What Is MBA Accreditation, and Why Is It Important?

Investing in an MBA is a big decision. Working out which program and school is right for you can be daunting at the outset of your information search. Many prospective students will use MBA accreditation to verify that an MBA program meets the strict standards set by trusted accreditation organizations. 

This system ensures that the course covers a sufficient number of essential topics and provides students with a strong learning environment. Additionally, it covers teaching quality, faculty strength, curriculum design, and student success outcomes. This process indicates to students and employers that the degree is comparable to other respected MBA programs worldwide.  

Additionally, some governments and PhD programs require accredited MBA degrees, thereby enhancing the global credibility of your MBA. Students should see accreditation as proof that the school passed strict reviews and proves that its MBA programs meet required standards.

A Mark of Quality For the Life of Your Degree

The accreditation process is highly rigorous, with many institutions dedicating entire departments to securing and upholding both international and national accreditations. Accrediting bodies conduct ongoing evaluations to ensure that colleges and universities meet evolving standards, thereby maintaining excellence and consistency across global MBA programs. Consequently, an MBA earned from an accredited institution carries significant global recognition and credibility.

Moreover, accreditation protects your investment. It demonstrates that the program delivers real-world knowledge, updated content, and a strong academic foundation. This matters when you’re planning your career, choosing a specialization, or aiming for top MBA rankings. 

Accreditation can also affect visa eligibility, scholarship access, and whether you can finance your MBA with recognized aid options. 

Types of Accreditation

There are different types of accreditation an MBA can hold. Institutional accreditation applies to educational institutions. Programmatic accreditation covers only the MBA or specific business program. Additionally, accreditation can be categorized by the scope of the accrediting body, such as regional, national, or specialized.

What is Triple Accreditation?

Triple accreditation means a business school simultaneously holds the coveted AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS accreditations. Only about 1% of schools worldwide earn this “triple crown”. It signifies academic excellence and adherence to global standards. As a result, triple-accredited schools offer clear, long-term value.

Moreover, they help boost your career, open global doors, and build extensive alumni networks. You also gain international recognition, which supports your chosen specialization and future study plans. For example, top schools like London Business School, INSEAD, and HEC Paris hold triple accreditation. 

Therefore, if you plan to finance your MBA, these programs assure credibility and a high return on investment.

The Top 3 MBA Accreditation Bodies Explained

These three global bodies set the gold standard for MBA accreditation. They evaluate programs based on quality, relevance, and impact.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

AACSB, founded in 1916, is based in the United States. It accredits business schools that value innovation and research. Additionally, AACSB accreditation standards encourage continuous improvement in teaching and curriculum. It ensures programs meet global academic and industry trends and standards. 

Moreover, less than 6% of business schools worldwide hold AACSB accreditation. Therefore, it stands as a mark of elite quality. AACSB rate universities and colleges based on the following criteria to ensure strong leadership and innovation:

Strategic Management and Innovation

  • Strategic Planning
  • Physical, Virtual, and Financial Resources
  • Faculty and Professional Staff Resources

Learner Success

  • Curriculum
  • Assurance of Learning
  • Learner Progression
  • Teaching Effectiveness and Impact

Thought Leadership, Engagement and Societal Impact

  • Impact of Scholarship
  • Engagement and Societal Impact

Association of MBAs (AMBA)

AMBA, based in the United Kingdom, is the only global body focused solely on postgraduate business education. It accredits MBA, DBA, and master’s programs by reviewing strategy, innovation, and student support systems.

AMBA checks the MBA portfolio, school resources, and student experience to align programs with academic and industry needs. It also assesses curriculum design, learning goals, and the impact of each program on career outcomes, business impact, and postgraduate success.

These are the criteria that the AMBA uses to assess MBA programs:

  • The MBA Portfolio
  • The Institution
  • The Student Cohort Experience
  • MBA Design, Curriculum and Assessment
  • Impact

EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)

EQUIS, managed by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), assesses schools on their ethics, sustainability, corporate connections, and global reach. EQUIS is a broad quality review system for business and management schools worldwide. 

It employs a rigorous peer-review process to demonstrate a school’s quality, long-term strength, and commitment to ongoing improvement. This trusted international label signals to students, employers, and academic partners that the school meets high global standards. In many cases, schools require this recognition before they can be eligible for major international rankings. 

EQUIS accreditation examines program fit with business needs, executive education, and international resources for strong global engagement. Moreover, it studies faculty quality and research that promote ethics, responsibility, and sustainable business practices.

Their awarding criteria are also slightly different to those of AACSB. This is the framework they use to assess business schools: 

Connections with Practice

  • Students
  • Programs

Internationalization

  • Executive Education
  • Resources and Admin

Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability

  • Faculty
  • Research and Development

Why Some Top US Business Schools Are Not Triple-accredited

While triple accreditation is a global badge of excellence, many top U.S. MBA programs don’t have it. However, this is intentional. Most U.S. schools prioritize AACSB, which already meets strong national and academic standards.

Moreover, AMBA and EQUIS have rules that don’t fit American MBA models. For example, AMBA requires work experience for all students. But many U.S. programs allow early-career or deferred applicants, so they skip this step.

Additionally, global schools such as Harvard and Stanford already lead in rankings. So, they don’t need to appear on the list of triple-accredited institutions. Instead, check their AACSB accreditation status and job outcomes to determine if the school aligns with your goals.

Understanding Accredited Online MBA Programs

Remote learning is growing rapidly, and accredited online MBA programs are gaining popularity worldwide. For example, IE Business School and Warwick Business School offer top-ranked, AACSB- or AMBA-accredited online MBAs.

Moreover, accreditation is vital for online programs, as it demonstrates strong academic quality and adherence to global standards. It also ensures that the remote program aligns with the on-campus version in terms of learning, faculty, and outcomes.

Finally, search official AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS websites to find accredited online MBA programs.

How to Check if an MBA Program Is Accredited

Not all business schools display their MBA accreditation clearly on their websites. First, check the school’s website under the “About” or “Accreditation” section for official information.

Next, visit AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS websites and search their directories for accredited schools. Then, review the Financial Times MBA rankings or other trusted lists that highlight accreditation status. If you are still unsure, contact the admissions office to inquire about the school’s current accreditation status.

Finally, avoid schools that list unverified or unknown accreditations without proof. Accreditation requires time and review, so genuine credentials are always clearly and publicly listed.

Accreditation vs. Rankings: What Matters More?

Accreditation and rankings play different roles in evaluating MBA programs. Accreditation confirms the academic quality and program standards of an institution. 

Meanwhile, rankings reflect popularity, salary outcomes, diversity, and student satisfaction. Although a top-ranked school may be impressive, missing accreditation could signal potential concerns. Therefore, choose schools with strong rankings and official accreditation for the best value.

The Role of Accreditation in Employer Perception

Recruiters view MBA accreditation as evidence of rigorous training and high academic standards. In consulting, finance, and global firms, accredited MBA graduates often get priority.

However, entrepreneurs and niche professionals also benefit from accreditation, as it enhances their global credibility and trust. Therefore, accreditation supports diverse career goals and builds long-term professional value.

The Power of Picking an Accredited MBA

An accredited MBA shows your commitment to quality, career growth, and long-term success. It demonstrates that the school meets global standards in teaching, outcomes, and academic excellence. Whether you seek leadership roles, international opportunities, or specialization, accreditation ensures your degree conforms to respected worldwide standards. 

Ensure that you do not make your choice solely based on rankings. Choose a program that supports your goals and challenges you to grow. When a school combines MBA accreditation with a strong curriculum, it gives your ambition the foundation it deserves.

Are you applying for an MBA? Find all the support you need on our Admissions pages. 

This article was last updated in July 2025.