Introducing the EIT Health Accreditation

Published on March 16, 2026

A European quality mark for non-degree healthcare education

The healthcare sector is evolving rapidly. New technologies, regulatory frameworks and care models are constantly reshaping professional practice. As a result, healthcare professionals must continuously update their skills throughout their careers. 

At the same time, the market for non-degree training programmes has expanded significantly across Europe and globally. Universities, training providers, hospitals and innovation organisations are offering a growing number of short courses, executive programmes and specialised training initiatives. 

However, while the supply of programmes continues to grow, recognised quality assurance mechanisms for non-degree education remain limited and fragmented. For many training providers, this creates a common challenge: how to demonstrate credibility, ensure educational quality and differentiate programmes in an increasingly competitive market.  

The EIT Health Accreditation Service was created to address this challenge. It provides a recognised European quality mark for stand-alone non-degree healthcare education programmes. More than a quality check, accreditation is designed as a structured quality enhancement and recognition process that combines several key elements: 

  • Alignment with EIT Label principles
  • Competency-based education grounded in the EIT Health Competency Framework
  • A constructive educational alignment approach linking learning objectives, teaching methods and assessment
  • A formative review process designed to support programme improvement 

What accreditation brings to your organisation 

Obtaining accreditation can provide value at several levels. 

  • At a strategic level, it strengthens institutional credibility and provides a recognised European quality signal.  
    This can help build trust among prospective learners.
  • At an institutional level, the process supports internal quality assurance by encouraging structured reflection on programme design, and helps ensure stronger alignment between learning objectives, teaching methods and assessment strategies.
  • From a market perspective, accreditation increases the visibility of programmes and helps providers differentiate themselves in a crowded training landscape.  

A rigorous but supportive process 

Accreditation is designed as a structured quality-enhancement process Applications are submitted through a structured self-assessment describing the programme design, learning objectives and assessment strategy. Each application is reviewed by an independent Evaluation Panel composed of external experts. Accreditation decisions are taken exclusively by this panel, ensuring an impartial and robust evaluation process. Applications are assessed against four key dimensions: relevance, clarity, coherence and supporting evidence.  

Programmes that meet the required standards may be awarded: 

  • Provisional accreditation (1 year) for promising programmes requiring minor adjustments
  • Full accreditation (3 years) for programmes that fully meet all criteria and demonstrate strong educational coherence 

To ensure quality is maintained over time, accredited programmes also undergo structured follow-up reviews. 

Apply for EIT Health Accreditation 

The EIT Health Accreditation Service 2026 is now open for applications.  

The service runs as an annual scheme with three submission deadlines throughout the year.  It follows a fee-based model, with pricing designed to remain competitive while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the accreditation scheme. 

 

 

Dates 

Results Announcement 

Accreditation Service Launch 

Monday, 16 March 2026 

n/a 

Spring Deadline  

Thursday, 14 May 2026  
(4 PM CET) 

Friday, 5 June 2026  
(at the latest) 

Post-Summer Deadline  

Thursday, 17 September 2026  
(4 PM CET) 

Friday, 9 October 2026 
(at the latest) 

End of the year Deadline 

Thursday, 19 November 2026  
(4 PM CET) 

Friday, 11 December 2026 
(at the latest) 

 Training providers interested in strengthening the quality, visibility and credibility of their programmes are invited to apply. 

 For further information about the accreditation process, application requirements and submission deadlines, please visit our EIT Health Accreditation for Healthcare Education or directly contact us at [email protected]