EQAF 2025: QA in times of crises – Ensuring stability, autonomy and international cooperation in higher education

Representatives of the agency attended the 20th European Quality Assurance Forum (EQAF), marked this year by discussions on ensuring stability, autonomy, and international cooperation in higher education.

The forum, held from 12 to 14 November in Budapest, was hosted by the Corvinus University of Budapest. As the largest annual gathering in the field, it focused on the critical role of sustaining stability, institutional autonomy, and cross-border collaboration.

The main aim of the event was to present and debate how higher‑education institutions and quality assurance agencies can preserve robust quality assurance systems in challenging contexts that shape the contemporary higher‑education landscape. Participants addressed interventions in the autonomy of higher education and broader challenges, such as the climate crisis, geopolitical tensions, and a declining level of international cooperation.

The forum combined plenary sessions and thematic workshops featuring in-depth discussions on research, policy guidelines, and practical case studies relevant to maintaining high-quality higher education. Special attention was given to strategies for enhancing student involvement in quality assurance processes.

EQAF has been held since 2006 and, year after year, enhances its reputation and influence in shaping international trends in quality assurance and development, which is why our agency regularly participates. The next forum is scheduled for 18–20 November 2026 in Yerevan.