Budi Purwoko, Ricky Setiawan, Ahmad Abdullah Zawawi
This study investigates the integration of internal and international quality assurance systems within the Faculty of Education at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (FIP UNESA), with a particular focus on international class programs accredited by FIBAA and ACQUIN. The research aims to examine how internal quality assurance mechanisms (SPMI) are aligned with international quality standards (SPME) to strengthen institutional governance, enhance academic quality, and improve global competitiveness. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design, the study explores the strategies and practices implemented by the faculty in integrating both quality assurance systems. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, documentation analysis, and direct observations involving nine key participants, including faculty leaders, quality assurance officers, lecturers, and international class students. The findings indicate that international accreditation at FIP UNESA is implemented not merely as a compliance requirement but as part of a broader institutional transformation strategy aimed at fostering a sustainable culture of quality and continuous improvement. The integration of FIBAA and ACQUIN standards has contributed to stronger policy alignment, the implementation of outcome-based education (OBE), and improved curriculum structures that meet international expectations. Furthermore, the study identifies three main factors supporting the successful integration of quality assurance systems: strong leadership commitment, participatory governance involving multiple stakeholders, and systematic feedback mechanisms that connect internal monitoring processes with international evaluation frameworks. In addition to tangible outcomes such as increased research productivity, expanded international collaboration, and the development of international class programs, the accreditation process has also generated significant intangible benefits. These include strengthened professional ethics, greater collective responsibility for academic quality, and improved institutional reputation at the global level. The experience of FIP UNESA illustrates that the integration of internal and international quality assurance systems can serve as a sustainable and replicable model for higher education institutions in Indonesia seeking to achieve international recognition while maintaining responsiveness to local educational needs and contexts. Copyright (c) 2026 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD), Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Inclusive Education, State University of Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Educational LEadership and Management, State University of Surabaya, Indonesia
