Middle East Chapter Webinar: Internationalization of Higher Education, Quality Assurance & Accreditation in a Digitalizing World

Description

Quality is important in higher education for Middle Eastern countries for several fundamental reasons: competitiveness, human resource development, research and innovation, social development, international reputation. A high-quality higher education system enhances a country's international reputation. Having reputable universities allows a country to be recognized academically, facilitates international collaborations and exchange programs, and attracts foreign students. This increases cultural interactions and strengthens international relations. Here are some of the top universities in the Middle East: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia), Qatar University (Qatar), Bilkent University (Turkey), Koç University (Turkey), Middle East Technical University (Turkey), Sabancı University (Turkey), American University of Beirut (Lebanon), University of Jordan (Jordan), Tel Aviv University (Israel), Bogazici University (Turkey). Please note that rankings and assessments of university quality can vary across different institutions. The listed universities are generally recognized for their high quality in the Middle East. However, there are many other universities in the region that also offer excellent education. Some recognized higher education accreditation bodies around the world; Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC), Association of MBAs (AMBA), European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).The quality of universities is determined by various factors such as ranking methodologies, interdisciplinary strengths, research activities, faculty expertise, and international reputation. Quality and accreditation issues in the rapidly digitalizing information age will be discussed with a focus on Middle Eastern higher education institutions.