The Quality Agency for Higher Education (AIKA)

The agency is responsible for organising external quality assurance for tertiary education in Latvia – licensing of study programmes, accreditation of study directions (groups of study programmes) and accreditation of higher education institutions. The main functions of the agency are to: 1) ensure the accreditation of higher education institutions and study directions, as well as licensing of study programmes; 2) ensure the quality monitoring/improvement of higher education; 3) perform the analysis at the system level, carry out research and participate in projects related to external quality assurance issues; 4) inform the society about assessment results; 5) provide the necessary information and support for higher education institutions; 6) develop procedures and guidelines for ensuring the functions of the agency; and 7) participate in international networks for external quality assurance.