Flemish Universities and Colleges Council

The Vlaamse Universiteiten en Hogescholen Raad (VLUHR) is an organization that plays a crucial role in higher education in Flanders, Belgium. It was established in 2003 as a merger of two separate organizations, the Flemish Interuniversity Council and the Flemish Council of University Colleges. The VLUHR represents the interests of 13 Flemish universities and university colleges, which together offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.

One of the primary functions of the VLUHR is to provide a platform for collaboration and communication among its member institutions. It serves as a forum for discussing issues related to higher education policy, research and teaching and facilitates joint initiatives and projects. The VLUHR also acts as a liaison between its member institutions and the Flemish government, advocating for their interests and providing input on policy decisions that affect higher education.

Another important role of the VLUHR is to promote quality assurance and accreditation in higher education. It works closely with the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) to ensure that the programs offered by its member institutions meet the highest standards of academic excellence. The VLUHR also provides support and guidance to its member institutions in the development and implementation of quality assurance policies and procedures.

In addition to its advocacy and quality assurance functions, the VLUHR also plays a key role in promoting internationalization and mobility in higher education. It supports its member institutions in their efforts to establish partnerships with universities and colleges around the world and provides information and resources to students and faculty members who wish to study or teach abroad. The VLUHR also coordinates various exchange programs and initiatives, such as the Erasmus+ program, which enable students and faculty members to gain valuable international experience and broaden their horizons.

Considering all this, according to uniRank the Vlaamse Universiteiten en Hogescholen Raad is an important highed education-related organization that plays an important role in shaping the landscape of higher education in Flanders. Its efforts to promote collaboration, quality assurance and internationalization have helped to establish the region as a hub of academic excellence and innovation and have contributed to the success of its member institutions and the students they serve.