A framework adapted to changes in higher education
The first National Quality Assurance Framework was developed in 2013-2014 and officially adopted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in 2016. It notably provided the basis for the national self-evaluation campaign conducted in 2017 and the first external institutional evaluations carried out in 2018.
The lessons learned from these experiences led to a revision of the framework. The 2023 version takes into account:
changes in the regulatory framework governing the sector
feedback from institutions and their Quality Assurance Units
the new priorities of Algerian higher education
the African Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, known as the ASG-QA
issues relating to innovation, entrepreneurship, internationalisation and sustainable development
The RNAQ-ESRS can be used by universities, university centres, higher education schools, teacher training colleges and research centres. When a particular element does not correspond to an institution’s missions or activities, the institution may choose not to include it in its evaluation.
A tool for continuous improvement
The RNAQ-ESRS is not simply a compliance checklist. It is primarily a management tool that enables each institution to:
define its institutional policies
set clear objectives
organise and monitor its activities
identify its strengths and areas for improvement
document its results
prepare for self-evaluation or external evaluation
implement a continuous improvement plan
The framework follows a progressive structure:
Domain → Field → Reference → Criterion → Evidence
A reference describes an objective that the institution should seek to achieve. The criteria specify the actions expected, while the evidence demonstrates what has actually been implemented. Evidence may include decisions, action plans, procedures, dashboards, reports, agreements, statistics, satisfaction surveys or activity reports.
Eight domains covering the main missions of higher education institutions
The 2023 version is structured around eight domains:
Education and training: definition and management of the educational offer, student support, evaluation of teaching, employability and doctoral training.
Research and innovation: organisation of research, scientific partnerships, valorisation of research results and support for innovation.
Governance: information systems, policymaking, organisation, management, support functions and quality assurance processes.
Life within higher education and research institutions: reception of students and staff, quality of life, and cultural and sporting activities.
Infrastructure: administrative, educational, scientific, medical, sporting and cultural infrastructure, as well as maintenance, health, safety and environmental management.
Relations with the socioeconomic environment: cooperation with companies and local stakeholders, continuing education, applied research, entrepreneurship and business creation.
International cooperation: internationalisation policy, partnerships, mobility, international visibility, monitoring and resource sharing.
University social responsibility and sustainable development: citizenship, ethics, equal opportunities, inclusion, social engagement and contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The summary table included in the framework identifies 31 fields, 102 references, 307 criteria and 1,035 possible items of evidence.
The main developments introduced in the 2023 version
Compared with the previous version, the RNAQ-ESRS 2023 places greater emphasis on institutional policies. Institutions are encouraged to formalise their strategic directions, translate them into action plans and regularly assess their results.
The framework also incorporates new priorities, including:
the development of incubators and start-ups
the creation of economic subsidiaries
stronger relations with the socioeconomic environment
the reception of international students and researchers
internationalisation at home and through virtual activities
university social responsibility
equal opportunities and support for students with specific needs
contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda
Internationalisation as an institutional policy
The domain devoted to international cooperation represents an important step forward. Internationalisation is no longer limited to signing agreements or organising occasional mobility activities. It must be part of a clearly defined, communicated, implemented and evaluated institutional policy.
The framework encourages institutions to:
develop an internationalisation policy
integrate the international dimension into their education and research strategies
improve their international visibility and multilingual communication
compare their academic programmes with international standards
develop active partnerships and regularly evaluate them
monitor incoming and outgoing mobility
organise the reception of international students and researchers
develop internationalisation at home and virtual international cooperation
establish an international monitoring and intelligence function
participate in international networks and consortia
share resources with international partners
This approach enables institutions to move from international cooperation based on isolated initiatives to a structured institutional strategy supported by objectives, indicators and measurable results.
Connecting the RNAQ-ESRS with the IPTICAR initiative
The tools and mechanisms developed through IPTICAR can support the implementation of the RNAQ-ESRS, particularly in the fields of governance, international cooperation and relations with the socioeconomic environment.
Local Units, the DZ NCP Network, the National Unit, project declaration forms and the IPTICAR WebApp can help institutions to:
structure the monitoring of international programmes and opportunities
inform institutions about calls for proposals
guide and support project leaders
monitor projects under preparation, submitted or funded
centralise data on partnerships and mobility
produce indicators and management dashboards
capitalise on experience and disseminate good practices
strengthen coordination between institutions and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The RNAQ-ESRS therefore provides the national quality assurance framework, while the tools developed through IPTICAR can facilitate its practical implementation in the field of internationalisation.
From self-evaluation to an improvement plan
To use the framework effectively, an institution may follow five main steps:
select the domains and references corresponding to its missions
conduct a situational analysis involving the relevant departments and stakeholders
collect and organise the available evidence
identify gaps, strengths and improvement priorities
prepare an action plan with designated responsibilities, deadlines and monitoring indicators
The objective is not simply to demonstrate institutional compliance, but to develop a shared culture of quality, responsibility and continuous improvement.
A living and evolving framework
The RNAQ-ESRS 2023 provides a common foundation for supporting the transformation of Algerian higher education and research institutions. It brings together quality assurance, governance, internationalisation, innovation and university social responsibility.
As the needs of institutions and the expectations of their stakeholders continue to evolve, the framework is designed as a dynamic tool. Its successful implementation requires the active involvement of leadership teams, Quality Assurance Units, international relations departments, academic and administrative staff, researchers and students.