Unaccredited ICMS Degree Leaves Students Facing Debt, Career Delays and Stress

The International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) promoted its Bachelor of Property (Management, Valuation and Development) as being accredited by the Australian Property Institute (API). The API, however, confirmed in December 2023 that the course had never met its accreditation standards.

One of the affected graduates, Tessa Coddington, paid $45,000 for the three‑year program and finished in late 2022. After discovering the lack of accreditation, she enrolled at Deakin University in March 2024 to repeat the same subjects so she can finally obtain a recognised qualification.

Coddington says the situation has caused serious financial strain, forced her to take a pay cut and delayed her career progression. She also describes the extra study as emotionally exhausting, adding that she now has to balance a full‑time job with evening lectures.

Other students have reported similar hardships, noting that the unaccredited degree has left them with large debts, limited job prospects and ongoing anxiety about their professional future.

ICMS responded that the false accreditation claim resulted from an "administrative oversight" and that the statement was removed from its website once identified. The college maintains it met its legal obligations and will defend the class action.

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) reminded providers that they must give accurate and current accreditation information. It also said institutions are required to identify students who have been disadvantaged and take steps to remediate any adverse impact.

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