Higher education quality assurance practices in Austria

Abstract

The paper addresses the issue of education quality describing the features, specifics and priorities that determine its development and formation in European countries according to the Bologna Process. The study emphasizes the constant need for quality assurance throughout the Bologna process to have been one of the main concerns for European politicians, educators, public figures and student government. Quality assurance in higher education systems serves as the driving force behind national development and commitment to reforms. Through the example of Austria, which is one of the first European countries to initiate a scientific inquiry into the development of ways to assure education quality, we give an overview of the agency`s activities and define its functions and powers at public and private higher education institutions. The research outlines the approaches to education quality assurance: a guarantee that minimum standards and ideals are realized; ability to set goals in a constantly changing educational environment and achieve them taking into account available resources and conditions; ability to meet the requests and expectations of direct and indirect consumers and stakeholders; striving for perfection. The paper substantiates essential factors for education quality assurance: a coordinating quality assurance institution; submission of a self-assessment report by a subdivision; on-site assessment by experts; a public report on the evaluation results. The article describes the ways to assure education quality at different educational institution types and possible risks. Based on an analytical review of scientific sources, we conclude that Austria is a research subject illustrating the multifaceted ways of implementing a comprehensive quality assurance system in different types and kinds of higher education institutions.