreditation indicates that the institution has undergone an external quality-assurance process under the applicable ACISC accreditation framework.
Depending on the scope of accreditation, the evaluation may consider areas such as:
- Institutional governance.
- Educational programs.
- Teaching and learning.
- Faculty and staffing.
- Student support.
- Student protection and well-being.
- Institutional resources.
- Academic integrity.
- Quality assurance.
- Educational and institutional outcomes.
- Continuous improvement.
The accreditation process is designed to provide an independent assessment of institutional capacity and educational quality.
What ACISC Accreditation Does Not Mean
ACISC accreditation should not be interpreted as a guarantee of:
- Government recognition.
- Government licensing or authorization.
- Professional licensing.
- Automatic transfer of academic credits.
- Automatic admission to another university.
- Employment eligibility.
- Immigration or visa eligibility.
- Equivalency of qualifications in every country.
- Recognition of a qualification by every professional or regulatory body.
Recognition requirements differ between countries, institutions, professions, and regulatory authorities.
Students should therefore confirm specific requirements with the relevant authority before making important educational or financial decisions.
Choosing an ACISC-Accredited Institution
When considering an institution, students should look beyond accreditation status and evaluate the institution as a whole.
Consider asking:
Is the institution legally authorized to operate?
Verify the institution’s legal status and authorization in the jurisdiction where it operates.
What qualification will I receive?
Understand the exact degree, diploma, certificate, or other credential awarded upon completion.
Who recognizes the qualification?
If recognition is important for your future plans, check directly with the relevant university, employer, professional organization, or governmental authority.
Is the program suitable for my goals?
Review the curriculum, admission requirements, learning outcomes, duration, delivery method, and progression opportunities.
What are the total costs?
Consider tuition, registration fees, accommodation, transportation, materials, examinations, and other relevant costs.
What student support is available?
Consider academic advising, career services, student welfare, accessibility, complaints procedures, and other support services.
International Recognition and Further Study
Students planning to study in another country or continue their education at another institution should verify recognition and admission requirements in advance.
ACISC accreditation may provide evidence that an institution has undergone an independent quality-assurance process, but each receiving institution or authority determines its own admission, transfer, recognition, or equivalency requirements.
Students should obtain confirmation directly from the relevant institution or authority rather than relying solely on statements made by an educational provider.
For further information, please see our Recognition page.
Student Complaints and Concerns
Students who have concerns about an ACISC-accredited institution should first use the institution’s own complaints or grievance procedures where appropriate.
Institutions are expected to maintain clear procedures for addressing student complaints and concerns.
Where a matter falls within the scope of ACISC’s policies and authority, students or other stakeholders may submit information to ACISC in accordance with the applicable Complaints and Review Procedures.
ACISC may review matters relating to compliance with its accreditation requirements, institutional integrity, or other issues within its defined scope.
ACISC does not replace governmental, judicial, professional, or statutory complaint and regulatory authorities.
Student Protection
Student protection is an important component of institutional quality.
ACISC expects accredited institutions to maintain appropriate policies and practices relating to student welfare, safeguarding, health and safety, academic integrity, complaints, student records, and other areas relevant to the protection and support of students.
Students should familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures of the institution in which they are enrolled.
If an Institution Closes
Students can be significantly affected if an educational institution ceases operations.
Institutions are therefore expected to maintain appropriate arrangements for the protection of students and their academic records in the event of significant disruption or closure, consistent with applicable laws and institutional requirements.
Students affected by an institutional closure should seek information directly from the institution concerning:
- Continuation or completion of their studies.
- Transfer options.
- Academic records and transcripts.
- Refunds and financial obligations.
- Alternative educational arrangements.
- Applicable regulatory or governmental assistance.
Where appropriate, ACISC may provide information regarding the institution’s accreditation status and applicable accreditation requirements.
Students and Global Citizenship
ACISC supports the development of education that prepares students to participate responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world.
International and intercultural education can help students develop:
- Cross-cultural understanding.
- Global awareness.
- Critical thinking.
- Respect for diverse perspectives.
- Responsible citizenship.
- Collaboration across cultures.
- Ethical decision-making.
These principles form an important part of ACISC’s broader commitment to international education.
Useful Student Resources
Students may find the following ACISC resources useful:
- Verify Accreditation Status
- Understanding Accreditation
- Recognition
- Student Complaints
- Student Protection
- Institutional Directory
- Accreditation Standards
- ACISC Code of Ethics
A Message to Students
Your education is an important investment in your future.
ACISC encourages students to make informed decisions based on reliable information and to ask questions before enrolling in an educational institution.
Verify the institution. Understand the qualification. Check the recognition requirements. Review the costs. And make sure the program supports your academic and professional goals.
ACISC’s role is to provide an independent accreditation framework and greater transparency regarding the institutions within its accreditation system.