The UPF-BSM renews its EQUIS accreditation, one of the most important seals of quality in the sector

The UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM) has renewed its EQUIS accreditation, which it was first awarded in 2022, making it the first business school affiliated to a public university in Spain to achieve this accolade. One of the most relevant accreditations in the higher education sector, the EQUIS certification is awarded by EFMD, the foundation that rates schools in terms of aspects such as academic quality, research, focus on internationalization, connections with the professional world and ethical commitment.

“Renewing our EQUIS accreditation is a great step forward for us, ensuring that we keep progressing along the path of excellence that we began in 2022, when we were first awarded this accreditation. This achievement reaffirms our status among the elite business schools worldwide, as it involves a highly demanding evaluation process that is only passed successfully by management schools that embrace a firm commitment to continuous improvement and maximum quality”, explained José M. Martínez-Sierra, the Director General of the UPF-BSM.

As well as EQUIS, the UPF-BSM also currently has the AMBA accreditation. In Spain, the only business schools that have both these accreditations are: UPF Barcelona School of Management, Esade, IE Business School and EADA. The UPF-BSM is the only business school in Spain reaccredited by AMBA and EQUIS that has also been awarded the BGA accreditation.

At an international level, out of the 1,162 business schools that hold one of the accreditations that make up the Triple Crown (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS), only 13 have the AMBA and EQUIS at the same time. 

Key areas

In its evaluation report, EQUIS highlights various aspects that the UPF-BSM has improved over the past three years, which have enabled it to renew its accreditation. The accrediting body emphasizes the reforms to the School’s internal governance and structure, which have optimized its performance and enhanced its efficiency.

In terms of the students, the accreditation report underlines the opportunities to connect to the industry, as well as the high employability rate of graduates. EQUIS also highlights the high degree of internationalization of the UPF-BSM’s programs, reflected in the significant presence of foreign students.

In addition, Executive Education has consolidated its status as a fundamental pillar of the School, generating almost 20% of its revenue and providing a crucial link to the corporate world.

EQUIS also underlines the fact that principles of Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability are well integrated throughout the UPF-BSM’s governance, tuition and research. Moreover, the School is aligned with the SDGs and has spearheaded initiatives such as the creation of the Vice-Deanship of Social Impact 2023 and the launch of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management,  

“This achievement is not just recognition for a job well done but also a stimulus to keep improving. We have shown our continued commitment to excellence and, with determination, teamwork and a shared vision, we will do even better in the future”, emphasized the Director General of the UPF-BSM.

Benchmarks of quality in the sector

Accreditations are international seals of quality that guarantee that a School meets certain standards, both at an organizational level and in terms of the structure of a training program.

Institutions take part in the accreditation process voluntarily, beginning with a self-assessment process and culminating in a detailed evaluation by a group of experts from outside the organization, selected by the accrediting body. This expert panel is usually made up of deans and top directors of other business schools.

Once an institution has been awarded the accreditation, it undergoes regular reviews to verify that the previously audited quality factors continue in place, as well as incorporating new standards.

The three most important international accreditations in the business school sector are EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA.