CHEA Recognition of the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Assessment Enhances the International Standing of Saudi Universities

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved another significant milestone in the quality of higher education, with the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC), represented by the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA), receiving recognition from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the United States for a period of seven years. This makes NCAAA the first national accreditation body in the Arab world and the Gulf region to receive such recognition. The CHEA Board of Directors granted recognition to NCAAA on September 28, 2026, and the recognition will remain valid through December 31, 2033.

This recognition represents international acknowledgment of the credibility and maturity of Saudi Arabia’s academic evaluation and accreditation system, particularly in the implementation of quality standards, academic effectiveness, and continuous improvement. It further strengthens confidence in accredited academic institutions and programs and supports their visibility and competitiveness at both the regional and international levels.

The scope of CHEA’s recognition of NCAAA encompasses the accreditation of public and private higher education institutions and their academic programs, from the associate diploma level through doctoral degrees, including programs delivered through face-to-face, online, and distance-learning modalities.

This achievement also opens broader opportunities for Saudi universities to strengthen their international academic partnerships and enhance the credibility of their accredited programs. Institutions accredited by NCAAA are now eligible to apply for CHEA International Membership and benefit from the Council’s collaborative networks, resources, programs, and professional development opportunities.

This milestone is aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program, reaffirming the Kingdom’s advanced position in higher education quality assurance. It also contributes to enhancing the attractiveness of Saudi universities and expanding their academic partnerships at the international level.