Background
IREG Observatory has developed the IREG Seal of Approval Process enabling a ranking organization to apply to IREG Observatory for an independent review. Ranking organizations found to be meeting the detailed IREG Observatory criteria for ranking organizations are awarded the IREG Seal of Approval “IREG Approved”.
Rankings that passed the IREG Ranking Seal of Approval Process and received IREG Approved certificate:
National rankings:
International rankings:
In response to substantial worldwide growth in higher education rankings, the International Ranking Expert Group (IREG) published a document describing best practices for rankings. “The Berlin Principles on Ranking Higher Education Institutions” quickly became the widely accepted standard for making judgments about quality of rankings and ranking organizations. In 2009, IREG incorporated as the “IREG Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence” (IREG Observatory).
As rankings and interest in them continued to grow, it was increasingly clear that rankings in much of the world were becoming important assessment tools used to make judgments about quality and in some cases determining state funding levels. With increased stakes, there was increased need for an independent group like IREG Observatory to develop a process to certify that a given ranking agency was in compliance not only with the with the Berlin Principles, but with additional quality criteria.
This designation “IREG Approved” has proven to be a useful way for rankings organizations to demonstrate quality and as a guide for users of rankings including students, parents, government agencies, and others.