The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) has announced increases to several of its service fees, saying the changes are necessary to support improvements to its operations and maintain the quality of services it provides.

The revised fee structure will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will impact services including accreditation statements, degree verifications, equivalence assessments, and CSME verifications.

According to the Board, the adjustments follow an extensive internal review and form part of efforts to enhance service delivery, upgrade its digital platforms, and expand customer support capabilities. ABNAB noted that it has spent nearly two decades helping to build and maintain a secure and internationally respected higher education sector in Antigua and Barbuda and that periodic operational realignments are necessary to sustain that work.

Under the new fee schedule, a Statement on Accreditation will cost EC$150 for local applicants and US$100 for international applicants. CSME Verification services will be priced at EC$150, while an Equivalence Assessment will cost EC$200 locally and US$150 internationally. Verification of Degree services will now cost EC$150 for local applicants and US$100 for international applicants.

The Board acknowledged that fee increases may raise concerns among stakeholders but emphasized that the decision was carefully considered. It also thanked local educational institutions, government ministries, and members of the public for their continued support and partnership.

ABNAB said it remains committed to protecting the academic integrity of Antigua and Barbuda and ensuring that credentials recognized by the country continue to meet international standards and maintain global credibility.

A grace period will remain in effect until June 30, allowing applications submitted before that date to be processed under the current fee structure. This applies to applications for institutional registration, programme accreditation, and foreign credential evaluations.

The Board said the complete schedule of revised fees has already been distributed to registered tertiary institutions and government ministries and is also available on its social media platforms.

All payments must be made either through direct bank transfer or by cash payment at the Board’s office.

ABNAB serves as the country’s quality assurance and accreditation authority for higher education and training institutions and is responsible for ensuring that academic qualifications meet established standards.