Abstract. Student representation in external quality assurance is a mandatory requirement in European higher education systems and the involvement of students in such processes is seen as important for the legitimacy of evaluations, accreditations and audits. However, there is limited knowledge about the role students play in external quality assurance panels and how they perceive their involvement. This study seeks to address this gap. It is based on a survey of students who routinely take part in external quality assurance exercises across Europe. The survey shows that students perceive themselves as representatives, partners or even experts. Students’ multiple roles and their integration into panel practices indicate that quality assurance panels function as a form of extended collegiality. In the discussion, the paper outlines the key conditions for integrating students into external quality assurance and not least, how students’ expertise in such processes may be enhanced.
Full citation. Jungblut, J., & Stensaker, B. (2026). Extended collegiality? The role of students in external quality assurance panels in Europe. Quality in Higher Education, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13538322.2026.2663650