Strengthening Professional Exchange｜Advancing Cross-Border Cooperation｜Building International Joint Accreditation
The Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA) is one of Japan’s longest-established and most prominent higher education accreditation organizations. It has a longstanding commitment to supporting university self-improvement and enhancing the quality of higher education. Through institutional and specialized accreditation, research and surveys, information exchange, and international cooperation, JUAA contributes to the continuing development of higher education quality assurance in Japan and actively engages with the international quality assurance community.
TWAEA and JUAA signed a memorandum of understanding in 2013, establishing a formal framework for cooperation. Since then, the two organizations have developed a multifaceted partnership encompassing staff exchange, professional capacity building, cross-regional surveys, and international joint accreditation.
Since 2018, TWAEA, JUAA, and Thailand’s Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA) have taken turns hosting international staff exchange programs. Through thematic presentations, institutional visits, and practice-oriented dialogue, these programs enable participants to learn about different higher education quality assurance systems and jointly explore emerging issues such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and innovation in quality assurance. The three organizations have also collaborated on a cross-regional survey of university student learning outcomes and satisfaction, using cross-national data and comparative perspectives to deepen understanding of student learning experiences across Asian higher education systems.
In the same year, TWAEA and JUAA jointly launched the iJAS international joint accreditation initiative. The first accreditation cycle, involving one university each in Taiwan and Japan, was completed in 2019. By bringing together the professional expertise and accreditation experience of both organizations, iJAS established a model for cross-border review and joint decision-making and laid an important foundation for mutual trust and cooperation among Asian quality assurance agencies.
Today, TWAEA and JUAA continue to collaborate on iJAS accreditation standards and practices, international surveys, reviewer development, and emerging trends in higher education. Through the continued enhancement of international joint accreditation and sustained professional dialogue, the two organizations are building a long-term partnership with both depth and tangible impact.
2013｜Signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Established a formal framework for cooperation and laid the foundation for sustained exchange, professional dialogue, and joint initiatives.
2018–｜Staff Exchange and International Survey
Began jointly organizing international staff exchanges with ONESQA and collaborating on a cross-regional survey of university student learning outcomes and satisfaction, promoting capacity building, knowledge sharing, and comparative research.
2018–2019｜Launched iJAS and Completed the First Accreditations
Jointly launched the iJAS international joint accreditation initiative and completed the first accreditation cycle involving one university each in Taiwan and Japan, establishing a model for cross-border review and joint accreditation.
2021–｜Deepening International Joint Accreditation Cooperation
Continues to enhance iJAS standards, review procedures, and operational practices while strengthening international quality assurance cooperation through reviewer development and professional exchange.