American and British Accreditation

Richmond, the American International University in London holds independent accreditation from three separate agencies. The university has earned US accreditation from The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the US Department of Education. It also accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education as an independent higher education institution. Richmond is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organization to offer higher education programs leading to Open University Validated Awards.

Richmond remains the only American University in the UK which is a member of The Association of American International Colleges & Universities (AAICU).

UK Border Agency Sponsors Register

Richmond, The American International University in London has been awarded an "A-rated" Tier 4 (Students) Sponsor's Licence by the United Kingdom Borders Agency (www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk). This Sponsor's Licence permits Richmond to issue Certificates of Acceptance for Studies (CASes) to prospective students. A CAS is required by the UKBA for any non-EEA international student seeking to obtain entry clearance to the UK.

Click here to view the Sponsors Register.

International Association of Universities (IAU) database

Richmond, The American International University in London, is pleased to announce the University's listing on the International Association of Universities (IAU) database.

This database contains all higher education institutions, worldwide, that offer postgraduate diplomas/degrees. Other institutions listed include the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and the many arts, science, business and music colleges of the University of London.

More information and full details of this prestigious international list can be found using the link below.

www.unesco.org/iau/onlinedatabases/list.html

Excerpts from the 2006 Ten Year Re-accreditation Report of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education : Richmond The American International University In London

Richmond is one of the few European-based colleges or universities enjoying full stand-alone accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education which oversees all the universities in the Middle Atlantic region of the USA including such well-regarded institutions as Princeton and Columbia.

Once every ten years, the Commission sends a team of educators to visit each accredited institution in order to get a first-hand assessment and to determine whether the university should be reaccredited for another ten year span. Richmond’s turn was April of 2006. At that time, the visiting team determined that the University fully satisfied all 14 Middle States ‘standards of excellence’, without any requirements for improvement.

The following are excerpts from the report, a full copy of which is available in the University’s Taylor Library.

"The team commends Richmond University for living its mission. We believe the institution is well-positioned for a distinctive leadership role across the global higher education landscape."

"Richmond has a clearly defined mission which is well-integrated into the life of the University."

"Rich cultural exchanges within a setting of a responsible international community are a hallmark of Richmond University. Academic freedom, intellectual freedom and a culture of freedom of expression are inherent at Richmond."

"It is clear that Richmond has created a unique position with its distinctive ability to attract an international student population ready to focus on educational pursuits."

"The Student Affairs professionals, faculty and other staff provide a strong foundation for the provision of student support services."

"The team was impressed by the faculty’s qualifications and professional dedication."

"The mission of the institution includes reference to the skills and experiences important for students to succeed in responsible positions with global understanding. There are numerous programs, services and leadership opportunities which enhance this aspect of the mission."

"The faculty has clearly embraced Richmond’s special mission of international and multicultural education, one visible throughout the academic programs in each discipline. The multicultural student population is likewise reflected in a diverse faculty."

"Richmond faculty are fully involved in the development and delivery of curricula and academic programs and are intensely committed to the institution’s international mission of global leadership in an interdependent world."

"The educational programs and curricula exhibit sufficient content, rigor and depth."

"The team commends the Library for having excellent materials available through its website."

"The Richmond Internship program provides challenging and rewarding professional experiences for students during their junior and senior years. Students are able to translate classroom learning to the workplace, make contacts which may prove valuable to students’ future employment prospects, and gain confidence in their capabilities, creativity, and communication skills."

In June 2006, following the report of the Visiting Evaluation Team submission of the report from which these excerpts were taken, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaccredited Richmond, without further requirement, for the maximum ten-year renewal period to 2016, thereby sustaining Richmond’s status as England’s only Middle States accredited American university.