04.2 What documents are required for applications to extend the accreditation of study programmes?

Automatic renewal of program and system accreditations from the time of application until the Accreditation Council’s decision:
The application must be submitted in a timely manner (see FAQ 01.1.1) via the ELIAS electronic system, including the submission of the required documents (accreditation report, self-evaluation report), which must allow for at least a preliminary review. Submitting documents after the deadline is not permitted.

Cluster accreditation:
A written justification with details of all study programmes to be extended as well as details of the other study programmes to be included in the cluster to whose accreditation deadline the study programmes to be extended are to be aligned (name of the study programme, degree, existing accreditation deadline and, if available: Bundle approval). If the bundle contains study programmes that have not yet been launched at the time of application, an official committee resolution on the launch of the study programme is required.

For bundles consisting of more than four study programmes, a bundle approval must be obtained before applying for an extension. This applies to combined study programmes regardless of the size of the bundle.

Extension of program accreditation deadlines in preparation for system accreditation:
When preparing for system accreditation, the following documents must be submitted to the Accreditation Council:

• Contract with an approved Agencies;
• informal application with details of the study programmes to be extended and
• Overview of all study programmes currently offered at the higher education institution, including the corresponding accreditation deadlines or the next scheduled internal accreditation review

Extraordinary Extension of the Deadline:

A written explanation stating that the higher education institution is facing an exceptional situation caused by factors beyond its control.

Extension of Program Accreditation Deadlines Following Submission of a System Accreditation Application:

Application number of the higher education institution’s corresponding (sub)system accreditation application.

Program to be phased out:
A written justification including details on all study programmes to be extended:

• Confirmation that the study programmes have not undergone any essential changes and that no further essential changes will be made,
• Confirmation that the necessary personnel and material resources will be maintained on a long-term basis,
• Date of students’ last enrollment.

Full-time and part-time theology study programmes:

Full-time and part-time theology study programmes (e.g., Magister Theologiae) require written approval from the appropriate church authority for the requested extension.