Macro-efficiency check

The macro-efficiency check concerns the issue whether a proposed new programme should be funded by the national authorities. The following questions play an important role during this procedure: Is the same or a similar programme already offered in the country, region or city? Is there a demand by the professional field to offer this programme? Is there a demand in the labour market for additional graduates from this programme? Several other elements are of course also taken into consideration.

Flanders

In Flanders, a macro-efficiency check takes place before the initial accreditation procedure. Institutions that receive public funding should submit an application for a macro-efficiency check regarding a new programme to the Recognition Commission. Only after a positive macro-efficiency decision, institutions can submit applications for initial accreditation to NVAO. 

The macro-efficiency check is not necessary for joint programmes that receive or will receive European funding (e.g. Erasmus Mundus, curriculum development, EIT). Additionally, new programmes offered by institutions that don't receive public funding do not need to undergo a macro-efficiency check and can immediately submit an application for initial accreditation to NVAO.
To start the programme in a given academic year (e.g. 2014-2015), the application needs be submitted before 1 March of the preceding calendar year (in this case, 1 March 2013).

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the macro-efficiency check is done by CDHO (in Dutch: Commissie Doelmatigheid Hoger Onderwijs) and takes place before the initial accreditation decision. A positive macro-efficiency decision by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science entitles a publicly funded institution to apply for an initial accreditation decision by NVAO. New programmes offered by institutions that don't receive public funding do not need to undergo a macro-efficiency check must start firstly a assessment by NVAO to be recognised by the Dutch government.