MFHEA’s NEW Programme Accreditation: What’s Changing?

These new provisions mark a significant shift in how educational providers in Malta must plan, document, and deliver their programmes.

On Wednesday, 16 July 2025, the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) officially launched its New Programme Accreditation Guidelines — a comprehensive update that will come into effect in the coming weeks and months.

While the goal of ensuring high-quality, student-centred education remains unchanged, the updated framework introduces a more structured, rigorous, and transparent accreditation process that will impact all providers offering qualifications at MQF Level 5 and above.

Whether you're preparing a new programme or approaching re-accreditation, these changes demand deeper planning, better internal systems, and greater accountability than ever before.

What Are the Most Significant Changes ?

This isn’t just an administrative update — it’s a strategic transformation.

Here are the most impactful changes all providers need to understand:

#1 - Introduction of 9 Programme Accreditation Standards

All programmes will now be expected to align with nine clearly defined standards, covering programme design, quality management, student-centred teaching, assessment, staffing, and support services. Providers offering doctoral-level qualifications must also meet two additional standards on research and supervision. These standards bring structure and consistency to the accreditation process, with measurable indicators of quality.

#2 - Mandatory Self-Assessment Report (SAR)

Currently, providers are not required to submit a SAR for progamme accreditation at all. That has now changed. The SAR will now be a core requirement, and must be a transparent, critical, and evidence-based analysis of the programme’s compliance with the nine standards. It must be supported by annexes, involve stakeholder input, and be publicly accessible. This marks a move from compliance-based reporting to institutional reflection and transparency.

#3 - Formal Re-Accreditation Every 5 Years

Accreditation will no longer be a one-off. Every programme will be subject to formal re-accreditation at least every five years. This review will assess both minimal and performance indicators, ensuring that programmes are not only compliant but are also continuously improving over time.

#4 - Mandatory Peer Review Site Visit

Site visits have been largely inconsistent or optional up to now. Under the new guidelines, a site visit by a peer review panel is now mandatory. These visits — which may last from one to several days — will include interviews with staff, students, and stakeholders, inspections of facilities, and direct engagement with the programme’s learning environment. The visit allows MFHEA to validate that what’s written in the SAR is reflected in practice.

#5 - Extended Accreditation Timeline (12–18 Months)

The full accreditation process is now expected to take 12 to 18 months, from submission to decision. This longer timeline reflects the depth of the review and the need for structured engagement. As a result, providers must begin programme planning much earlier to avoid launch delays or rejection due to poor preparation.

#6 - Post-Accreditation Monitoring: Action Plan & Annual Follow-Ups

Once accreditation is granted, the responsibility doesn’t stop. Providers must submit a clear Action Plan explaining how they will address recommendations made in the final report. Furthermore, they are required to submit annual follow-up reports demonstrating progress until all recommendations have been implemented. This ensures that quality enhancement becomes an ongoing commitment — not a one-time exercise.

What Are the Standards?

All MQF Level 5+ programmes will be assessed against these nine core standards:

1. Programme organisation and management

2. Quality management

3. Programme design, monitoring, and review

4. Student-centred learning, teaching, and assessment

5. Teaching, administrative and technical staff

6. Student administration and support services

7. Resources and infrastructure

8. Research (for MQF Level 8)

9. Doctoral student supervision (for MQF Level 8)

Each standard includes:

• Minimal Indicators, to be met from the outset

• Performance Indicators, evaluated during re-accreditation

What This Means for Providers.

The new accreditation process calls for a higher level of planning, documentation, and internal coordination. You’ll need to:

• Start programme development well in advance

• Prepare a high-quality, stakeholder-informed SAR

• Host and coordinate a peer review site visit

• Submit a robust Action Plan post-accreditation

• Provide annual progress reports until all recommendations are fulfilled

These are no longer best practices — they are formal requirements, and failure to comply may result in delay, suspension, or refusal of accreditation.

How The Training Consultants Can Help!

At The Training Consultants, we help education providers navigate the evolving MFHEA landscape with confidence and clarity.

Our expert support includes:

1. Drafting and reviewing Self-Assessment Reports (SARs)

2. Aligning your programmes with all nine accreditation standards

3. Preparing your team for peer review visits and interviews

4. Structuring compliant Action Plans and follow-up reports

5. Managing realistic timelines to meet the 12–18 month process

Whether you're launching a new programme or preparing for renewal, we can help ensure your submission is clear, compliant, and compelling.

Need expert support with MFHEA programme accreditation or re-accreditation?

Let’s work together to get it right — from the start.

Contact The Training Consultants today for reliable, efficient, and expert consultancy tailored to Malta’s evolving higher education standards.