The International Council for the Accreditation and Advancement of Public Health Education (ICAPHE) provides a distinctive approach to accreditation that is both formative and supportive. Grounded in shared knowledge from the international public health education community, our model places dialogue and reflection at the centre of the process. We do not prescribe rigid, highly prescriptive frameworks. Instead, we offer a space for institutions to critically reflect on their practices, showcase their strengths and enhance their impact through an international, peer-supported process of continuous improvement.

ICAPHE accreditation is available to schools (6 years duration), programmes (6 years duration) and training (3 years duration) at all levels. Whether newly established (at least 2 cohorts of students graduated)  or long-standing, institutions are encouraged to participate in a developmental process that values contextual realities and recognises multiple pathways to excellence. Accreditation with ICAPHE is not a one-off judgement but a sustained relationship built on shared learning, constructive feedback and ongoing improvement.

Our process is shaped by a team with deep expertise in public health education and quality assurance. It aligns with internationally recognised standards, including the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) and the principles of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). At the same time, it remains flexible and responsive to local systems, priorities and ambitions.

Accreditation through ICAPHE brings tangible benefits. It supports institutions in identifying opportunities for growth and innovation, and in articulating their strengths to both internal and external audiences. It enhances credibility among peers and stakeholders and contributes to increased visibility in a competitive and evolving educational landscape. Above all, it offers a chance for educators and institutions to engage in purposeful self-evaluation and improvement, supported by a team of peers who understand both the challenges and opportunities within public health education.

Our approach is guided by core principles: relevance, fairness, transparency and mutual respect. We contribute to capacity-building, promoting high standards without enforcing uniformity. We value a global perspective enriched by its inherent diversity. Institutions can expect a clear and structured process comprising eligibility assessment, self-evaluation, site review and decision. Yet beyond the procedural steps lies a deeper commitment to creating a meaningful experience that enables learning at every stage.

By choosing ICAPHE, institutions join an international community committed to advancing the quality and impact of public health education. Accreditation becomes more than a badge of quality. It becomes a catalyst for sustainable progress, rooted in reflection, collaboration and shared purpose.

Please use the menu tabs at the top of the page to explore our processes.