National Center for Educational Quality Development to appeal EQAR decision to abolish Georgia’s registration

The National Center for Educational Quality Development (NCEQD) plans to challenge the decision of the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), the acting director of the center, Lasha Margishvili, announced during a press briefing.

Margishvili emphasized the center’s commitment to restoring its EQAR registration as soon as possible through close cooperation with international partners.

“We have decided to appeal this decision. The center has 20 days to file the appeal, after which our international partners will review it within 60 days. We will await the Appeals Committee’s decision and act accordingly. Should the Appeals Committee not accept our arguments, we will request an additional evaluation from EQAR,” Margishvili stated.

He noted that many of EQAR’s recommendations have already been addressed, with significant legislative amendments implemented in the summer of 2024. However, the center continues to work on unresolved issues in collaboration with international partners to ensure swift reinstatement of its registration.

Margishvili clarified that the suspension of EQAR registration does not affect Georgia’s recognition of qualifications or diplomas, nor does it impact the quality assurance of medical education.

“As of December 21, the center remains a full member of ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education). According to ENQA’s procedures, if a member organization fails to meet certain standards, it is granted an additional two-year period to address recommendations without losing membership status.

Furthermore, the EQAR registration suspension does not affect the recognition of medical qualifications, as the center has been a member of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) since 2018. This membership predates our affiliations with ENQA and EQAR. Therefore, students enrolled in medical programs, whether local or international, will not face any obstacles or disruptions,” he assured.

Margishvili concluded by reaffirming the center’s dedication to resolving pointed out issues and maintaining international standards in education quality assurance.