Education Quality Assurance

Last updated on January 29, 2024

The Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation is available to public and private institutions in British Columbia that meet or exceed institutional quality assurance standards set by the province of British Columbia.

What is EQA

  • Enables post-secondary institutions to host international students on study permits.* These institutions can be found on the federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Designated Learning Institutions list
  • A recognizable trademark and standard that represents quality in education
  • Protects and promotes B.C.’s reputation for quality post-secondary education – both locally and internationally
  • Provides access to Canada's brand for education and the ability to participate in overseas recruitment and partnership events organized by the federal Department of Global Affairs Canada
  • The EQA brand is registered as an Official Government Mark under Federal trademark legislation, which protects it from unauthorized use

*All post-secondary institutions and language schools hosting international students on study permits must have EQA designation.

EQA designation is not required for institutions hosting international students (who do not require study permits) for six months or less.

Ensuring Quality

Standards that are above and beyond: Institutions carrying the EQA designation meet criteria beyond what’s required by legislation, regulatory bodies and accreditation processes. This means:

  • Students can be assured they will receive a minimum standard of educational quality
  • The institution also meets legislated requirements
  • The institution is in good standing with related education bodies
  • The institution meets EQA suitability requirements
  • Read about EQA suitability requirements (PDF)

Monitoring and enforcement: The province of B.C. through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, is responsible for:

  • Establishing EQA designation policy
  • Setting and enforcing QA standards
  • Granting permission for institutions to use the EQA designation mark
  • Granting or revoking designation

In order to obtain and maintain the EQA designation, institutions must:

  • Sign EQA brand use agreements
  • Abide by the standards outlined in the EQA Policy and Procedures Manual

In addition, regular website scans monitor if unauthorized institutions are using the brand.

How to Apply for and Maintain EQA Designation

The EQA Policy and Procedures Manual sets out the criteria, requirements and obligations of institutions applying for or holding EQA designation.  The EQA Policy and Procedures Manual is updated periodically and was last updated in March 2022. Applications may be submitted online.

NOTE: On January 29, 2024, the Ministry implemented a two-year moratorium on initial EQA applications from institutions that are not currently EQA designated.  The moratorium will be in place until February 1, 2026.  
Institutions that are already EQA designated and are reapplying for EQA are not impacted. 

Institutions must apply and be assessed each year to maintain their designation. Designation will be revoked if the institution no longer meets the quality assurance standards and eligibility criteria set out in the EQA Policy and Procedures Manual .

Contact information

Contact us if you have questions about EQA criteria.

Mailing
Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
PO Box 9157 STN PROV GOVT Victoria BC V8W 9H2