Application Process — Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation

Gather the essential institutional documents before submission:

• Certificate of legal registration / incorporation

• Academic catalog or prospectus

• List of programs and curricula

• Faculty qualifications (CVs or profiles)

• LMS screenshots and description of online learning tools

• Student policies, support systems, and quality-assurance reports

• Proof of financial sustainability or audit summary
  

All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by an official English translation.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Access the Accreditation Application Portal at
www.gacol.org/apply

Fill in your institution’s profile:

• Legal name of institution

• Country of registration

• Type of institution (university, college, academy, etc.)

• Contact information for accreditation correspondence

• Description of programs offered

• Desired scope (Institutional / Program / Both)

Step 3: Submit Application Fee

A non-refundable preliminary review fee is required to process your application.
This ensures that our evaluation team can conduct document verification and eligibility screening.

Average cost: USD 300 – 900, depending on institution size.
Payment can be made securely online via credit card, bank transfer, or PayPal.

Step 4: Initial Review & Eligibility

Once your application is received, the Secretariat will:

1. Verify legal documents and institutional status.

2. Evaluate eligibility for the selected accreditation category.

3. Assign a dedicated Evaluation Officer to your case.
   

You’ll receive a confirmation email with your Application Reference ID within 5 working days.

Step 5: Self-Assessment Report (SAR)

Eligible institutions are required to submit a detailed Self-Assessment Report that demonstrates:

• Institutional mission and goals

• Learning outcomes and assessment framework

• Online delivery methods and technologies

• Student engagement and feedback mechanisms

• Faculty support and professional development

• Continuous improvement systems

Templates for SAR are downloadable on the application portal.

Step 6: Evaluation Phase

A specialized evaluation team reviews the submitted documentation remotely.
If needed, an online audit meeting or virtual campus tour is conducted to confirm LMS and operational systems.

Average review time: 6 – 10 weeks.

Step 7: Accreditation Decision

After evaluation:

• A full report is prepared by the Accreditation Board.

• The institution receives an Accreditation Decision Letter indicating:

  • Approval (Provisional or Full)

  • Revisions required

  • Denial (with explanation)

Successful institutions receive:

• Official Certificate of Accreditation (PDF)

• Verification Code and QR Link

• Digital Accreditation Seal

Step 8: Listing & Public Verification

Approved institutions are published in the
GACOL Accredited Institutions Directory and can be publicly verified by Certificate ID.

Timeline Overview

Application submission: 1 week
Eligibility review: 2 weeks
Evaluation and feedback: 6–10 weeks
Decision & certificate issue: 2–3 weeks

Estimated total time: 3–4 months (average)

Institutional Responsibilities

All applicants must:

• Provide accurate and verifiable data.

• Respond to reviewer feedback promptly.

• Maintain academic and ethical integrity during evaluation.

• Display GACOL’s logo and seal only after official approval.

Confidentiality & Ethics

All submitted documents and data are handled under strict confidentiality and used solely for accreditation purposes.
GACOL’s evaluation teams operate under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and Code of Ethics to ensure impartiality.

Accreditation is not a barrier — it is a bridge toward international recognition and academic trust.