Abstract
The article presents the results of a study aimed at assessing the quality of the higher education system. The emphasis is placed on using clusters –groups of interrelated factors that affect the overall effectiveness of the educational process. Identifying groups of similar influence factors made it possible to assess the impact of various components more accurately on the overall level of education quality. The used methodology (Clustered Influence Factor) was to analyse the influence of various factors as teaching staff and administrative and managerial staff on quality level in HEIs grouped into clusters based on similar characteristics. And the main characteristics of a modern university, the role of subjects in the university's development, the internal quality assurance system, etc., were considered cluster factors. This methodology allowed a structured approach to the analysis of complex systems, highlighting key factors and their interrelationships,which simplifies the decision-making process to enhance quality assurance. The results provide valuable information for higher education quality managerial decisions and strategic planning. They can also serve as a basis for making improvements in the development of the internal quality assurance system. The study identified problems and challenges in higher education, allowing the university's relevant structural units to assess the difficulties they face. Identified positive aspects can be used to increase the attractiveness of educational organizations for students, teachers, and potential partners. The study provides a starting point for the subsequent comparison of quality assurance factors and makes a specific contribution to the development of the methodology for assessing the quality of education, establishing quality assurance systems within the university, and improving the quality of education at the system level.