Paragon International University

Becoming an SQA centre

Paragon International University is proud to be the first SQA approved centre in Cambodia, currently offering an SQA course. This provides local learners with direct access to world-class qualifications and a business course new to Cambodia.

The centre is approved to offer the SQA Advanced Diploma in Business at SCQF level 8.

Paragon International University became an SQA approved centre in March 2025. Their Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Director, Sophak Huy, discusses why they wanted to work with SQA and their experience of partnering with us.

When did you first enquire about becoming an SQA centre?

We first enquired about becoming an SQA centre in early 2024. At that time, we recognised the potential benefits of offering accredited qualifications to our students, as this aligns with our vision and mission of enhancing educational standards at our university.

How did you find out about SQA?

We first found out about SQA through its official website. During our research into different accreditation and qualification bodies, we came across the SQA site, which provided detailed information on the range of qualifications SQA offers, the accreditation process, and the benefits of becoming an approved centre.

Why did you want to become an SQA centre? Was the Diploma to Degree pathway attractive to you?

Paragon International University is expanding with the addition of a new campus, enabling the university to accommodate more students each academic year. In addition, the university is dedicated to introducing a variety of new programmes. As an SQA centre, Paragon International University now has the option of offering several SQA Advanced Diploma programmes (currently offering one in business), many of which are new to the Cambodian market. The two-year programmes, followed by a pathway to year three and four at SQA partner institutions, are expected to be highly attractive to prospective students and their parents.

What steps did you go through to become an SQA centre from first finding out about SQA?

Becoming an SQA centre involved several challenging steps, including:

How did you find the process to become an SQA centre?

The process of becoming an SQA centre was challenging, with numerous documents to review and many internal and virtual meetings with the SQA team. However, we are deeply grateful for the outstanding support from the SQA team, who made the process much easier. Their approachability and helpfulness were invaluable throughout the entire journey.

Were you happy with the level of support provided to you during the process to become a centre?

We’re more than happy with the level of support the SQA team provided from the beginning until our approval was successfully granted. From the initial stages of our enquiry, the SQA team was incredibly responsive, answering all our questions promptly and thoroughly. They guided us through each step of the approval process, offering detailed advice on the necessary documentation, procedures, and best practices to ensure compliance with SQA standards. Throughout the process, they remained patient and understanding, always available to provide clarification and support whenever needed.

Did you find the timescales and expectations clear?

Yes, we did find the timescales and expectations clear throughout the entire process. SQA provided a well-structured timeline, outlining each stage of the approval process and the deadlines. That helped us understand exactly what was expected from us at every step and allowed us to plan and allocate resources effectively.

Do you have any advice for another organisation going through the process?

There are many documents to read, which can initially feel overwhelming. To begin the process, it’s important for anyone starting this journey to allocate a significant amount of time to carefully read through all the materials provided and ensure they fully understand what’s required. These documents contain essential information about SQA’s standards, procedures, and the overall approval process, so a thorough understanding is crucial to avoid any delays or missteps later on.

In addition, don't hesitate to ask for support from the SQA team as they are incredibly supportive and responsive. Whether it’s clarification on specific sections of the documentation, advice on how to approach certain tasks, or guidance on meeting the necessary criteria, the SQA team is always ready to assist. Their willingness to help makes the process smoother, which ensures you can stay on track and resolve any uncertainties along the way.

Find out more about working with SQA