The Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA) hosted an American evaluation panel from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) of the United States of America, within the framework of the process for recognition as an accreditation authority by the United States.

The panel, composed of Malina Monaco and Lucas Kavlie, participated in the meeting of the State Quality Council (SQC) of KAA, held in Pristina on 23 February 2026, in order to assess KAA’s fulfillment of U.S. standards.

During the meeting, which was attended in person by all members of the SQC, the American experts closely observed the decision-making process, institutional transparency, and the alignment of procedures with U.S. standards for quality assurance in higher education.

The visit was conducted within the framework of the application submitted by KAA on 1 December 2025 for membership and recognition as an authority by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), thereby entering into a comprehensive and rigorous international evaluation process.

Recognition as an authority by CHEA constitutes a strategic step of particular importance for the higher education system in Kosovo, following KAA’s registration in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR).

As one of the most important institutions in the United States for the recognition of accreditation agencies, CHEA verifies high standards of quality and academic integrity.

Should KAA become a CHEA-recognized authority, the degrees of Kosovar students issued by accredited institutions would enjoy a higher level of acceptance and credibility in the United States and in other countries that refer to U.S. quality assurance standards.

This process marks an important milestone for the internationalization of higher education in Kosovo and the consolidation of KAA’s position as a key institution in ensuring quality and academic standards in line with global best practices.