A person holding a touch screen device
Business Schools

What is Association of MBAs accreditation?

MBA Accreditation is at the heart of AMBA’s commitment to maintaining standards and fostering innovation in global postgraduate management education.

  • We accredit MBA, DBA and Master’s Degree programmes from the top 2% of business schools in over five continents;
  • The MBA accreditation philosophy is centred on impact, employability and learning outcomes;
  • Our rigorous MBA accreditation criteria ensures that only programmes demonstrating the highest standards in teaching, learning and curriculum design, career development and employability, student, alumni and employer interaction achieve AMBA accreditation;
  • Our MBA accreditation is international in scope and reach. We work with senior academics at top global educational institutions to update our accreditation policies continuously and maintain our unique, in-depth and detailed approach;
  • We believe accredited programmes should reflect changing trends and innovation in the postgraduate education sector. Our process reflects a commitment to fostering innovation and challenges and encourages business schools to perform at the highest level.

300 AMBA accredited schools limit

AMBA has taken the strategic decision to limit the number of accredited schools to 300 institutions.

If you are interested in pursuing AMBA accreditation and joining the waiting list, please contact our accreditation team.

BGA Accreditation Banner

BGA Accreditation

Schools that wish to be part of the AMBA & BGA network can do so by applying for BGA (Business Graduates Association) membership. This offers consultancy services, student career support, thought leadership, and access to all of AMBA & BGA’s events at reduced rates. Members can also pursue BGA validation and accreditation, which are impact-focused quality assurance processes. Please contact us to learn more.

Why strive for MBA accreditation?

The benefits of AMBA accreditation

  • MBA accreditation denotes the highest standard of achievement in postgraduate business education.
  • MBA students and graduates, business schools, and employers all recognise MBA accreditation as a gold standard.

For MBA students, Association of MBAs accreditation is a mark of quality assurance in business education

  • The decision to embark on an MBA represents a major commitment for students. In a crowded education market, MBA accreditation ensures students’ investments are rewarded with the finest business education available, and will certainly have a demonstrable impact on career paths.

For employers, AMBA accreditation is important when recruiting managers and future business leaders

  • Employers looking to attract game-changing managers and future business leaders know that graduates from AMBA-accredited programmes have received the most relevant management education. To recruit a graduate from AMBA-accredited programmes is to recruit top talent.

For business schools, MBA accreditation brings international credibility and status

  • MBA accreditation attracts worldwide recognition and kudos. It identifies the best programmes from the thousands available, while the developmental nature of our process helps business schools spot potential shortcomings. We provide a comprehensive report detailing recommendations for potential future improvements.

For MBA graduates, Association of MBAs accreditation offers the opportunity to connect with peers from the best global MBA programmes

  • Student and graduate AMBA Membership enables alumni to network internationally, knowing that they are connecting with individuals from equally impressive programmes. Our member services include career advice and support, a job portal, events, access to the latest research and thought leadership and selected offers and benefits. We can open doors and facilitate opportunities.

Achieve MBA accreditation

We believe that MBA, DBA and Master’s Degree programmes must maintain the highest quality and remain current amid ever-changing industry trends and innovations. Therefore, unlike other accreditation bodies, like AACSB and EQUIS, we accredit the programmes directly.

We work with business schools to accredit MBA, DBA and Master’s Degree programmes globally. A variety of stakeholders provide input, including business school staff, MBA students and graduates, and employers. We review accredited programmes every five years to ensure they continue improving.

MBA accreditation process

This document is for business school staff who are considering initial AMBA accreditation of their MBA, MBM or DBA programmes or those schools with an AMBA re-accreditation visit due shortly.

AMBA BGA Pens

Accreditation criteria

Below you can download the full criteria and information about the process for each type of programme.

AMBA & BGA Joint Accreditation Brochures

AMBA & BGA joint accreditation

Arrange to have your MBA portfolio and your Business School accredited at the same time by AMBA & BGA.

Accreditation fees

  • AMBA Initial Accreditation Fee: GBP 24,000
  • AMBA Re-accreditation Fee: GBP 17,000

Annual Membership Fees:

  • AMBA Annual Membership Fee: GBP 4,750
  • BGA Annual Membership Fee: GBP 4000
  • AMBA+BGA Joint Annual Membership Fee: GBP 4,750

Please contact us if you would like to apply for AMBA accreditation or have any questions

More from Our Network

  • A session at the AMBA & BGA Global Conference.

    AMBA & BGA events

    We hold a series of events for business school professionals across the globe and throughout the calendar year. They range from conferences offering excellent development and networking opportunities right through to webinars.

    Read more
  • A person using a laptop

    Insights and content

    Our thought leadership content is tailored for both our business school audience and our students and graduates, covering topics such as horizon scanning, career guidance, professional development and responsible management.

    Read more
  • A group of people putting their hands together

    Our Partners

    AMBA & BGA has established a number of high-profile education partnerships and alliances with organisations that share similar values and work to improve standards within business and management education.

    Read more