Accreditations in business schools
The accreditations of management schools in France fall into two main categories: national labels and international accreditations. Among the best known are the Visa, the Grade de Licence, the Grade de Master, and international accreditations such as AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, EFMD Master or BGA.
These forms of recognition attest to the quality of teaching, the strength of the programmes and the standing of the degrees, both in France and internationally.
National labels for business schools
In France, several official labels guarantee the academic quality of business schools and their programmes.
State recognition
State recognition is the first level of labelling for a school. It certifies that the institution meets the requirements of French higher education and that its programmes are consistent with national academic standards.
The visa of a programme
A programme's visa is awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, following an evaluation by the CEFDG (Commission d’Évaluation des Formations et Diplômes de Gestion).
This label examines several essential criteria:
the educational quality of the programme
the robustness of the recruitment process
relations with companies (internships, work-study)
the professional integration of graduates
The visa can apply to Bac+3, Bac+4 or Bac+5 programmes and is granted for a period of 1 to 6 years. Once a programme has been approved by the State, it is entered in the RNCP and enables the institution to award a recognised degree.
The Grade de Master
The Grade de Master is a label awarded to Bac+5 level programmes. It is based on demanding criteria such as:
academic quality
the international dimension of the programmes
the research and expertise of the faculty
the professional integration of graduates
Awarded for a period of 1 to 6 years, this grade is recognised internationally and allows students to continue their studies or work abroad. There is also a Grade de Licence for Bac+3 level programmes.
The schools accessible through the EDC Paris Business School entrance exam offer Master in Management programmes that meet these academic requirements.
International accreditations for business schools
International accreditations are a major indicator of the quality of business schools worldwide. The most prestigious institutions often seek to obtain the triple international accreditation, a symbol of academic excellence.
Accreditations awarded to schools
Some accreditations assess the institution as a whole.
AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
American in origin, this accreditation assesses teaching strategy, educational objectives and the overall quality of programmes. The criteria are particularly demanding, and accredited schools rank among the best international business schools.
EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System)
Awarded by the EFMD, EQUIS recognises around 200 schools worldwide. It rewards academic excellence, teaching innovation, research quality and close links with business.
BGA (Business Graduates Association)
More recent, the BGA accreditation assesses in particular the impact of schools on the economy and society. It takes into account criteria such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), governance, teaching innovation and student diversity.
Accreditations awarded to a programme
Some accreditations apply directly to a specific programme.
AMBA (Association of MBAs)
This international accreditation certifies the academic quality of MBA and Master in Management programmes. It assesses in particular the international dimension, academic rigour and teaching innovation.
EFMD Master (formerly EPAS)
This label guarantees the academic excellence of a programme. It takes into account the reputation of the school, the quality of its research and the rigour of the student selection process.