Short answer
Yes. The International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA) may grant accreditation to eligible theological institutions that operate in countries other than the institution’s home country, provided the institution meets ITAA standards and remains fully compliant with all applicable local laws and regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction where it operates.
What this means in practice
ITAA operates as an independent theological accreditation body and evaluates institutions against its standards for governance, curriculum, assessment and student support. Accreditation is an institutional quality-assurance outcome that reflects the maturity of an institution’s systems; it does not confer governmental recognition or statutory degree-awarding powers.
Institutions with campuses, centres or delivery in multiple countries must demonstrate unified governance, shared curriculum and centralised quality assurance where they seek a single institutional accreditation licence. Where local operation requires separate legal registration, institutions remain responsible for obtaining all licences, approvals or registrations required by each jurisdiction before issuing awards to learners there.
Legal and regulatory limits
ITAA accreditation never overrides local law. Institutions remain solely responsible for compliance with all applicable national, state/provincial, regional and local laws relating to operating an educational institution and issuing qualifications. ITAA does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers and does not represent government recognition; where national law requires governmental authorisation, that authorisation must be obtained separately by the institution.
When separate accreditation or registration is required
If a campus or centre has independent governance, issues awards under a different institutional name, or operates substantially different curriculum or QA systems, ITAA treats it as a separate institution for accreditation purposes and it may require a separate application and accreditation licence.
Practical steps for institutions operating across borders
- Confirm local legal requirements for operating, registering and issuing awards in every country of operation.
- Decide whether campuses will operate as branches under one institutional identity or as separate institutions.
- Compile governance, curriculum and QA documentation showing central oversight if seeking a single ITAA licence.
- Submit the ITAA application and supporting evidence through the standard Process & Requirements route.
Frequently asked questions
ITAA accreditation equals governmental recognition.
ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority; accreditation does not replace or grant statutory recognition or degree-awarding powers.
ITAA can override local registration or licensing requirements.
ITAA accreditation never overrides local law; institutions must obtain every local licence or approval required to operate lawfully.
ITAA’s role
LOCKED: ITAA is a private theological accreditation agency.
LOCKED: ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority.
LOCKED: ITAA accreditation NEVER overrides local law.
LOCKED: Institutions remain solely responsible for compliance with all applicable national, state or provincial, regional, and local laws.
LOCKED: ITAA does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers.
LOCKED: Accreditation status does not replace governmental recognition where required.
For procedural details, eligibility criteria and the application process, see ITAA’s Process & Requirements and Standards pages. Institutions with multi-country operations should review the ITAA requirements for one-institution multiple-campus accreditation before applying.