IFLA Recognition and Accreditation of Education Programmes in Landscape Architecture

Establishing a global system for the recognition of landscape architecture education programmes is one of IFLA’s crucial long-term member services. Such a mechanism can provide greater clarity for students, universities, professional bodies, and employers, and support the international mobility of graduates. However, IFLA acknowledges the social, natural, and cultural diversity of global regions and does not seek to impose a single model of landscape architecture education.

Over time, IFLA has developed a structured system of Education Recognition and Accreditation Certificates to enhance the quality, visibility, and international comparability of landscape architecture education programmes at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. To respect and value regional diversity, this system is administered by Regional bodies, particularly for Accreditation, while the Global bodies operate in contexts where no regional system is available.

IFLA Recognition means that a programme offers IFLA Education Standards within its curriculum and has the resources required to deliver that curriculum. Recognition does not assess teaching methods, learning outcomes, or graduates' ability to perform as landscape architects in professional practice. These aspects are addressed through the Accreditation review.

 The list of IFLA Recognized and Accredited Education Programmes in Landscape Architecture is updated annually on the occasion of the IFLA World Council. It includes IFLA Global Recognition Certificates and Regional Recognition and Accreditation Certificates issued by IFLA Africa, IFLA Asia Pacific, and IFLA Europe. This list, along with relevant policies and MOUs for mutual recognition with other regulatory bodies, is open access and available here.