Standing Together for Trustworthy Education: ECLBS Supports CHEA’s Call to Action
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
On August 14, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) released a powerful public statement addressing one of the most concerning trends in the global education landscape—the rise of fake accreditors and fraudulent higher education websites. This statement comes at a critical time, as artificial intelligence and digital tools are increasingly being used to create professional-looking yet deceptive platforms that mislead students and institutions alike.
These fake accreditors often copy the appearance of legitimate organizations. They use official-looking seals, write convincing text, and offer quick “recognition” or “degrees” in exchange for money, without any real quality checks or academic process. Some even go as far as imitating the logos and language of well-known accrediting bodies, including CHEA, to appear trustworthy.
CHEA’s message is clear: Accreditation is not a marketing trick or a shortcut. It is a vital process that assures the quality, transparency, and trustworthiness of education.
In response to this statement, the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) publicly reaffirms its support for CHEA. ECLBS is a member of CHEA IQG and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the organization. This partnership reflects our shared values and mission to protect the credibility of international education and uphold the highest standards in academic and institutional quality.
As part of its recent statement, CHEA offered practical advice to students, families, and institutions to avoid being misled by fake accreditors:
Always verify whether an accrediting agency is recognized by national or international quality assurance bodies.
Be cautious with offers that seem too good to be true, such as guaranteed admission or instant diplomas.
Never share personal information or pay fees without confirming the legitimacy of the institution and its accreditor.
At ECLBS, we have long promoted these same principles. We actively encourage transparency among our members, and we support public access to clear, verifiable information about institutional accreditation. Our cooperation with CHEA is part of a broader effort to defend the integrity of education globally.
Through this partnership, we aim to raise awareness, especially among international students, about how to recognize legitimate accreditors and avoid falling into the trap of diploma mills and fake organizations. In today’s digital age, when fraud can look very professional, reliable accreditation is more important than ever.
This united effort between CHEA and organizations like ECLBS is not just about protecting reputations—it’s about protecting people. When students invest their time, money, and future into education, they deserve to be confident that their qualifications are real and respected.
ECLBS remains committed to working with CHEA and other trusted partners to ensure that quality education is never compromised by fraud or misinformation. Together, we stand strong for transparency, ethics, and academic excellence.
Because education, at its core, is built on trust—and that trust must be earned, protected, and never taken for granted.
Comments