EPAS Key Timings

Next deadlines for submission of formal applications:
1st August 2012
1st December 2012

The EPAS accreditation process may take from 9-30 months to be completed. EFMD provides applicant institutions with a guided Self-Assessment and Peer Review service to help them assess, benchmark and improve their programmes. The EPAS scheme has been designed for institutions of higher education offering business and management related programmes that aim to meet international levels of quality. The following deadlines apply to each stage of the accreditation process:

• Stage 1 Draft Application
  Once a draft Datasheet has been received by the EPAS office, details therein are reviewed to ensure that its presentation to the EPAS Committee is complete and correct. Any omissions, possible difficulties and key issues in the application are discussed by email with the institution. The feedback by the EPAS Directors is usually given within two weeks from the submission of the draft datasheet.

• Stage 2 Formal Application
  Incorporating the feedback of the EPAS office, the institution submits a final  Datasheet together with
  an  application form.

• Stage 3 Eligibility
  The EPAS Committee grants eligibility for the specified programme for a maximum period of 2 years. Within this period the school must host a Peer Review Team. This visit must be scheduled at least 8 (better 15) months before it takes place. The school has to inform the EFMD EPAS office about its accreditation process planning within two months after the eligibility decision.

• Stage 4 Self-Assessment
  The institution submits a Self-Assessment Report (SAR), prepared in accordance with the Standards and Criteria as defined in the  EPAS Process Manual. This report forms the basis for discussion by the Peer Review Team with the institution. The Self-Assessment Report must be submitted 6 weeks before the date of the Peer Review Visit.
  
  
• Stage 5 Peer Review
  The Team for the 2 day Peer Review Visit is composed of one corporate representative, one representative from the local educational environment and at least one member with specialist knowledge of the specific subject matter of the reviewed programme. The Visit should take place at least two months before the Accreditation Board meeting to which the programme will be presented.

• Stage 6 Accreditation
  The decision on accreditation will be taken by the EPAS Accreditation Board and will be based on the findings and recommendation presented within the PRT report. The decision will be one of: 
  • Accreditation for 5 years
  • Accreditation for 3 years with specified conditions for the improvements expected prior to the next accreditation cycle
  • No accreditation and a list of improvements required before re-submission for accreditation after a minimum mandatory period of 2 years

• Stage 7 Continous Improvement
  5-year accredited schools are required to suggest development objective within two months after the accreditation decision and submit the mid term progress report 30 months after the accreditation decision.
  3-year accredited schools are required to submit Annual Progress Reports. The school has to submit a progress report one year and two years after the accreditation decision.

• Stage 8 Re-accreditation
  To apply for re-accreditation the school has to complete the  Re-accreditation Application Form 9 months before the accreditation expires. However, it is recommendable to schedule the date of the re-accreditation visit 12-15 months before accreditation expires.

For a full description of the accreditation process, please download the EPAS Core Documents from the EPAS Guides page.

The Key Timings for the EPAS process are summarised in the diagram below.