National Commission for Academic Assessment and Accreditation

The Agência Nacional para a Avaliação e Acreditação Académica (National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education) is a Portuguese organization responsible for evaluating and accrediting higher education institutions and their programs. It was established in 2015 and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education.

The main role of the agency is to ensure the quality of higher education in Portugal by evaluating the institutions and programs based on a set of criteria and standards. The evaluation process includes a comprehensive analysis of the institution's governance, academic staff, facilities, research activities and student services. The agency also assesses the quality of the programs offered by the institutions, including their curricula, teaching methods and learning outcomes.

The accreditation process carried out by the agency is voluntary, but it is highly recommended for institutions that want to demonstrate their commitment to quality and excellence in higher education. Accreditation is also a requirement for institutions that want to participate in national and international funding programs and to attract students from other countries.

The agency's work is essential for the development of higher education in Portugal, as it helps to ensure that the institutions and programs meet the highest standards of quality and relevance. The agency's evaluations and accreditations provide valuable information for students, parents and employers, who can use it to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.

In addition to its evaluation and accreditation activities, the agency also promotes the development of quality assurance systems in higher education and provides training and support to institutions and stakeholders. It also participates in international networks and initiatives related to quality assurance in higher education, contributing to the global advancement of this field.

Considering all this, according to uniRank the Agência Nacional para a Avaliação e Acreditação Académica plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and relevance of higher education in Portugal, promoting excellence and innovation in teaching, research and service to society. Its work contributes to the country's social and economic development, as well as to the advancement of knowledge and human potential.