Triple accredited MBA AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS: Key Criteria When Choosing an MBA?

During your research, you have almost certainly come across the terms triple accreditation or triple crown. These refer to a business school that has been awarded accreditation by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).

While there are other national or specialist accreditations, these three are the most widely recognised and respected worldwide, which is why they are collectively known as the triple crown. But what does each accreditation represent, and why should they be considered important criteria when selecting an MBA?

What do the AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS accreditations mean?

AMBA accreditation

AMBA is the only one of the three accreditation bodies dedicated exclusively to MBA programmes. Its assessment criteria are particularly rigorous, and only around 3% of business schools worldwide have been awarded this accreditation.

If you are considering a triple accredited MBA, such as the EDHEC Global MBA, it is worth checking whether the programme has been accredited by AMBA. This accreditation ensures that the MBA has been thoroughly assessed for the quality of its faculty, academic content and participant experience. Accreditation is awarded for five years, after which the programme must be reassessed to maintain its status.

Good to know: EDHEC's MBA programmes have recently been reaccredited by AMBA, reflecting the School's continued commitment to academic excellence.

Warning: Some schools claim to be “AMBA members”, but that does not mean they are accredited! Membership alone does not mean that an MBA programme has successfully completed the accreditation process.

AACSB accreditation

Founded in the United States, AACSB evaluates the overall institution, including its mission, the qualifications of its faculty, its academic curriculum and its approach to management education.

The initial AACSB accreditation process generally takes between three and five years. It includes an extensive self-evaluation followed by peer reviews and independent committee assessments. Accreditation ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and prepares graduates to become effective managers and leaders capable of responding to today's business challenges.

Like AMBA, AACSB accreditation is renewed every five years. EDHEC was reaccredited in 2021 and belongs to the select group of approximately 5% of business schools worldwide that hold this prestigious distinction.

EQUIS accreditation

Developed by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), EQUIS is an international quality assurance system designed to benchmark business schools against the highest academic and institutional standards.

Unlike AMBA, which focuses specifically on MBA programmes, EQUIS places particular emphasis on internationalisation and  diversity. Following the initial evaluation, institutions are reassessed every five years. EDHEC was reaccredited by EQUIS in 2020.

Both AACSB and EQUIS evaluate the business school as a whole rather than an individual degree or MBA programme. Their assessment frameworks are comprehensive and based on demanding international standards, ensuring that every aspect of the institution meets recognised benchmarks for quality.

Why is triple accreditation so important?

Choosing an MBA is a significant decision that involves evaluating many different criteria. This is where accreditations provide valuable guidance.

For example, selecting a triple accredited MBA accredited by AMBA offers reassurance that the programme has been carefully assessed for the quality of its teaching, facilities, participant support and overall learning experience. Likewise, AACSB and EQUIS provide internationally recognised quality benchmarks by evaluating every aspect of the institution, including academics, administrative teams and participants.

Once you have confirmed that a business school meets these internationally recognised standards, you can then compare other important factors such as the MBA courses offered, the duration of the degree, the location, tuition fees and the overall participant experience.

Fewer than 1% of business schools around the world hold all three international accreditations. Achieving triple accredited status reflects:

1. Exceptionally demanding evaluation criteria 
2. Consistently high quality standards

EDHEC is proud to be among this select list of institutions recognised with the triple accredited MBA distinction.

EDHEC is consistently ranked among the leading business schools in France and around the world, with its programmes regularly recognised for their academic excellence, quality and strong performance in international and European MBA rankings, including those published by the Financial Times.

EDHEC's Recognition by the CEFDG and its Role within the CDEFM

As a recognised higher education institution, EDHEC is approved by the Commission d'Évaluation des Formations et Diplômes de Gestion (CEFDG), which operates under the authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. This national body is responsible for evaluating management education provided by recognised business schools and for authorising institutions to award Bachelor's and Master's degrees, as well as the French Licence and Master grades.

EDHEC has been awarded official visas and degree-granting powers for its programmes, confirming the quality of its teaching and its commitment to academic excellence.

EDHEC was also one of the founding French schools behind the creation of the Conférence des Directeurs des Écoles Françaises de Management (CDEFM), alongside several other leading institutions. The Association's primary mission is to represent French management schools before:

• Public authorities
• The European Union
• Accreditation bodies
• Participant and employers' organisations
• Other national and international organisations involved in higher education and research

Moreover, The CDEFM promotes the shared interests of institutions delivering state-recognised management degrees, strengthening the collective voice of French management schools while supporting the continuous development of management education, research and dialogue with employers and international accreditation bodies.