SISTC courses receive ACS accreditation
Sydney International School of Technology and Commerce (SISTC) have received ACS course accreditation for the first time.
SISTC was founded in 2019 and launched a Bachelor of IT (BIT) course in 2020, designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills for the evolving tech landscape. SISTC focuses on integrated hands-on learning opportunities, bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice to prepare students for professional challenges better. The BIT (Digital Enterprise) and BIT (Business Information Systems) are offered at Sydney CBD, Paramatta and Dandenong Campuses.
Assoc Prof Hamid Salarian, Academic Dean SISTC sought early advice from ACS on the application requirement and preparation process of their submission. ACS accredited the BIT courses in October 2024 and continues to monitor ongoing course improvements.
Hamid said “We are proud to have worked towards ACS accreditation by building up ICT leadership and staffing, external linkages and education resources, and ensuring robust course design. To achieve accreditation, we were able to show that graduates develop professional skills, core ICT skills and advanced knowledge in a targeted field, and are ready for professional practice with skills aligned to the SFIA Framework.”
SISTC launched a Master of IT course in 2022, providing students with advanced knowledge and practical expertise to meet industry demands. SISTC will be able to apply for ACS to accredit this course once the first cohort of students graduate.
Elana Huthnance, NSW State Manager ACS says “ASC NSW Branch would like to recognise SISTC’s strong leadership and support of staff memberships and engagement on professional learning and development, and we look forward to collaborating with 2025 student cohort on Supported Student Membership (SSM) opportunities to complement the accreditation of their course.”
SISTC joined the ACS Professional Partner Program (PPP) in 2023, further strengthening its ties with the ICT industry. Through this partnership, all SISTC academic staff now hold ACS Professional Membership. At the same time, SISTC students benefit from ACS’s free student membership offer, gaining access to professional networking opportunities, industry resources, and career development support. As a part of this partnership, Thomas Grogan, ACS Stakeholder Relations Manager, also conducted a Professional Career Readiness Workshop for SISTC students in 2024, equipping them with essential skills and insights to transition successfully into the ICT workforce.
ACS is the official accrediting body for IT higher education programs in Australia. ACS accredited qualifications are benchmarked and recognised in 12 other countries through the Seoul Accord. ACS-accredited tertiary courses provide quality assured education for students aligned with specific tech job roles. The ACS 2024 Accreditation Outcomes Report identifies areas for improvement in IT higher education and guides institutions preparing for accreditation.