External Quality Assurance (EQA) refers to the independent evaluation of a higher education institution’s quality systems and practices by an external body to ensure accountability, transparency, and continuous enhancement. Within the context of the University of Malta (UM), EQA holds particular importance due to the University’s self-accrediting status, as it provides external validation that UM’s internal processes, academic standards, and qualifications meet both national and international expectations. Conducted in line with the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) regulations and guided by the principles of the Bologna Process, the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), and the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG, 2015), EQA reinforces confidence in the quality and integrity of UM’s provision. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the international recognition of the University’s awards and degrees, thereby supporting student mobility, employability, and the global reputation of the institution.
An EQA audit may be conducted by the MFHEA either at an institutional or programme level and is performed once every five years in accordance with S.L. 607.03.
The most recent EQA audit took place during the academic year 2023-2024 and was conducted in line with the principles and standards of the National Quality Assurance Framework. The rigorous and lengthy process followed the procedures outlined in the EQA Manual of Procedures (2015) published by the NCFHE/MFHEA, which provides the methodological framework for external audits, including stakeholder engagement, evidence collection, and reporting.
The MFHEA has recently revised and reissued the former EQA Manual of Procedures under the new title “External Quality Assurance Provider Accreditation Manual for Higher Education Institutions”. In response, the University of Malta is fully committed to reviewing and updating its internal quality assurance processes to ensure full conformity with the revised manual and to further strengthen its culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and international recognition.