IPPA Accreditation
The International Public Policy Association (IPPA) is introducing an international accreditation programme dedicated to graduate programmes in public policy. Building on IPPA's commitment to advancing public policy research, education, and international collaboration, this initiative aims to support academic excellence, encourage the exchange of best practices, and strengthen the global recognition of public policy education.
The IPPA Accreditation framework places particular emphasis on research quality, innovative teaching, international perspectives, and continuous programme improvement, while recognising the diversity of institutional missions, resources, and national contexts. Through a collaborative evaluation process, IPPA seeks not only to recognise academic quality but also to help programmes identify opportunities for further development.
Accreditation Standards
The IPPA Accreditation framework is built around 10 standards covering four key areas of academic programme quality, providing a comprehensive basis for evaluating public policy programmes.
*The weightings are indicative, not mathematical scores.
Values & Benefits
- Academic Recognition: Accreditation by IPPA, a leading academic association bringing together prominent scholars in public policy, signals the quality, rigour and recognition of the programme.
- Institutional Engagement: The Self-Study provides an opportunity to engage faculty, students, staff, stakeholders and university colleagues in reflecting on the programme’s mission and performance.
- Quality Improvement: The Site Visit report assesses strengths, weaknesses, areas for improvement, and resources needed, supporting programmes in requesting additional resources.
- Recognition by Public Authorities: The visibility of IPPA Accreditation strengthens the recognition of public policy training and research among governments and other stakeholders.
- International Funding Opportunities: Accreditation provides a visible mark of quality that can strengthen relations with international funding organisations.
- Graduate Employability: International accreditation gives graduates pursuing careers in public policy an additional advantage in the job market.
- Student Recruitment: Accreditation supports student recruitment by highlighting the programme’s quality, rigour and participation in an international network of public policy scholars, researchers and teachers.
Types of Accreditation & Commendations
Special Commendations
Beyond accreditation, IPPA may award special Commendations to programmes demonstrating particular excellence and innovation in specific areas of public policy education.
