Institutional Accreditation

About

Institutional Accreditation focuses on an institution’s capacity to provide a robust and sustainable framework for public health education, research, and service activities. It assesses whether the institutional structures, governance, resources, and quality systems effectively support the delivery of high-quality public health programmes.

The term “institution” is used generically and refers to academic units that may be standalone or part of a larger university structure, including schools, departments, faculties, institutes, centres, or colleges.

Institutional Accreditation follows a fitness-for-purpose approach, evaluating how well the institution’s mission, organisation, and activities align with its stated objectives and the needs of public health education and practice.

Process

The accreditation process includes:

curriculum validation of public health programmes offered by the institution,

a comprehensive institutional self-evaluation, and

a peer-led site visit.

Institutional Accreditation is granted for a six-year period, subject to continued compliance with APHEA standards.

Why Institutional Accreditation Matters?

Accredited institutions receive international recognition of their academic and organisational quality, are publicly listed on the APHEA website, and may use the APHEA accreditation logo in institutional materials. The process also supports institutional reflection and continuous improvement, strengthening governance, quality management, and strategic development.

Institutions holding APHEA Institutional Accreditation become part of the APHEA community, joining an international network of public health institutions committed to excellence, accountability, and innovation in public health education across the world.

How to apply?

Institutional Accreditation Workflows

Learn more

Instituional Accreditation Procedures

Learn more

Initial Application Form

Learn more

Self-Evaluation Handbook

Learn more

Fees

The fees outlined cover Phase 1, which consists of Curriculum Validation for either a minimum of two programmes, one programme with two or more specialisations, or one programme combined with two CTEE accreditations under a one-off payment schedule.

The process includes an application and validation stage, followed by off-site and on-site reviews and a subsequent decision-making stage.

Applicants are responsible for all logistical arrangements for site visitors, including flights, transfers, accommodation, and meals.

	Application*	Review	Decision	Total
Phase 1	€1,000	€4,000	€1,000	€4,000
Phase 2	€1,000	€11,000	€6,000	€18,000
Total	€2,000	€15,000	€7,000	€24,000

*Application fee is non-refundable. ASPHER and IANPHI membership (proof of membership required) are exempt from application fees.

Submission Dates and Deadlines

The Board of Accreditation meets on a monthly basis to review submitted applications. All applications are placed on the agenda for consideration at the earliest available meeting. For further information, please contact the APHEA Secretariat at office@aphea.be