AVAs
These are some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked about Access validating agencies (AVAs). If you have a particular question we haven't answered here, please feel free to contact us at access@qaa.ac.uk.
How many AVAs are there and how many Access to HE courses do they offer?
Want more information about individual AVAs?
What are AVAs?
AVAs are the organisations which develop, approve and monitor Access to HE courses. AVAs do not themselves provide Access to HE courses to students - colleges and other educational providers do this on the AVA's behalf.
AVAs are licensed by QAA to act as the awarding bodies for Access to HE. AVAs award Access to HE certificates to students who successfully complete the course requirements.
How are AVAs organised?
Most AVAs are locally or regionally organised. This enables them to work in partnership to respond to local needs and demands from potential students and from partner universities.
Who is involved in the AVAs?
AVAs vary considerably in their size, constitution and membership but each AVA works in partnership with colleges and universities. Colleagues from colleges and universities play a number of important roles within the AVA.
How are AVAs funded?
AVAs are funded in different ways, though most use combinations of membership subscription, learner registration fees and, for some, an element of subsidy by a host HEI. There is also diversity of organisational structures, and in the constitutional and legal status adopted by different AVAs.
How many AVAs are there and how many Access to HE courses do they offer?
There are 15 AVAs across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Between them, the AVAs are responsible for the oversight of over 1,000 Access to HE courses (providing approximately 1,700 separate pathways), most of which are delivered in the further education sector.
Want more information about individual AVAs?
For more information about the AVAs please use the contact details or read the review reports
AVA review reports (QAA website)