Quality Assurance in Higher Education

Quality assurance is one of the essential pillars of a modern higher education system. It supports the development of transparent, effective and student-oriented educational processes and ensures that higher education institutions continuously improve their academic, research and institutional activities.

According to the Georgian Law “On Higher Education”, the State guarantees the establishment and effective functioning of quality assurance systems, including the accreditation system for higher education institutions and the operation of internal quality assurance services. This legal provision confirms that quality assurance is not only an internal institutional responsibility, but also a state-supported mechanism aimed at protecting educational standards and promoting thesustainable development of higher education. (Article 3, Paragraph 2(d))

The Law also emphasizes the importance of regular and systematic evaluation within higher education institutions. In particular, the academic activities and research work of higher education institutions, as well as the quality of professional development of academic staff, must be continuously assessed. An important feature of this process is the participation of students, whose involvement helps institutions better understand the needs, expectations and learning experience of the academic community. The results of such evaluations must be public and accessible to all interested parties, which strengthens openness, accountability and trust in higher education institutions. (Article 25, Paragraph 1)

For the implementation of these principles, a Quality Assurance Department is established within higher education institutions. Its main purpose is to ensure the systematic evaluation of educational programmes, academic processes, research activities and the professional development of academic and invited staff. The Department operates in accordance with the regulations of the higher education institution and supports the introduction of internal mechanisms that promote continuous improvement.

The Quality Assurance Department plays an important role in developing a quality culture within the university. Its activities are directed not only towards monitoring and evaluation, but also towards supporting faculties, academic staff, students and administrative units in improving educational outcomes, teaching and learning methods, assessment approaches, research productivity and institutional effectiveness. (Article 25, Paragraph 2)

Thus, quality assurance in higher education represents a continuous and participatory process. It combines legal requirements, institutional responsibility and the involvement of the academic community. Through quality assurance mechanisms, higher education institutions are able to maintain academic standards, respond to changing educational needs, enhance transparency and strengthen their competitiveness at both national and international levels.