AIRC'S Standards

Since 2008, AIRC has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission as the Standards Development Organization (SDO) for the international student enrollment and recruitment field. In fulfillment of this role, AIRC has developed both Educational Agency standards and Higher Education Institutional Standards for International Enrollment Management (IEM). Together, these Standards help to safeguard the interests of international students, their families, enrolling institutions, recruitment agencies, and all entities involved in the recruitment and enrollment of international students.   

AIRC follows five principles in the development and dissemination of standards:


  1. Transparency  
  2. Openness    
  3. Balance    
  4. Consensus    
  5. Due Process and Appeals


Anyone who is impacted by AIRC’s Standards is welcome to contribute to the development and revision of these Standards.

AIRC'S EDUCATIONAL AGENCY STANDARDS


The Educational Agency Certification Standards are monitored by the AIRC Certification Commission and reviewed on a periodic basis as determined by the AIRC Board of Directors. The Standards are applied through AIRC’s Educational Agency Certification Process, which outlines how educational agencies demonstrate compliance with each of the standards.

View AIRC's Agency Standards

HIGHER EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS FOR INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (IEM)


These Standards provide guidance to U.S. higher education institutions to serve the best interests of international students, the institution, and its recruitment partners and stakeholders. An institution’s voluntary adherence to AIRC’s Institutional Enrollment Management Standards signifies its commitment to ethical and transparent IEM policies and practices at the highest levels of professionalism. The Standards present a benchmarking tool for institutions of all types and sizes to understand IEM best practices and how to meet the requirements set out by the standards. The Standards can be used as part of a formal review process such as an external or reaccreditation review. They may also be used internally for staff training, professional development and continuous improvement of international enrollment management operations.

View The IEM Standards

Currently in development for AIRC members:


A toolbox of best practice resources related to each IEM Standards question is in development. These will be examples of institutional practices and programs that address the question topics. This part of the Standards will be populated on an ongoing basis as AIRC identifies best practice examples in IEM implementation.


Learn More
Share by: