APSIA seeks to "advance international understanding, prosperity, peace, and security through the people and ideas shaped by our schools.

Affiliate members undergo a similar review process and meet some but not all of the full membership requirements.

[5] The member schools of the APSIA are the primary sources of education for international affairs professionals in their respective countries.

[7] APSIA alumni have gone on to work in a range of fields, with more than 12 in positions as heads of state and senior cabinet officials.

Member schools have a 91% full time employment or PHD program placement rate shortly after graduation.