The University of the South Pacific (USP) has secured an extension of full professional accreditation from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) for its Bachelor of Networks and Security and Bachelor of Software Engineering programmes, valid through 2028.
ACS is Australia’s official accrediting body for ICT degree programmes and is a signatory to the Seoul Accord, meaning its approvals are aligned with internationally benchmarked standards for computing education and professional practice. USP’s School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP) said the accreditation recognises the quality and industry relevance of the Computing Science and Information Systems (CS/IS) discipline’s curriculum and internal quality assurance processes.
STEMP Head of School Professor Bibhya Sharma and Accreditation Officer Hilda Kunau both praised staff and the internal accreditation team for their sustained efforts. Dr Surya Prakash, CS/IS Discipline Coordinator, noted the recognition reflects years of curriculum enhancement, academic leadership and industry alignment. USP also highlighted that the accreditation strengthens graduate pathways to international employment, further study and professional certification.
The accreditation supports USP’s wider regional and institutional strategies, including commitments to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific and its active role in regional ICT coordination. USP currently chairs the CROP ICT Working Group and the CROP Working Group on Human Resource Development, and the university hosts initiatives such as the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) and the recently established Centre for Sustainable Futures, which together aim to advance education, sustainability and digital capability across the Pacific. The School also plans to launch a Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence in 2026.
Why this matters
– ACS accreditation signals that USP’s programmes meet global benchmarks for computing education, improving graduates’ credibility with employers and professional bodies.
– Accredited degrees can make it easier for graduates to pursue international work, postgraduate study and professional certification.
– The recognition aligns with USP’s strategic priorities to boost digital skills, regional capacity and innovation under the Blue Pacific agenda.
Summary
USP’s ACS accreditation extension through 2028 for its Networks and Security and Software Engineering degrees confirms the university’s supply of industry-aligned, internationally benchmarked ICT education. The outcome reflects sustained curriculum improvements and supports regional goals for digital capability and workforce mobility, while dovetailing with USP’s broader leadership roles in Pacific education and ICT coordination. The planned 2026 Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence further signals expansion in high-demand digital training.
Additional comments and suggestions
– For prospective students: accreditation increases the value of these degrees for regional and international careers in cybersecurity, network engineering and software development—students should highlight the ACS accreditation when applying for jobs or postgraduate programs.
– For employers and industry partners: this is an opportunity to strengthen ties with USP through internships, capstone projects and guest lecturing to ensure ongoing industry alignment.
– For USP and policymakers: maintain engagement with ACS and regional partners to translate accreditation into concrete employment pipelines, certifications and cross-border recognition agreements. Continued investment in the upcoming AI degree and partnerships will reinforce the Pacific’s digital workforce resilience.
A positive outlook
This accreditation extension is a practical win for students and the Pacific region: it cements USP’s role delivering globally recognised IT qualifications and expands pathways for graduates to contribute to digital transformation across the Blue Pacific.
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