Affiliation of Higher Education Institutions
Affiliation is a formal arrangement between two Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) approved by the Authority in accordance with the Higher Education Act and applicable Regulations.
Regulated Institutional Partnership
Affiliation is a formal arrangement between two Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) approved by the Authority in accordance with the Higher Education Act and applicable Regulations.
Collaborative Academic Delivery Framework
Through affiliation, an institution may collaborate with another recognised HEI in the delivery of learning or research programmes under an approved agreement.
Mandatory Prior Approval Requirement
No affiliation arrangement is valid without prior approval of the Authority.
Overview
Affiliation is a regulated partnership between two Higher Education Institutions that enables collaborative delivery of academic or research programmes under an approved agreement. All affiliation arrangements are subject to prior approval and oversight by the Authority to ensure compliance with the Higher Education Act and applicable Regulations.
Inter-Institutional Academic Collaboration
Under an affiliation arrangement, one Higher Education Institution formally collaborates with another recognised Higher Education Institution to deliver agreed academic or research activities within an approved regulatory framework.
Structured Programme Delivery Framework
Learning programmes and/or research programmes are delivered under a clearly defined and structured affiliation agreement that outlines responsibilities, academic standards, and operational procedures.
Governed Academic Oversight and Quality Assurance
Academic oversight, quality assurance processes, examinations, certification, and the awarding of qualifications are conducted in accordance with mutually agreed terms set out in the affiliation agreement.
Regulatory Approval and Supervision by the Authority
All affiliation arrangements are subject to prior approval and ongoing regulation by the Authority to ensure compliance with the Higher Education Act and applicable Regulations.
What is Affiliation?
Affiliation is a formal partnership in which one Higher Education Institution collaborates with another recognised institution to deliver academic or research programmes. The arrangement ensures that programmes are implemented under agreed standards, with proper academic oversight, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
Registered Institutions Seeking Formal Affiliation
A registered Higher Education Institution intending to affiliate with another Higher Education Institution must apply to the Authority to obtain approval for the proposed affiliation arrangement in accordance with the prescribed Regulations.
Institutions Implementing Joint Academic or Research Programmes
Institutions seeking to introduce or implement joint learning or research programmes in collaboration with another recognised Higher Education Institution must apply for affiliation approval before commencing such programmes.
Institutions Formalising Existing Academic Collaborations
Institutions intending to formalise an existing collaborative academic arrangement, including partnerships that involve shared curriculum delivery or awards, are required to regularise the arrangement through an approved affiliation process.
Who Should Apply?
Applications for affiliation should be submitted by registered Higher Education Institutions seeking to collaborate with another recognised institution in the delivery of academic or research programmes. This also includes institutions wishing to formalise existing collaborative arrangements or establish new joint programmes under an approved affiliation agreement.
Step 1: Submission of Application
An institution intending to affiliate with another Higher Education Institution shall:
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Submit an application to the Authority using the appropriate application form: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
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Pay the prescribed fee of K 50,000.00.
Step 2: Institutional Audit
To ensure compliance with the Regulations and verify the information submitted, the Authority shall:
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Conduct an institutional audit of the institution to be affiliated;
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Assess governance structures, academic capacity, infrastructure, staffing, financial sustainability, and quality assurance systems.
Step 3: Decision by the Authority
The Authority shall:
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Make a determination within ninety (90) days of receipt of the application;
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Approve the application where all requirements are met and issue approval; or
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Reject the application and notify the applicant.
Application Process for Affiliation
An institution seeking affiliation must submit a formal application to the Authority in the prescribed form and pay the applicable fee as set out in the Regulations. Upon receipt of the application, the Authority conducts an institutional audit and, within ninety days, communicates its decision to approve or reject the application.
Affiliation Agreement Requirements
In accordance with Section 39B(1) of the Act, every affiliation must be governed by a formal written agreement.
The affiliation agreement must include:
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School and Department
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The specific school(s) and department(s) involved in the affiliation.
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Learning and Research Programmes
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The academic or research programmes to be implemented under the affiliation.
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Date of Commencement
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The official start date of the affiliation arrangement.
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Terms and Conditions
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The obligations, rights, duration, and governance structure of the partnership.
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Resource Commitments
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Financial resources;
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Human resources (academic and support staff);
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Physical infrastructure and facilities.
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Academic Management Arrangements
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Management of joint programmes;
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Curriculum review processes;
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Examination administration;
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Awarding of qualifications.
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Signing of the Agreement
The affiliation agreement must be:
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Signed by an authorised representative from each Higher Education Institution;
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Submitted to the Authority for approval prior to implementation.
Affiliation Agreement
An affiliation agreement is a formal, written contract that outlines the terms, responsibilities, and scope of collaboration between two Higher Education Institutions. It specifies the programmes to be offered, resource commitments, academic oversight, and the processes for examinations, awards, and quality assurance under the approved partnership.
Introduction of New Programmes Outside the Existing Agreement
Where a Higher Education Institution intends to offer a learning programme that is not included in the approved affiliation agreement, the institution must not proceed until the necessary regulatory steps have been undertaken.
Mandatory Written Approval from the Authority
The institution is required to formally seek and obtain written approval from the Authority before introducing any new programme under the affiliation arrangement.
Formal Amendment of the Affiliation Agreement
The institution must apply to amend the existing affiliation agreement to incorporate the proposed programme prior to implementation. No programme may be offered outside the scope of an approved affiliation agreement without prior written approval from the Authority.
Amendment of an Affiliation Agreement
Where a Higher Education Institution intends to introduce changes to an approved affiliation arrangement, including the addition of new learning programmes, it must formally apply to the Authority for amendment of the affiliation agreement. No amendments shall take effect until written approval has been granted by the Authority in accordance with the applicable Regulations.