About the Scheme

An important role for any profession is nurturing the specialist knowledge that marks it out and overseeing the scope and quality of education for those entering the profession.

Through its Qualifications Accreditation Scheme (QAS), the Institute provides assurance of the quality and standing of environmental qualifications as being suitable for entry to the environment profession.

Becoming an environmental professional?

The environment profession is a worthy choice of a career. Environmental practitioners have ‘moral purpose’ in society, as respected scientists who inform decisions at all levels about the resilience and sustainability of the planet. It is well remunerated with global career opportunities.

Below is a short video about studying to be an environmental professional from the Australian Council of Environmental Deans and Directors:

Environmental science, environmental management, and environmental sustainability are fields of undergraduate and postgraduate study in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand by which people enter the environment profession.

The scope of the EIANZ Qualifications Accreditation Scheme covers university courses/programs in environmental science, environmental management, and environmental sustainability. Qualifications in these fields are not the only entry pathway to the environment profession. They are, however, a useful beginning point for the profession to influence the scope and quality of the education of those seeking to make a career in these fields.

The Qualifications Accreditation Scheme is an EIANZ program established by By-law 17 – Qualifications Accreditation Scheme to achieve this purpose.

The Accreditation Board

The Scheme is administered by a Board consisting of members from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, representing both academic and professional interests. The Board includes a nominee of the Australian Council of Environmental Deans and Directors. It comprises:

• Dr Katrina O'Mara MEIANZ (QAS Board Chair) | Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, WA
• Professor Diane Pearson MEIANZ | Professor in Environmental Management, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, New Zealand
• Professor Samantha Capon MEIANZ | Professor in Environmental Sustainability and Management, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, QLD
• Dr Avanish Pannikar MEIANZ CEnvP | Principal at ENVIRAUD, NSW
• Mr Ross Neivandt MEIANZ CEnvP | National Program Director of the Carbon Farming Outreach Program, Vic.
• Ms Jessica Henderson-Wilson MEIANZ CEnvP | Principal Environmental Consultant at Umwelt, QLD
• Dr Lila Singh-Peterson MEIANZ (Representing ACEDD) | Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering, Science and Digital Technologies, University of Southern Queensland.

Accredited courses

Find out which courses have already been accredited here →

Applying for accreditation

Applications to participate in the scheme are invited at any time from universities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Find out more about applying for accreditation here →

Find out more about the fees here →

Relevant documents

• By-law 17 – Qualifications Accreditation Scheme can be found here →
• The Qualifications Accreditation Scheme Manual can be found here →
  • The LTAS Statements (see Manual pp. 5-6) can be found here:
    • Biology
    • Environment and Sustainability
    • Science
• The EIANZ Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct can be found here →
• The application form for accreditation is available here →
• The application form for re-accreditation is available here →

Further information

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Qualifications Accreditation Scheme at qas@eianz.org