International Business University Becomes First University in North America to Earn QAA International Quality Accreditation
Canada NewsWire
TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026
The five-year accreditation marks a significant achievement for the university.
TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026 /CNW/ -- International Business University (IBU) has become the first university in Canada, and North America to earn International Quality Accreditation (IQA) from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the UK's expert quality body for higher education. The five-year accreditation provides independent international recognition of IBU's academic quality and quality assurance practices.
The accreditation confirms that IBU meets all ten Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG), without condition. The accreditation provides independent external validation of IBU's approach to academic quality and quality assurance, and reinforces confidence among students, prospective students, academic and industry partners, and other stakeholders as the university continues to expand its international presence.
"QAA accreditation reinforces our position as a globally recognized Canadian university committed to the highest standards of quality and excellence that our students, partners and broader community can trust. We celebrate not only the milestone but the people whose dedication, courage, and belief in IBU inspired this moment," said Dr. Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor, International Business University.
"IBU is proud to be the first university in Canada to earn this distinction," said Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Chancellor, International Business University. "It demonstrates that a young, independent institution can meet rigorous and recognized international quality benchmarks. As IBU continues to build partnerships and expand its global presence, this accreditation strengthens our ability to demonstrate the quality and standards that underpin our institution."
QAA published IBU's full accreditation report on September 15, 2026, providing further detail on the outcome of the International Quality Accreditation process.
About Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is an independent charity and one of the world's leading experts in higher education quality assurance. Based in the United Kingdom, QAA works with universities and colleges, governments, regulatory and funding bodies, agencies and institutions in the UK and internationally to safeguard academic standards and enhance the quality of higher education.
With more than 25 years of experience as an independent quality body, QAA provides impartial quality assurance and enhancement and works internationally to support confidence in the quality and standards of higher education. Its work includes reviewing standards and quality, developing key sector guidance, supporting international benchmarking, and providing international quality review and accreditation services.
About International Business University
International Business University (IBU) is Ontario's first independent, not-for-profit university dedicated exclusively to business education. Guided by a mission of accessible, affordable and personalized learning, IBU prepares graduates to thrive in a global, purpose-driven economy.
Through Centres of Excellence such as the Future Talent Research Institute and the Centre for Sustainable Business, IBU keeps its curriculum aligned with employer demand and emerging workforce needs. Small class sizes, industry-engaged faculty and innovative teaching methods make its education practical, globally relevant and grounded in the real world of business.
From its founding, IBU has built sustainability, innovation and industry collaboration into every program - positioning itself as a forward-looking institution shaping Canada's next generation of business leaders.
SOURCE International Business University
