ISSH Accepted into Prestigious IAC/EADI Accreditation Process
A Historic Milestone for Online Alternative Higher Education
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Institute for Social Sciences & Humanities (ISSH) proudly announces that its “Social Studies” program has been officially accepted to begin the accreditation process by the The International Accreditation Council for Global Development Studies and Research (IAC/EADI). This event marks not only an institutional success but a historic turning point in the path of Alternative Higher Education globally.
The Strategic Importance of IAC/DEAI
The International Accreditation Council (IAC/EADI) is a premier and rigorous body in higher education quality assurance, focusing on academic standards, institutional transparency, and social impact. Entering this council’s evaluation process involves being subjected to the most precise managerial, educational, and research assessments.
The acceptance of ISSH by this council signifies the alignment of the Institute’s infrastructure and vision with global standards and serves as a seal of approval on the path this institution has traversed over the past 13 years, despite all difficulties.
ISSH: A Pioneer in Breaking the Boundaries of the “Impossible”
This is the first time that a fully online, alternative university has successfully surpassed conventional barriers to enter such a high-level accreditation process. ISSH, a Dutch-based Educational Foundation, is set to become the first online higher education institution to offer degrees with Double Qualification, on par with the standards of the most prestigious international universities.
While ISSH operates as a multilingual institution, it holds a unique distinction in serving diverse populations, including the Persian-speaking community worldwide. Its flagship graduate program, which has been tuition-free since its inception, has successfully completed 10 cohorts and is currently commencing its 11th cohort.
The program has already been classified and qualified at Level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), equivalent to a Master’s degree in the European higher education system, since 2016. However, this prospective accreditation represents a greater leap toward global formalization and the institutionalization of this educational structure.
Placing ISSH Among the World’s Best
This accreditation (often recognized as IAC/EADI in Europe) is highly prestigious and primarily focuses on the quality of “Development Studies” programs. Many of the world’s top universities leading in social sciences and development have received this quality mark.
Placing the name ISSH alongside these universities demonstrates the significant academic weight of this achievement. Below is a list of some of the most important universities worldwide that have received this accreditation for their programs:
Institute of Development Studies (IDS) - University of Sussex, UK: Holds the World #1 rank in Development Studies (surpassing Harvard and Oxford in QS rankings).
International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) - Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands: One of the oldest and most prestigious centers for critical development studies in Europe.
University of Amsterdam, Netherlands: A top research university whose “International Development” program holds this accreditation.
University of East London, UK: Recognized for its NGO and Development Management program.
Radboud University, Netherlands: Accredited for advanced International Development programs.
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU): A leader in environmental studies and sustainable development.
Universidad de los Andes, Colombia: One of South America’s best universities with extremely rigorous standards.
Palacký University, Czech Republic: One of Central Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
13 Years of Resilience: From “Dreaming” to Reality
Reaching this position is the fruit of 13 years of continuous activity and persistence in principles that many considered impossible. Throughout these years, spanning 10 full academic cohorts, ISSH faced skeptical gazes. Many observers including scholars and academics in diaspora called the idea of establishing a tuition-free, online alternative university with global standards “idealistic,” “far from reality,” and “impossible,” refusing to support it.
Yet, in the face of this disbelief, a small but steadfast group stood firm. Today’s success is owed to the sacrifices and selflessness of a small but agile team, distinguished faculty, committed volunteers, and allies who believed in this vision. Without the day-and-night efforts and sacrifice of these noble individuals, traversing this tumultuous path and reaching the gates of international accreditation would never have been possible.
The Horizon Ahead and a Call to Action
In the coming months, ISSH will undergo multiple precise stages of institutional evaluation, including curriculum review, quality assurance processes, and learning outcome assessments. This process provides an opportunity for institutional reflection and the strengthening of a university that aims to be a resonant voice in the academic world.
While expressing gratitude to all those who stayed with this project during these hard years, ISSH invites all philanthropists, supporters of thought, and scholars concerned with free and quality education to join this impactful and high-potential mission, in particular its endowment project. Today, it is proven that what was once called “impossible” is now a growing and proud reality. We ask you to donate to ISSH or join the long-term legacy building endowment program at https://trust.educaton.
We hope that with the finalization of this accreditation, a new chapter will open in empowering the scientific and intellectual community, especially for those who, for various reasons, have been deprived of continuing their higher education.
In Education We Trust
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