The Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation is available to public and private institutions in British Columbia that meet or exceed institutional quality assurance standards set by the province of British Columbia.
*All post-secondary institutions and language schools hosting international students on study permits must have EQA designation.
EQA designation is not required for institutions hosting international students (who do not require study permits) for six months or less.
Standards that are above and beyond: Institutions carrying the EQA designation meet criteria beyond what’s required by legislation, regulatory bodies and accreditation processes. This means:
Monitoring and enforcement: The province of B.C. through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, is responsible for:
In order to obtain and maintain the EQA designation, institutions must:
In addition, regular website scans monitor if unauthorized institutions are using the brand.
The EQA Policy and Procedures Manual sets out the criteria, requirements and obligations of institutions applying for or holding EQA designation. The EQA Policy and Procedures Manual is updated periodically and was last updated in March 2022. Applications may be submitted online.
NOTE: On January 29, 2024, the Ministry implemented a two-year moratorium on initial EQA applications from institutions that are not currently EQA designated. The moratorium will be in place until February 1, 2026.
Institutions that are already EQA designated and are reapplying for EQA are not impacted.
Institutions must apply and be assessed each year to maintain their designation. Designation will be revoked if the institution no longer meets the quality assurance standards and eligibility criteria set out in the EQA Policy and Procedures Manual .
Contact us if you have questions about EQA criteria.