Accrediting university programs ensures a high standard of dietetics education in Australia. University programs must meet our standards to achieve accreditation. It usually takes about 12 months to get a program accredited.
We work with universities to ensure their dietetics programs meet the profession's needs, now and into the future.
We evaluate accredited programs against the National Competency Standards for Dietitians.
To become an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), graduates need to hold an accredited degree.
We ensure a high standard of dietetic education through our accreditation process and standards.
Dietitians Australia's role
Dietitians Australia is the accrediting authority for dietetics degrees in Australia. We review and accredit university programs in line with our standards.
Australian Dietetics Council's role
The Australian Dietetics Council (ADC) is the governance arm of our accreditation program. The ADC gives expert, independent and strategic advice on accreditation and recognition matters.
On this page:
- Accreditation standards
- Accrediting a dietetics program
- Accrediting new dietetics programs
- Providing evidence for your course
- Fee schedule
Accreditation standards
An accredited dietetics program must meet and maintain our accreditation standards.
Read our full Accreditation Standards for Dietetics Education Programs.
Accrediting a dietetics program
Accreditation process
Our accreditation processes explain what's involved in accrediting a dietetics program.
Our processes cover:
- provisional accreditation
- full accreditation
- re-accreditation
- overseas placement site approvals
- termination and withdrawal
- decision reviews
Provisional accreditation allows new programs to become accredited before any students graduate. This means graduates of provisionally accredited programs can join the APD Program.
Provisional accreditation is valid for up to 2 years.
Apply at least 12 months before the program's first cohort of students graduate.
Programs with provisional accreditation must get full accreditation when the provisional term ends.
Programs with full accreditation must be re-accredited when their accreditation term ends.
Full accreditation is valid for up to 5 years.
Apply at least 12 months before your current accreditation ends.
Accreditation usually takes about 12 months from the time of your application.
Key accreditation stages
- University submits an accreditation application.
- Review of application and requests for further information.
- Hold a site visit.
- Conduct professional stakeholder surveys.
- Complete review report.
- Make a final decision.
The timeline can vary depending on the program
Read our full Processes for Accreditation of Dietetics Education Programs.
Accrediting new dietetics programs
If you're developing a new dietetics program, you first need to apply for program qualification.
Program qualification allows your university to evaluate your dietetics program. This helps make sure it's ready before you apply for provisional accreditation.
Apply at least 12 months before the first students enrol.
Read our full Process for Qualification of New Dietetics Education Programs.
Providing evidence for your program
Our evidence guide helps you understand how to show that your program meets the accreditation standards.
Read our full Evidence Guide for Dietetics Education Program Providers.
Fee schedule
We charge fees for accrediting a dietetic education program.
See our current accreditation fees.
Get in touch
If you have questions about accrediting your dietetics program, contact us at accreditationadmin@dietitiansaustralia.org.au