Andorran Government Backs Unanimous Bill to Raise AQUA Higher Education Fees

The Andorran government has issued a favourable opinion on a unanimous parliamentary bill to increase fees for the Agència de Qualitat de l’Ensenyament Superior d’Andorra (AQUA), describing the hikes as significant yet justified to match the agency’s rising workload and secure its financial sustainability.

In a statement published Monday in the Bulletin of the Consell General, the executive noted a steady increase in AQUA’s responsibilities, largely due to the expansion of the higher education system and the rise of new private universities. This growth demands better alignment of the agency’s internal and external resources, according to officials. The bill amends Law 23/2021 on AQUA fees, targeting costs linked to evaluation and accreditation services.

Key adjustments include €6,000 for approving a new study programme and €8,000 for renewals. Evaluations of strategic plans to create or launch private universities or higher education centres, along with institutional accreditations, will each cost €12,000.

Submitted on 8 April by all parliamentary groups, the proposal demonstrates rare cross-party unity, which the government praised as a positive signal. Supporting documents highlight a sharp uptick in AQUA’s assessments in recent years, necessitating the changes to preserve the agency’s operations.

The executive stated that the fee updates will allow AQUA to perform its duties with competence and rigour, while reaffirming Andorra’s dedication to upholding quality standards in higher education—essential for building credibility, trust, and prestige in the sector.