AQACHEI, Pearson sign MoU to streamline students' higher education pathways

AMMAN — The Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission for Higher Education Institutions (AQACHEI) and Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company, have signed a memorandum of understanding. 

The MoU aims to align Pearson’s Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) approval process for higher education institutions in Jordan with AQACHEI’s regulatory requirements, broadening the educational pathways available to Jordanian students, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. 

This initiative will enhance opportunities for students pursuing higher education following the completion of their BTEC programmes.

The agreement underscores a shared commitment to advancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Jordan. 

As part of the MoU, providers offering BTEC higher national qualifications will be required to comply with AQACHEI and Higher Education Council (HEC) guidelines to achieve local recognition. 

The agreement also facilitates collaboration on quality assurance measures and approval processes while maintaining Pearson’s established global standards. 

Commenting on the MoU, AQACHEI President Thafer Assaraira said that signing this MoU with Pearson Education will contribute to aligning the accreditation standards for technical specialisations at AQACHEI with the global standards adopted by Pearson. 

Assaraira added that it will also enhance collaboration between AQACHEI and Pearson in accrediting and ensuring the quality of technical programmes offered by Pearson and implemented by Jordanian higher education institutions under joint agreements between Pearson and higher education institutions in Jordan. 

BTEC qualifications have significantly enhanced the education system in Jordan. Since their introduction in 2012, more than 74,000 students have enrolled in BTEC programmes across various disciplines. 

In 2023, the inaugural year of the partnership between the Ministry of Education and Pearson, over 15,500 school students earned a Level 2 diploma. 

Jane Baker, vice president for vocational qualifications, UK & international, Pearson, said: “This MoU with AQACHEI strengthens our commitment to empowering Jordanian youth through globally recognised qualifications that equip them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce."