In the early 1900's the advertising industry in Australia had no professional status and was an unknown area of expertise. Advertising agencies were merely commission representatives for the various publications who sold advertising space direct to advertisers. Advertisers were not recognised as being of a professional level. It was not long after this that a group of industry leaders in Australia got together to look for ways to generate a professional status for the advertising industry equivalent to that of other professional bodies.

In 1920, the Advertising Institute of Australia was born (later becoming the Advertising Institute of Australasia) . The objective of this industry body was for all advertising professionals to undertake a course of study and pass what was then called the "Licentiate Exam", which was virtually a licence to practice advertising.

Up until the 1960's, the Advertising Institute provided the training and conducted the examination of the licentiate. At this point, it had gathered considerable momentum and it was decided to look for willing and suitable educational partners to deliver advertising education on a broader scale.

Since then the Advertising Institute's course has been integrated as part of the TAFE system as an "Advanced Diploma of Business - Advertising". It has been continually updated and developed by educational institutions in association with the AIA to meet current and future industry needs and is the best of its kind. Today it forms the basis for Advertising courses around Australia.

We have come a long way since the 1920's and today there is a much higher demand for qualifications and knowledge together with a real need to keep up with current trends and technology.

An "Advanced Diploma of Business - Advertising" is about the best grounding a young person can obtain in the business basics of the Advertising industry. Students start from the ground learning all about things like production principles, media planning and buying, creative concepts, buyer behaviour and account service. Some basic marketing subjects are covered as well. Other worthwhile courses are also offered that specialise in areas such as Advertising Design, Public Relations and Marketing.

The AIA is currently working with educational institutions to further upgrade courses to Degree status.