Assessment Criteria & Process
Last updated on November 28, 2024The review criteria and guidelines have been developed in consultation with post-secondary system stakeholders and the Degree Quality Assessment Board.
Learn more details about the review process for all institutions:
BC Public Institutions effective September 1, 2024:
Cost
BC Public Institutions must pay a non-refundable application fee before the Degree Quality Assessment Board reviews a proposal – the fee covers operation costs for the Board. Institutions are invoiced via the Post-secondary Institution Proposal System (PSIPS).
BC Public Institutions under the University Act and the College and Institute Act:
| Degree Application Fee* | $3,500 |
| Expert Reviewer Fee (Panel Chair) | $6,000 |
| Expert Reviewer Fee (Panel Member) | $4,500 |
| Expenses at provincial government rates | Travel and other expenses for expert reviewers |
*An application fee is not charged for degree program applications from institutions with exempt status unless the application is referred to the Degree Quality Assessment Board for review.
Institutions will receive an estimate and invoice specific to their external expert review from the Board. All expenses must be paid before the review can begin.
Private and out-of-province public institutions effective September 1, 2024:
Cost
Private and out-of-province Public Institutions must pay a non-refundable application fee before the Degree Quality Assessment Board Secretariat reviews a proposal – the fee covers operation costs for the Board. Institutions are invoiced via the Post-secondary Institution Proposal System (PSIPS).
Private and Out-of-Province Public Institutions under the Degree Authorization Act:
| Initial Degree Application Fee | $10,000 |
| Degree Renewal Application Fee | $7,500 |
| Use of University Application Fee | $15,000 |
| Use of University Renewal Application Fee | $10,000 |
| Expert Reviewer Fee (Panel Chair) | $6,000 |
| Expert Reviewer Fee (Panel Member) | $4,500 |
| Expenses at provincial government rates | Travel and other expenses for expert reviewers |
| Effective September 2025 Annual Monitoring Fee |
$5,000 plus $3.25/student |
*An application fee is not charged for degree program applications from institutions with exempt status unless the application is referred to the Degree Quality Assessment Board for review. Institutions will receive an estimate and invoice specific to their external expert review from the Board. All expenses must be paid before the review can begin.
Previous criteria effective until September 1, 2024:
- Degree program review (PDF)
- Organization review (PDF)
- Authorization to use the word "university" for educational purposes (PDF)
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Contact information
For more information, contact the Degree Quality Assessment Board Secretariat, Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
250-356-9734