Understanding the quality concept in the higher education

This contribution aims to present the self-assessment system, developed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering VSB-TU Ostrava during the application of Quality Management System [Farana 2008] and TQM System, based on the effective use of the EFQM Excellence Model [Hutyra 2004] and compare it with the self evaluation process at the Queen Mary, University of London. Main parts are questionnaires for students in different periods of the educational process. It sheds light on the instrument that aims to understand the students' experience and to identify how much of the growth and development can be attributed to the quality university experience that the institution provides for its students.