🏛️ Welcome to ACICU
Accredited Central International Certification Unit
Empowering Global Education through Accreditation.
Accredited Central International Certification Unit
Empowering Global Education through Accreditation.
🌐 Who We Are
The Accredited Central International Certification Unit (ACICU) is a globally recognized accreditation body dedicated to upholding excellence and integrity in international higher education. Established in 1980 with founding offices in the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong, ACICU has become a trusted name in academic quality
The Accredited Central International Certification Unit (ACICU) is a leading, internationally recognized accrediting body committed to advancing the global standards of higher education through comprehensive evaluation and academic quality assurance. Founded in 1980, with strategic roots in the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong, ACICU has been at the forefront of promoting excellence in online and distance-learning institutions, ensuring that education transcends geographical boundaries while maintaining uncompromising academic rigor.
Our mission is grounded in the belief that quality education should be accessible, accountable, and globally respected. As digital education platforms rapidly evolve, the necessity for robust accreditation frameworks has become more urgent than ever. ACICU rises to meet this demand, offering a systematic, research-informed, and outcomes-based accreditation process tailored specifically for the unique dynamics of international and online learning institutions.
With more than four decades of experience, ACICU has earned a reputation as a thought leader in academic benchmarking, educational evaluation, and digital learning assurance. We were among the first organizations to recognize the transformative power of technology in education and have consistently updated our models to reflect the latest innovations in online pedagogy, assessment methods, and institutional governance.
Our legacy includes not only thousands of accredited programs, but also the capacity to influence education policy through research, advisory publications, and participation in international education summits. ACICU is committed to lifelong learning—not only for students, but for institutions themselves, as we encourage a culture of continuous improvement, self-reflection, and strategic foresight.
The accreditation journey with ACICU is designed to be collaborative, transparent, and capacity-building. It consists of five principal stages:
Application and Eligibility Screening
Institutions submit documentation for preliminary review to determine alignment with ACICU’s core criteria.
Self-Evaluation and Data Submission
The institution conducts an internal review and submits a comprehensive self-study report detailing academic policies, governance, curricula, outcomes, and support systems.
External Peer Review and Virtual Site Visit
A team of expert evaluators engages in dialogue with institutional leaders, faculty, and students, and reviews academic systems and quality indicators.
Accreditation Decision and Recommendations
The commission renders a decision, accompanied by a detailed feedback report with commendations and suggestions for enhancement.
Continuous Monitoring and Reaccreditation
Accredited institutions undergo periodic monitoring and full reaccreditation every five years to ensure sustained excellence.
This rigorous process ensures not only compliance with global academic norms, but also institutional transformation aligned with future-focused education.
ACICU envisions a world where quality education is borderless, resilient, and driven by shared global values. As educational paradigms shift towards lifelong learning, micro-credentials, and AI-driven personalization, we are committed to evolving our frameworks to remain responsive, inclusive, and ethically grounded.
Our strategic initiatives for the coming decade include:
Expanding access to accreditation for underserved regions and emerging education providers
Promoting sustainable and equitable education in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Fostering digital innovation and quality assurance for non-traditional learning formats, including MOOCs, blended learning, and competency-based education
Supporting research and publishing on global accreditation policy and best practices
At its core, ACICU provides institutional and programmatic accreditation for a wide spectrum of higher education providers, including universities, colleges, professional academies, and specialized institutions that deliver online or hybrid education models. Through a meticulously developed multi-phase assessment process, we ensure that educational entities demonstrate:
Academic integrity and learning outcomes that align with global benchmarks
Curriculum relevance, innovation, and responsiveness to contemporary societal needs
Faculty competence and continuous professional development
Transparent governance and institutional accountability
Technological infrastructure supporting student learning and success
Comprehensive student support services and equitable access
Our evaluative criteria are derived from a synthesis of best practices in transnational education, UNESCO guidelines, and region-specific regulatory frameworks. ACICU’s evaluation panels comprise scholars, education policy experts, and industry professionals who bring a diverse and globally attuned perspective to the accreditation process.
ACICU envisions a world where quality education is borderless, resilient, and driven by shared global values. As educational paradigms shift towards lifelong learning, micro-credentials, and AI-driven personalization, we are committed to evolving our frameworks to remain responsive, inclusive, and ethically grounded.
Our strategic initiatives for the coming decade include:
Expanding access to accreditation for underserved regions and emerging education providers
Promoting sustainable and equitable education in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Fostering digital innovation and quality assurance for non-traditional learning formats, including MOOCs, blended learning, and competency-based education
Supporting research and publishing on global accreditation policy and best practices
By the Numbers
✅ 350+ Accredited Institutions
🌍 47 Countries Represented
🏆 Since 1980: Over 40 Years of Excellence
Are you ready to elevate your institution’s global standing?
Join the growing network of internationally accredited universities.
👉 Get Accredited