Book excerpt: Whilst external quality audits have been in place for more than a decade in some countries, limited research exists on the extent to which such audits have been effective in improving systems and processes for quality assurance in higher education institutions, and the extent to which such audits have improved academic standards, outcomes and student experience. External Quality Audit looks at the experience of countries where external quality audits have been established by governments, and provides analyses of their effectiveness in improving quality assurance in universities and other higher education institutions. - Brings together the experience of academics and administrators in higher education institutions - Examines international experience on the extent to which external quality audits have improved quality assurance at national, institutional and faculty levels - Gives perspective from a variety of higher education institutions