Programme Accreditation

About

Programme Accreditation applies to bothBachelor– and Master-level public health programmesProgramme titles may vary widely and include, among others, MPH, BPH, BSc, MSc, Health Sciences, Public Health, Public Health Management, or Public Health Epidemiology.

The accreditation process follows a fitness-for-purpose approach, assessing whether a programme’s aims, structure, and outcomes are appropriate to its stated mission and context. Programmes are evaluated against clearly defined standards through a combination of documentation review and peer-led site visits.

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Process

Programme Accreditation builds on a structured review process that includes: 

a comprehensive self-evaluation conducted by the institution, and 

a peer review site visit of approximately two and a half days.

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

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Why Programme Accreditation Matters?

Through Programme Accreditation, institutions receiveinternational recognitionof the quality, relevance, and integrity of their public health education. Accredited programmes are publicly listed on the APHEA website, may use the APHEA accreditation logo, and demonstrate to students, employers, and stakeholders that they meet internationally recognised standards for public health education. 

Beyond quality assurance, Programme Accreditation supports continuous improvement by encouraging critical reflection, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based development of programmes. Accredited programmes also become part of the APHEA community, joining an international network of public health institutions committed to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in public health education. 

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Fees

Applicants for Programme Accreditation must first complete Curriculum Validation (Phase 1). Upon successful completion, they may proceed to Programme Accreditation (Phase 2). 

ApplicationReview Decision Total 
Phase 1  €1,000 €2,000 €1,000 €4,000 
Phase 2 €1,000 €6,000 €3,000 €10,000 
Total €2,000 €8,000 €4,000 €14,000 

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

The fees outlined above are allocated across the application, review, and decision-making stages. As part of the Phase 2 review, applicants are responsible for all logistical arrangements for site visitors, including flights, transfers, accommodation, and meals. 

Fees are charged per individual programme. For programmes with separate specialisations, the core programme is subject to the full (100%) applicable fee, while each specialisation incurs an additional 50% fee for the review and decision-making stages.

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