Internal Audit Academic Alliance Program (IAAAP)
The Internal Audit Academic Alliance (formerly known separately as the Internal Audit Awareness Program (IAAP) and the Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) program) is an academic partnership program established by The IIA and the Foundation.
Its mission is to strengthen the internal audit profession by supporting the development of its talent pipeline.
The Academic Alliance formally recognizes and endorses colleges and universities that introduce students to the internal audit profession and/or offer dedicated internal audit coursework.
https://www.theiia.org/en/about-us/initiatives-and-awards/academic-relations/
East International University (EIU)
The Faculty of Business Administration at East International University (EIU) is proud to be the first university in Northern Lebanon to join the prestigious Internal Audit Academic Alliance Program (IAAAP) and formally recognized by the Institute of Internal Auditors, IIA Global, USA.
This milestone not only honors EIU’s commitment to academic excellence but also provides our students with unique international opportunities to pursue the Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) and the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)designations, the highest global credentials in internal auditing.
As an official IIA Academic Alliance Program University, EIU is now listed among leading institutions worldwide committed to advancing internal audit education.
https://www.theiia.org/en/about-us/initiatives-and-awards/academic-relations/schools/
Our Mission
To empower students with the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving global environment by delivering accessible, forward-thinking education in internal auditing and related fields.
Our Vision
To establish EIU as the leading hub for internal audit education in Lebanon, where lifelong learning thrives, and graduates are prepared to meet both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Our Values
Excellence – Upholding the highest standards in education and practice.
Innovation – Integrating emerging technologies, data analytics, and experiential learning.
Accessibility – Ensuring opportunities for learners of all backgrounds.
Community – Building strong local and international networks of knowledge-sharing.
Why Participate in the IAAAP Program at EIU?
Through the IAAAP, students in the Faculty of Business Administration gain a pathway to earn a Professional International Internal Auditing Certificate while completing their degree requirements. This certificate includes three specialized courses completed over three semesters:
Principles of Internal Auditing – Risk management, internal controls, and governance effectiveness.
Forensic Audit – Fraud detection, investigation, documentation, and prevention.
Information Technology (IT) Audit – IT processes, controls, compliance, cybersecurity, and risk management.
In addition, students benefit from the active support of the IIA Chapter Lebanon Board, which provides:
Coordinated internships and practical experience opportunities.
Guest speakers and industry insights.
Access to IIA Lebanon meetings and events.
Networking opportunities with leading professionals.
Engagement of IIA members on the Advisory Board.
Internal Auditor Students Membership with IIA Chapter Lebanon
These resources are complemented by free workshops, seminars, hands-on projects and internships with top companies, ensuring that classroom learning is transformed into real-world professional readiness.
Unique Advantages
The only university in Northern Lebanon to host both the IIA Academic Alliance Program (IAAAP) and the ICDL Accredited Center.
Strong international integration with IIA Global (USA), IMA, and Gleim International.
A holistic approach linking internal auditing, finance, compliance, governance, and digital literacy.
A proven bridge between academic learning and professional practice, giving our graduates a competitive edge.
The Internal Audit program at East International University provides our graduates with exceptional opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. By integrating data analytics, cybersecurity, data protection certification, IAP and CIA preparation, we equip students with the critical thinking, professional acumen, and global adaptability essential for success in today’s business environment.
Our initiatives, workshops, webinars, internships, roundtable discussions, an Internal Audit Career Day, the IAAAP Marketing Fiesta, and conferences, provide the necessary substantiating evidence to maintain and advance our IAAAP standing.
This forward-thinking approach transforms classroom learning into real-world application, preparing students not only to enter the workforce with confidence but to lead it into the future.
Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, as we pursue national and international partnerships founded on trust, respect, and shared value creation.
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 enhancing their skills and knowledge—ensuring organizations are equipped to create, protect, and sustain long-term value.
For more information on the Internal Audit Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs, or to support their mission, visit: theiia.org/en/internal-audit-foundation
About The Institute of Internal Auditors
Founded in 1941, The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is the global voice and standard-setter for the internal audit profession. Serving more than 265,000 members worldwide, The IIA has awarded over 200,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications. The IIA is recognized as the profession’s leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance.
🌐 Learn more at theiia.org
Academic Alliance Brochure
https://www.theiia.org/globalassets/site/about-us/academic-alliance/academic-alliance-brochure.pdf/
Earn your internal audit certification
Become an Internal Audit Practitioner™ (IAP™), a Certified Internal Auditor ® (CIA®), or earn your Certification in Risk Management Assurance ® (CRMA®) to strengthen your knowledge base and distinguish yourself from your peers. Wherever your journey takes you, there is an IIA internal audit certification that can certify your success.
https://www.theiia.org/en/certifications/
Become an Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP)
Earn your IAP designation through the CIA part 1 exam and demonstrate your aptitude and foundational knowledge of The IIA Standards. Ideal for university students, rotational auditors, and new auditors.
https://www.theiia.org/en/certifications/iap/iap-2025/
Become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Since 1974, there has only been one internal audit designation that has garnered global recognition, career advancement, and professional credibility – the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) certification. Join more than 200,000 CIAs from 170 countries who have achieved this highly respected global certification. Your path to CIA is tailored to your experience, choose from traditional, accelerated or student pathways.
https://www.theiia.org/en/certifications/cia/
Become a certified risk expert with a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
The IIA’s Certification in Risk Management Assurance® (CRMA®) program reflects the in-depth organizational knowledge and skillsets required to provide effective risk management assurance to audit committees and executive management.
https://www.theiia.org/en/certifications/crma/
The CRMA no longer requires the CIA prerequisite. Prove your knowledge in Governance, Risk and Assurance and lead with confidence.
Maintain your internal audit certification
Find flexible, accredited learning opportunities to meet your annual certification renewal requirements — including your required 2 Ethics CPEs.
https://www.theiia.org/en/learning/continuing-professional-education-cpe/?subcategory=ondemand#cpe
Ethics Resources
IIA certification holders must earn 2 hours in ethics every year as part of their certification renewal requirements. Choose an on-demand course you can finish today, a live online class for deeper application, or ethics-eligible conference sessions.
https://www.theiia.org/en/learning/ethics-resources/
Internal Audit Academic Alliance Grant Program
Powered by the Internal Audit Foundation’s Academic Fund
The Internal Audit Foundation is pleased to administer the annual Academic Alliance grant program (formerly the IAEP Grant Program) for Internal Audit Academic Alliance institutions supported by contributions to the Internal Audit Foundation’s Academic Fund.
The Academic Fund supports initiatives that focus on establishing a foundation for today’s internal audit students to become leaders in the internal audit profession tomorrow.
Join Us
At EIU, we are shaping the future of internal auditing education, empowering students to earn international certifications, access global opportunities, and become leaders in their field.
📍 East International University – Internal Audit Academic Alliance (IAAAP)
🌐 eiuiaaap.org
📞 +961 71768085 | 📧 randa.sharafeddine@eiu.edu.lb
Dr. Randa Sharafeddine, PhD, ACAMS, ACFCS
IAAAP Coordinator, ICDL Coordinator, Workshops & Experiential Learning Coordinator
Congratulations, students! You are now part of a globally recognized internal auditing program that opens doors to a brighter professional future.
