The initial accreditation of Special-Status Higher Education Schools consists of the authorization granted by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) for the establishment of the School and its doctoral programs, in accordance with ANVUR’s opinion.
The main phases of the evaluation procedure are as follows:
- Submission of the application
The promoters of a new School or already authorized Schools submit the application and related documentation to MUR via an online platform. After a preliminary admissibility check, MUR grants ANVUR access to the application and dossier to initiate the evaluation.
- Appointment of the Evaluation Expert Commission (CEV)
ANVUR’s Governing Board (CD) appoints a CEV responsible for assessing the application.
- Document analysis and preliminary evaluation
The CEV conducts a preliminary review of the submitted documentation and drafts an Analysis report, which is sent to the School before the on-site visit.
- Institutional visit
The CEV conducts a mandatory on-site visit, with a particular focus on assessing the structural and logistical requirements and student services.
- Preliminary evaluation
Based on the document analysis and the institutional visit, the CEV prepares a Preliminary report, which is then sent to the School.
- Counterarguments
Upon receiving the report, the School may submit counterarguments.
- Final evaluation
After reviewing any counterarguments, the CEV drafts the Final report, which is collectively approved and forwarded to ANVUR’s Governing Board, including a proposal for accreditation or non-accreditation.
- Opinion of the Governing Board
The Governing Board reviews the CEV's Final report and issues its opinion, which is sent to both MUR and the School, along with the CEV's report.
- MUR’s Decision
In accordance with ANVUR’s opinion, the Ministry formally issues the accreditation or non-accreditation decision for the School.
- Publication of the Evaluation
Upon MUR’s formal decision, ANVUR publishes the CEV’s Final report and the Governing Board's opinion on its website.