Business majors often ask us, “Where should I study abroad?” While there are tons of factors that go into collaboratively answering this question, one thing we frequently suggest is considering a study abroad program destination where you’ll attend a host institution with the prestigious AACSB accreditation.
So, what exactly is AACSB accreditation?
The AACSB accreditation, or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation, is a globally recognized and prestigious accreditation awarded to business schools and accounting programs by AACSB International, an organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting the quality of business education worldwide.
There are many benefits to attending an institution that is AACSB-accredited. You’ll know that their business school or accounting program has been through a rigorous and comprehensive process to ensure quality and commitment to continuous improvement in several key areas, like:
- Curriculum Quality: AACSB evaluates the quality, relevance, and rigor of a school’s curriculum to make sure it meets the needs of its students and aligns with industry standards.
- Faculty Qualifications: Accreditation reviews and assesses the qualifications of the faculty, emphasizing their expertise and contributions to research, teaching, and service.
- Research and Scholarship: AACSB accreditation encourages faculty to participate in meaningful research and scholarship, and to contribute to the academic and business communities.
- Student Learning and Career Success: The accreditation process examines the impact of the school’s program on student learning and their subsequent career success.
- Global and Ethical Responsibility: AACSB-accredited schools emphasize global and ethical perspectives in their programs, preparing students to address complex business challenges.
- Continuous Improvement: Accredited institutions must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing self-assessment and improvement to maintain their accreditation.
Achieving AACSB accreditation is a huge milestone for a business school or accounting program! Many institutions around the world want to be AACSB-accredited to highlight their dedication to excellence in business education.
If you’re pursuing a Business major or a related field, be sure to consider a study abroad program hosted at an institution with AACSB accreditation! Here are a few of our favorites:
1. University of Sydney
📍 Sydney, Australia
The University of Sydney’s Business School is a globally recognized institution committed to forward-looking business and management education. With the prestigious accreditation from AACSB and many other professionally accredited programs, the school ensures its students receive high-quality education aligned with industry standards. The faculty, made up of industry leaders, is dedicated to teaching and groundbreaking research. By attending, you’ll be in the company of an exclusive network of successful business leaders — not to mention the school’s rich history and global presence contribute to its esteemed reputation. This institution equips students with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in the ever-changing world of business!
Did you know? You can take courses at the University of Sydney’s AACSB-accredited Business School when you study abroad with AIFS Abroad!
2. University of Limerick
📍 Limerick, Ireland
The Kemmy Business School (KBS) is an integral part of the University of Limerick and has earned the prestigious AACSB accreditation. As a purpose-built facility, it hosts over 3,000 students pursuing various types of degrees. The KBS offers a student-centered learning experience that aims to produce graduates who are ready to play an important role in both business and society.
Did you know? You can take courses at the University of Limerick’s AACSB-accredited Kemmy Business School when you study abroad with AIFS Abroad!
3. Instituto Universitario de Lisboa (ISCTE)
📍 Lisbon, Portugal
The AACSB-accredited ISCTE Business School in Lisbon is a pioneer in fields like management and business sciences. With strong connections to the corporate world, students who enroll here benefit from collaboration with business professionals, enriching the course curriculum. Employers recognize the high-quality training of students!
Did you know? You can take courses at the Instituto Universitario de Lisboa‘s AACSB-accredited ISCTE Business School when you study abroad with AIFS Abroad!
4. Universidad Adolfo Ibañez
📍 Viña del Mar, Chile
Founded in 1953, the Business School of Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez has established itself as one of the most prestigious business schools in Chile and Latin America. It is the only Chilean business school holding the triple international accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, putting it in the top 1% of business schools around the world. Its programs are also highly internationally ranked by América Economía, Innovation Management, Financial Times, and QS. The UAI Business School adheres to an educational model rooted in the liberal arts, striving for its students to gain critical thinking skills, the ability to create a positive impact, and the potential to be change-makers in their future organizations.
Did you know? You can take courses at the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez’s AACSB-accredited Business School when you study abroad with AIFS Abroad!
5. Grenoble École de Management
📍 Grenoble, France
Grenoble École de Management (GEM), a prominent AACSB-accredited French business school, boasts 35+ years of leadership in fields like management, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. GEM is now on a mission to be a “School for Business for Society,” promoting an immense positive societal impact. It prioritizes internationalization, multilingual offerings, and a diverse student community. Located in Grenoble, France — a hub of innovation and research — GEM is committed to innovative teaching methods like gamification and online learning, so students receive hands-on, problem-focused learning experiences.
Did you know? You can take courses at the Grenoble École de Management’s AACSB-accredited Business School when you study abroad with AIFS Abroad!
6. Corvinus University
📍 Budapest, Hungary
Located in the heart of Budapest, Corvinus University is a distinguished private research institution. The university boasts a robust student body, with around 9,600 enrolled students who are primarily studying the fields of business administration, economics, and social sciences. When it comes to AACSB accreditation, Corvinus University is a bit of a trailblazer — it’s the first institution in Hungary to receive the recognition!
Did you know? You can take courses at the Corvinus University’s AACSB-accredited Business School when you study abroad with AIFS Abroad!
7. Dublin City University (DCU)
📍 Dublin, Ireland
Dublin City University’s Business School is an AACSB-accredited institution with a reputation for industry-focused learning. The school offers programs that include a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate options, and graduates are highly employable. Its research is internationally recognized, and their success is driven by their dedicated staff. It incorporates experiential professional development and work opportunities into its curriculum, so students are ready for the global marketplace.
Did you know? You can take courses at Dublin City University’s AACSB-accredited DCU Business School when you study abroad with AIFS Abroad!
8. Victoria University of Wellington
📍 Wellington, New Zealand
Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Business and Government (WSBG) is an internationally acclaimed business school in the heart of New Zealand’s capital city. In fact, it’s rated as one of the top 5% business schools worldwide, holding the “Triple Crown” of accreditations — including AACSB. It’s especially known for its high-quality research and teaching. WSBG has strong connections with various sectors and is dedicated to preparing graduates for careers in diverse enterprises, both in New Zealand and abroad. Its contributions extend to government performance, business policy, and overall business success.
Did you know? You can take courses at Victoria University of Wellington’s AACSB-accredited Wellington Business School when you study abroad with AIFS Abroad!
9. Stellenbosch University
📍 Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch University’s AACSB-accredited Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) is located in a prominent global city with a thriving economy, known for its technology and knowledge-intensive sectors. Positioned in one of Africa’s most captivating regions, the Western Cape, students who enroll at SBS get to enjoy the diverse natural landscapes of mountains, oceans, and lush winelands. South Africa’s cultural richness and complex societal issues emphasize the need for responsible leadership, and SBS is dedicated to nurturing such leaders.
Did you know? You can take courses at Stellenbosch University’s AACSB-accredited Stellenbosch Business School when you study abroad with AIFS Abroad!
Want to study business abroad? Time to take the next step.
If you’re looking to attend a prestigious business school and take dynamic, experiential business courses while you study abroad, look no further than picking a program hosted at an AACSB-accredited institution. Doing so will not only be a boost to your resume, but it’ll open doors to new possibilities and enrich your education. Only approximately 6% of business schools worldwide have achieved the AACSB accreditation. Don’t you want to stand out from the crowd?
