International Centres

This section of the website is designed to support international centres decisions about working with ATHE and the qualifications which best meet the needs of their learners.

For more information on how ATHE supports international centres with the delivery, assessment and quality assurance of the qualifications please read the Delivering ATHE Qualifications Handbook.

What ATHE qualifications provide for learners

  • Vocationally relevant qualifications which are directly related to management roles in a range of business sectors.
  • Qualifications of different size and level in order to meet individual needs.
  • Continuous assessment so that learners complete their studies progressively without the need for final examinations.
  • Internationally recognised qualifications which are on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Wales and aligned to other international frameworks worldwide
  • Increased opportunities for employee mobility
  • Progression from one level to another within ATHE qualifications and directly to MBAs, with study opportunities in the UK and overseas via distance learning.

What ATHE recognition provides for centres

  • Qualifications which are controlled by the Office for Qualifications and Examinations (Ofqual), a non-ministerial government department in the UK which regulates qualifications
  • Support materials to assist tutors in working with learners
  • Advice and guidance from experienced practitioners at ATHE, which is provided promptly to address the needs of centres and their staff
  • Value for money in relation to learner registrations, staff training and support
  • ATHE qualifications are offered in 20 different countries
  • ATHE’s Ofqual Recognition 

Become an ATHE centre

The ATHE Centre recognition process is the same for non-UK centres as for UK centres, except that the Health Check is usually conducted remotely by the EQA.

Non-UK centres will also receive additional support from their External Quality Assurer in the form of guidance on the documents required, as well as other communications to discuss extra support where necessary.

You can find out about the timescales involved in becoming a centre and our other major services on this document.

If you have any queries regarding the recognition process or our products and services, please contact ATHE.

UK Visa Sponsorship Rules

Please note that the rules for UK visa sponsorship state that jobs for workers with a Tier 2 (General) or Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa will usually need to be skilled to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 and above. For example job titles and tasks please follow the link provided.

Progression Routes

ATHE’s progression routes are a key part of its offering. Many learners use ATHE qualifications as a route into degree top-ups in the UK. All of ATHE’s progression routes are available to learners who complete ATHE qualifications outside the UK.

Please note, centres may not use the Universities logos and the Universities names must only be used when promoting ATHE qualifications.