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International Students Society
EDITORIAL ANALYSIS

Who actually regulates your university? An explainer on accreditation and oversight

Accreditation, ministerial recognition and consumer regulation are three different things — and students often discover the difference only when something goes wrong.

Published
Location
Reading time
7 min
Category
Policy & Regulation · Higher Education
Editorial Desk · Source: International Students Society

For an international student comparing programmes across borders, the word 'accredited' can mean very different things depending on the jurisdiction. This explainer sets out the main categories of oversight and what each one can and cannot do for a student with a dispute.

AccreditationRegulationExplainer

Editorial independence

International Students Society is an independent media, research and public-interest platform serving the international student community. Publication of a statement, complaint, allegation or opinion does not constitute endorsement of its contents or a judicial determination of the matters described. Where allegations concern identifiable institutions or individuals, they should be understood as allegations unless established by competent authorities or supported by independently verified evidence.

International Students Society does not act as the legal representative of individuals whose statements or cases are reported on the platform.

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