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What kind of accreditation systems do exist? Which quality criteria are used in these procedures? How is the accreditation system organized? How significant is internationality in higher education? Does accreditation support the quality development? Representatives of the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU) got answers to these and other questions on their visit in Bonn. This educational journey with the theme `Accreditation of study paths and institutions of education in Germany` was organised by the International Academy of Management and Technology (INTAMT), Düsseldorf, within the scope of the Russian year in Germany 2012/13.

Furthermore, the ideas and experience exchange between the German and the Russian representatives to the subject of quality assurance and quality development in the higher education were productive and inspiring. `We are very glade that the representatives of the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering decided to visit FIBAA during their educational journey in Germany. The interest of the Russian colleagues also confirms our focus on this region´ says Daisuke Motoki, managing director of the FIBAA. The MGSU – as a national research university with an international orientation – advocates the bologna process and the quality assurance in higher education for more transparency and comparability on the educational market.

2003 Russia entered the bologna process and since then it committed with all other participated countries to reach the bologna aims. Since then, appropriate reform steps are introduced and implementation strategies have been tried out. Because of the increasing number of higher education institutions (HEIs) and the expanded demand, quality of higher education in Russia is becoming more important, so as to quality assurance has been brought to the fore. `Currently there is a dramatic restructuring on the Russian higher education market. The Russian ministry of education announced in august 2012 that all inefficient HEIs are going to be closed. That should affect 20% from 600 HEIs in the country. Following out of that the focus would now lie on the quality instead of the quantity. It means, the Russian HEIs – because of the growing pressure from the government about the rise of the quality of education and the increasing international competition – have to invest more in quality management. Here they definitely can learn from Germany as a Bologna successful example´ explains Daisuke Motoki.

Since many years the organizer of this journey, the INTAMT, is supporting the sustainable relations between the states of the GUS and the EU. The academy did manage to establish a continued and seminal experience exchange in many fields through cooperation and other measures. ´The collaboration with the MSGU reflects the development of the biggest HEI in Russia in the section of civil engineering as well as the typical process with the Russian reform of higher education. Initially the bologna process itself and the implementation of the bachelor/master system were the current themes of further education. Afterwards additional themes – like conception of education, practice-oriented and research-based learning etc. – are getting more in the foreground. At present a restructuring of the Russian higher education is in progress, with the consequence that accreditation by professional associations, additionally to accreditation under public law, is becoming possible. Quality frameworks and minimum quality standards should help HEIs to better meet the requirements of the industry. The practical experience of leading German accreditation agencies are here of important meaning. Of course we hope that this collaboration will develop continuously.´ says Yuri Niktin, executive board member of the INTAMT.