1. The institution must be recognised/accredited in its country by the competent authority.
2. The programme of study is accredited/recognised by the competent authority.
3. The student is responsible to conduct research regarding:
   • The quality of education
   • Market reputation
   • Professional acceptability of qualification
   • The coverage of curriculum
   • Type and adequacy of student support
   • Admission requirements
4. The number of credits assigned to the programme should align with the minimum standards for the different levels, as outlined by the UCJ:
   • Associate = 60 credits (minimum 2 years of study)
   • Bachelors = 120 credits (minimum 4 years of study)
   • Masters = 30 credits (minimum 1 year full-time)
   • Postgraduate diploma = 30 credits (normally 1 year)
   • Doctoral – (minimum 3 years)
5. The programme of study must build on the related foundation knowledge acquired from the first/second/third level qualification previously obtained. There should also be a good balance of upper and lower level courses in the programme, with an organised progression such that the demands on the learner in terms of intellectual challenge increase over time.
6. Programmes at the masters and doctoral degree levels must develop a conceptual and systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights, much of which is at, or informed by the forefront of the discipline or profession. Doctoral programmes should involve the creation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline and merit publication. The postgraduate diploma is typically awarded after a bachelor’s degree and is studied at a more advanced level than at the bachelor’s degree.
7. The practical components attached to programmes must be completed and assessed in the appropriate environment and be supervised by a competent person.
8. Measures must be in place at the institution to assure quality in academic offerings.
9. On return from study, the qualification obtained would be assessed by the UCJ against local standards for recognition in Jamaica. Recognition would normally be granted if there is not a substantial difference between the foreign qualification and local standards