The “European Higher Education Area” is characterised by a great diversity also visible in terms of their different quality assurance systems. All countries are eager to establish a system compatible with their own cultural, economic and social
background. This paper highlights examples of two European countries, Austria and the United Kingdom, and shows their efforts to develop a comprehensive quality assurance system. A systematic and historical approach of both countries
will be based on literature research, expert interviews and personal experience. These two country reports provide a general perspective on their national quality assurance systems as well as their current political discussions. Together with
feedback on the reports drawn from national experts as well as expert interviews concerning future developments of the prevailing quality assurance system the paper shall maintain a more objective review and assessment of these countries. Although there are diversified quality assurance systems all over Europe, there is a need and a will to cooperate between this diversity while still keeping the individuality of the own country.