Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (Australia) (TEQSA)
On 29 November 2019, QQI and Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (Australia) (TEQSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. QQI and TEQSA have similar responsibilities with regard to the quality assurance of higher education providers operating within their respective national qualifications systems and, through this memorandum, wish to maintain close relations for the purposes of dialogue, cooperation and collaboration. TEQSA and QQI acknowledge a common commitment to the advancement of quality assurance in higher education, and will seek to build on the good working relationship that already exists by clearly setting out their interaction through this memorandum, information sharing agreements and regular liaison meetings.
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
In 2016 the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of quality assurance. This Memorandum was revised and updated in July 2020. The two agencies are responsible for quality assurance in higher and vocational education and training in their respective countries. Under the terms of the arrangement, the agencies will continue to cooperate in areas such as information exchange, staff development, exchange of experts, and joint research and other mutually beneficial joint activities.
Quality Assurance Association - United Kingdom
QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) and the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) in the UK have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding and an Information Sharing Agreement.
This means we work together to share information and promote understanding of the quality and reputation of higher education in Ireland and the UK.
Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications
In September 2018, QQI renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with the HKCAAVQ at a signing ceremony in Hong Kong during the Conference to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework.
Under the agreement the agencies agree to cooperate by exchanging information, recognising each other's decisions and cooperating with each other in quality assurance activities where feasible.
Hong Kong Education Bureau
The Education Bureau (EDB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September 2016 for the purpose of strengthening collaboration in the development of their qualifications framework, promoting mutual recognition of qualifications and facilitating the mobility of learners and employees between Hong Kong and Ireland.
Guide to Comparing Qualifications in Ireland and Hong Kong
Memorandum of Cooperation between QQI and New Zealand Qualifactions Authority
Quality and Qualifications Ireland was delighted to welcome Dr Grant Klinkum, Deputy Chief Executive, Quality Assurance Division, New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) who witnessed the formalising of a Memorandum of Cooperation by Dr Padraig Walsh, Chief Executive QQI between QQI and the NZQA. This Memorandum will form the basis of a collaborative project comparing qualifications of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (Irish NFQ) and the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). The outcome of this work will benefit holders of qualifications from Ireland and New Zealand in relation to accessing employment and education and training.
Council for Higher Education Accreditation/International Quality Group (CHEA/CIQG)
QQI has signed a Memorandum of Affiliation with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation/International Quality Group (CHEA/CIQG). The CHEA/CIQG Memorandum of Affiliation is designed to engage quality assurance and accrediting organisations, higher education providers, organisations and governments in a shared effort to affirm and promote fundamental principles for higher education quality. To view the list of agencies that have signed the MOA please click here.
Cross Border Quality Assurance Network (CBQAN) - China
The CBQAN is a new cross-border QA network for in higher education in Asia and Europe. The network, established in 2015, has 15 founder members from 12 countries, including Ireland. QQI joined the network as part of its efforts to quality assure Irish higher education being delivered in Asia.The inaugural forum of the new cross-border QA network for China (CBQAN) took place in Haikou, China on 20-21 December, 2016. The forum, hosted by the China academic degrees and graduate education development center (CDGDC), was attended by 15 international quality assurance and recognition agencies and over 200 Chinese universities active in cross-border education.The network aims to build a communication and cooperation platform for stakeholders of cross-border higher education quality assurances in Asia and Europe, in the following areas. The website for the network can be accessed via this link.
The China Education Association for
International Exchange (CEAIE)
QQI and CEAIE (the China Education Association
for International Exchange (CEAIE), People's Republic of China) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding on 29 May 2017.
CEAIE Secretary
General Huang and QQI Chief Executive Padraig Walsh signed the MOU, setting out
plans for future cooperation between the two organisations.CEAIE is China's nationwide not-for-profit organisation conducting
international educational exchanges. It works with educational and research
institutions, academic bodies, exchange organisations, schools, as well as
organisations, enterprises, foundations and individuals in other countries and
regions who are engaged in the promotion of educational development and quality
assurance on the basis of equality and friendship.
Click here to view a copy of the MOU.
The China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Centre (CDGDC)
QQI and the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Centre (CDGDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 18 December 2018. The agreement will see the two organisations work together over the next
3 years to improve the quality of higher education in Ireland and China,
particularly in the area of cross-border education. This will include the
development of graduate education, qualification recognition and credit
transfer in countries in Europe, Asia and Africa prioritised by the Chinese
Government’s ‘Belt & Road’ development strategy. It will also allow the two
agencies to draw on specialists from each other’s systems to strengthen the
international dimension of their respective review processes.
The signing was witnessed by Minister of State for Higher Education,
Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD at the QQI event, Asia-Europe Forum on Quality and
Recognition in Transnational Higher Education (TNE), in Dublin.
Please click here to view the Memorandum of Understanding in English.
Click here to view the Chinese version. 合作备忘录
Bilateral Agreements
As part of Ireland's policy of increasing citizen mobility, a number of international agreements are in place which support the recognition of qualifications between countries.
For instance, there are a number of bilateral agreements between Ireland and countries such as the UK, Australia and China. Details of these can be found at QSearch under the Recognition tab.
