With nearly 50 per cent of the Institute's membership within the 40 to 54-year age bracket, Australia faces an acute shortage of project management skills by 2020.

The core university subjects will be studied via distance education or classroom based training from EQuest Consulting.

Colin Stewart, director at Equest Consulting said the company is a project management partner to many top 100 companies in Australia.

"We are excited about being involved in such a unique blend of university and project management industry certification," he said.

Charles Sturt University is currently accepting applications for the first intake of the new qualification for the beginning of 2007 and PMI have donated scholarships to support the launch. Further details can be found at .