4th cycle: Audits of higher education institutions 2025-2030
Audits of HEIs renewed for the fourth audit cycle
FINEEC fourth cycle audit manual for HEIs (2025–2030)- pilot phase
The audits ensure that HEIs maintain and enhance the quality of their activities, that their quality work complies with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG), and that it supports both strategic management and the high-quality implementation of HEIs’ core functions. A successful FINEEC audit confirms that an HEI’s operations and quality system comply with both national and European criteria.
The new audit framework combines European standards with the priorities of Finnish HEIs
The FINEEC audit framework aligns with European quality assurance standards (ESG), builds on the experience of three previous audit cycles in Finland, and addresses the current needs and challenges of Finnish higher education institutions (HEIs).
Audits have been carried out in Finland for twenty years, during which HEIs have systematically developed their quality systems.
In the upcoming audit cycle, expectations for the effectiveness of HEIs’ quality work are higher than before. Institutions are expected not only to react to problems, but also to work proactively, demonstrate capacity for renewal in a changing environment, and enhance both the quality and societal impact of their activities, says Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta, managing director of Sivistysala ry Sivista and chair of the planning team.
Audits are guided by the enhancement-led approach
The audit considers each HEI’s specific characteristics, profile and objectives. In the audit, the HEI and the audit team identify strengths and areas for improvement in the HEI's operations. The enhancement-led evaluation, places emphasis on trust, engagement and a respectful approach to the evaluation subject. The new audit cycle will also connect audits more closely to HEIs’ everyday work.
Audits will use more existing data, such as institutional and national feedback surveys. The assessment scale has been revised to four levels, with increased follow-up for assessments at satisfactory level. HEIs achieving an excellent level will receive a quality label with a mention of excellence. In addition, the framework includes a strategic cross-cutting theme chosen by the HEI.
The two evaluation areas focus on strategic and quality management, as well as on learning and teaching
In the fourth audit cycle, attention is given, among others, to the quality system and how it supports the HEI’s strategic management, as well as to the institution's core functions - especially educational provision and its development at both institutional and programme levels.
Two evaluation areas
- Strategic management supported by the quality system – emphasising the connection between the quality system and strategic management, as well as operational culture, including openness and inclusiveness.
- Learning supported by teaching and guidance – emphasising pedagogy, student-centred and research-based education, work-life perspectives, internationalisation, and continuous learning.
Each HEI may also choose a strategic cross-cutting theme for the audit and receive feedback to support its further development.
The new audit framework is piloted in two HEIs during 2026, with the full audit cycle starting in early 2027.
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