01.3 By when must an application for program accreditation be submitted so that the Accreditation Council can decide on it at its next meeting?

As it is sufficient to submit the application for reaccreditation in good time before the expiry of the accreditation deadline in order to avoid an accreditation gap (see FAQ 01.1.1 ), applications for initial/concept accreditation are prioritized when planning the meetings of the Accreditation Council.

That means:

In the case of an application for initial/concept accreditation in program accreditation:

• up to 12 weeks before the meeting: The motion is usually dealt with at the next meeting.
• up to 8 weeks before the meeting: It can no longer be guaranteed that the application will be dealt with at the next meeting.
• up to 6 weeks before the meeting: It is not expected that the application will be dealt with at the next meeting.
• 0 to 6 weeks before the meeting: The motion cannot be dealt with at the next meeting.

Reasons for non-treatment despite application up to 12 weeks before the meeting may be, for example, an accreditation report that is not ready for a decision or incomplete application documents.

Please note: Treatment does not necessarily mean that the accreditation decision has been finalized. If the Accreditation Council intends to deviate from the proposed resolution in the accreditation report in accordance with § 22 para. 3 MRVO, the higher education institution is given the opportunity to make a new statement. If the higher education institution waives this opportunity, the resolution becomes effective; this is usually the case a few weeks after the AC meeting. If a statement is submitted, the final decision is usually made at the next regular supervisory board meeting. If initial accreditation is absolutely necessary with effect in a particular semester, a longer lead time should be planned to be on the safe side.
In the case of an application for reaccreditation:

The application will be dealt with as quickly as possible. However, it is not possible to promise treatment at a specific meeting.

You can submit an application in ELIAS here.