The IIA’s Internal Audit Foundation Launches Reimagined Academic Partnership Program
Press Release | Internal Audit Foundation | August 05, 2025
New “Internal Audit Academic Alliance” unifies and expands global education partnerships
LAKE MARY, Fla. (August 5, 2025) – The Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) Internal Audit Foundation today announced the launch of its newly rebranded academic partnership program: The Internal Audit Academic Alliance (Academic Alliance).
The enhanced program unifies the Foundation’s former Internal Audit Awareness Program (IAAP) and Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) into a single, comprehensive program with one overarching name and five distinct levels of academic engagement. This change marks a strategic step in strengthening academic engagement around the globe and reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to advancing the internal audit profession through educational partnerships.
From introducing students to internal auditing to equipping university faculty with tools and resources to develop workforce-ready graduates, the Academic Alliance supports and acknowledges academia at every stage. The program formally recognizes colleges and universities that introduce students to the profession and/or offer dedicated internal audit coursework, with more than 155 Academic Alliance schools currently participating across 37 countries.
“The launch of the Internal Audit Academic Alliance is a meaningful milestone in our ongoing commitment to strengthening the profession by investing in the next generation of internal auditors around the globe,” said Anthony Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP, President and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors. “At The IIA, we take seriously the important role we play in supporting the talent pipeline and shaping the future of the profession. Through grants, resources, networking opportunities, and greater global visibility, the Foundation’s Academic Alliance empowers, equips, and inspires the advancement of internal auditing as a rewarding career path.”
The Academic Alliance is comprised of five levels of distinction, with the highest tier – Center for Internal Audit Excellence – recognizing universities with robust, sustainable internal audit programs, including a dedicated concentration or degree offerings. The entry-level Academic Affiliate designation acknowledges academic institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to developing internal audit education, even if they have not been able to implement a standalone internal auditing course within their curriculum.
The intermediate tiers – Principles, Foundation, and Comprehensive – represent progressively higher levels of curriculum development, faculty engagement, experiential learning opportunities, and collaborations with local chapters or National Institutes. This broader, tiered approach ensures that a wider range of universities can be acknowledged for their contributions to the field and their efforts to raise awareness of the profession among students.
“The tiered structure of the Academic Alliance allows us to meet universities where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore internal audit education or have well-established programs in place,” said Dr. Nicole Narkiewicz, Director of Academic and Research Strategy, Internal Audit Foundation. “This approach ensures a path forward for everyone and reinforces our commitment to building stronger bridges between education and the profession.”
To learn more about the Foundation’s academic programs and access tools, resources, and guidance for students, educators, and institutions, visit: theiia.org/Academic.
About The Internal Audit Foundation
The Internal Audit Foundation is the preeminent global resource, in strategic partnership with The IIA, dedicated to elevating and empowering the internal audit profession by developing cutting-edge research and programs. The Foundation helps current and future internal auditors stay relevant by building and enhancing their skills and knowledge, ensuring organizations are equipped to create, protect, and sustain long-term value.
About The Institute of Internal Auditors
The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is an international professional association that serves more than 265,000 global members and has awarded more than 200,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance. For more information, visit theiia.org.
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