Education Quality Assurance

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

• View the Registry of EQA Designated Institutions (PDF)
• View the current EQA Policy and Procedures Manual (PDF) (in place until December 31, 2024)

New EQA Policy and Procedures - January 2025 Implementation

• View the new EQA Policy and Procedures Manual (PDF)

New EQA Code of Practice – January 2025 Implementation

The Ministry has developed a new Code of Practice to strengthen protection and supports for international students. As of January 2025, all institutions will be required to verify they meet the standards set out in the Code. 

• Read the new Code of Practice (PDF)

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.
• 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.

Monitoring and enforcement: The province of B.C. through the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, is responsible for:

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

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 EQA Designation

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. 

How to 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.

Read the current EQA Policy and Procedures Manual (PDF)

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.

• Submit an online reapplication

When the new EQA Policy takes effect in January 2025 institutions will be required to:

• Read the new EQA Policy and Procedures Manual
• Sign the new EQA Code of Practice
• Verify an institutional contact who is an owner or employee of the institution
• May also be required to provide further information regarding their operations