Advancing Regional Quality Assurance: iJAS Conducts Landmark Accreditation Visit in Vietnam at VJU

The Taiwan Assessment and Evaluation Association (TWAEA) and the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA), in collaboration with the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA) of Thailand and the Mongolian National Council for Education Accreditation (MNCEA), proudly announce the successful completion of the first on-site visit under the International Joint Accreditation Standards (iJAS) Project in Vietnam. The evaluation took place at Vietnam Japan University (VJU) on March 6-7, 2025, marking a significant milestone in advancing cross-border quality assurance within the region and enhancing recognition of higher education qualifications.

The iJAS initiative is a pioneering effort aimed at enhancing academic mobility, mutual recognition of qualifications, and quality assurance in Asia. The system aligns with the principles of UNESCO’s Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education and seeks to bridge gaps in the fragmented higher education landscape of the region. By promoting shared accreditation standards, iJAS fosters international collaboration and ensures institutions meet globally recognized benchmarks.

The accreditation review at VJU was conducted by a team of experts, including quality assurance specialist from Vietnam, as well as academic experts from Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. The review process encompassed extensive institutional briefings, campus tours, and interviews with faculty, students, and administrative staff. The evaluation focused on assessing VJU’s academic programs, governance structure, student support services, research environment, and alignment with international quality standards. Through this rigorous assessment, the review team identified strengths and areas for enhancement, ensuring that VJU continues to develop as a leading academic institution.

Beyond evaluating institutional performance, this accreditation visit represents a significant step toward deeper regional cooperation in higher education. By establishing a robust and harmonized accreditation framework, iJAS enables institutions across East Asia to gain international recognition, enhance their global competitiveness, and provide students with greater opportunities for academic and professional mobility.

The findings of the accreditation visit will contribute to a final report detailing recommendations for institutional enhancement and continuous quality improvement. The success of this initial evaluation at VJU sets a strong foundation for future iJAS accreditations and broader regional cooperation in higher education quality assurance. Future accreditation visits under iJAS will continue to refine and expand this collaborative framework, reinforcing the commitment of participating institutions to maintaining high academic standards.