Higher Education Authority (HEA) has set December 31, 2026, as the deadline for higher education institutions to submit accreditation applications through the existing email-based process.
The deadline forms part of the Authority’s transition to the Online Accreditation Module, which is currently being piloted as part of efforts to modernize and streamline the accreditation process.
HEA Director-General Professor Kazhila Chinsembu communicated the development to Vice-Chancellors and Principals of Universities, University Colleges and Colleges in a communiqué dated August 26, 2026.
Professor Chinsembu said the Online Accreditation Module is currently being run alongside the existing email-based system during the pilot phase.
“The Authority wishes to inform all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that the pilot phase of the Online Accreditation Module is currently underway and, as part of the transition, HEA has been running the online submission system in parallel with the existing email-based submission process,” Prof. Chinsembu stated.
He added that the email-based submission process will only remain available until the end of 2026.
“The Authority wishes to advise that 31st December, 2026, will be the deadline for submission of accreditation applications through the existing email-based process via accreditation@hea.org.zm,” he said.
Prof. Chinsembu encouraged higher education institutions to submit any accreditation applications intended for the email-based system on or before December 31, 2026.
He emphasized that after the deadline, the Online Accreditation Module will become the primary platform for submitting accreditation applications, subject to any further communication from the Authority.
Prof. Chinsembu further encouraged HEIs to familiarize themselves with the Online Accreditation Module and begin using the system during the pilot period.
The transition follows HEA’s recent training of Higher Education Institutions on the Quality Assurance Management Information System (QAMIS), during which institutional representatives were introduced to the system and guided on how to navigate the online accreditation process.
Prof. Chinsembu stated that the digital transition is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing administrative delays, strengthening transparency and enhancing service delivery in the accreditation of learning programmes.
“The Authority appreciates the cooperation and support of all HEIs as it transitions to a more efficient, transparent and technology-enabled accreditation process,” Prof. Chinsembu added.
“For HEA, the message is clear: the future of accreditation is online, and institutions are encouraged to begin the transition now.”
This is according to a statement issued by HEA Corporate Communications Officer, Birbal Musoba.
