Accreditations and quality labels

In May 2014, ESSCA was awarded prestigious international accreditation by the American organisation AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), placing it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide. AACSB accredits only the best universities and business schools based on their academic standards, programme quality, and strategic relevance.

In 2017, ESSCA’s Master in Management received accreditation from AMBA (Association of MBAs), a prestigious London-based organisation and one of the oldest quality labels in management higher education. AMBA accredits institutions offering Master’s-level programmes, evaluating teaching quality, research output, and programme coherence. ESSCA’s accreditation highlights the excellence of the Master in Management, including its continuing education version in Angers and Paris.

In June 2016, ESSCA received EQUIS accreditation from EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development), Europe’s premier accreditation agency. EQUIS-accredited institutions must demonstrate excellence across all dimensions of their operations and demonstrate a robust commitment to internationalisation.

EQUIS certification signifies a harmonious blend of rigorous academic standards in teaching and research, along with strong industry connections. Emphasis is placed on cultivating an effective learning environment that nurtures students’s managerial and entrepreneurial abilities while fostering a heightened sense of global responsibility. Additionally, EQUIS recognises innovation, particularly in programme design and pedagogy.

This label for second-cycle postgraduate studies is awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, signifying a high level of professional aptitude and diploma quality at the national level.

ESSCA is among just 10 post-baccalaureate business schools in France authorised to confer a Master’s degree awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research

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ESSCA’s Bachelor’s degree in International Management has been awarded the national “Grade de Licence”. This additional accreditation guarantees the high quality of the programme, both professionally and academically.

This recognition, granted by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, specifically evaluates the programme’s link to research, the School’s widening participation policy and its local presence and engagement.

ESSCA is under contract with the French State and qualified as a Private Higher Education Institution of General Interest (EESPIG). This contract implies:

• – Commitments to participate in the public service missions of higher education
  (widening participation, dissemination of knowledge, European and international
  influence)
• – Being a public research operator
• – Evaluation by the HCERES, the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education, on the same criteria as public institutions in France.

The DD&RS label recognises and promotes the sustainable development and corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach within higher education and research institutions across 5 key areas: Strategy & Governance, Training & Education, Research & Innovation, Environmental Management and Social Policy.

Awarded to ESSCA in 2024, this recognition places the School among 41 institutions granted the label for a maximum of 4 years from their initial application, demonstrating the maturity of the culture and practices within ESSCA in promoting sustainable development and societal responsibility.

The “Welcome to France” Label evaluates the quality of the reception, assistance, and guidance provided to international students by higher education institutions.

Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, its objectives include:

• – Informing international students about the practical aspects of their stay in institutions.
• – Certifying the quality of the welcome offered and highlighting initiatives taken by French institutions.
• – Promoting a culture of hospitality within universities and schools.

The label is awarded based on criteria such as the accessibility and quality of information, reception facilities, teaching support, accommodation and quality of life on campus, and the quality of supervision after graduation.

In December 2018, ESSCA was awarded the BSIS (Business School Impact System) label by FNEGE* and EFMD**.

This system evaluates and certifies the academic, scientific, economic, societal and environmental impact of a business school on its local and regional communities.

This association is made up of the best engineering and business schools in France. The Grande École quality label is awarded after a rigorous audit. ESSCA holds the distinction of being the first 5-year business school accepted into the Conférence des Grandes Écoles.

As a sign of quality, its Masters of Science, Advanced Master and Badge programmes are accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles.

As a national public institution, France Compétences is responsible for regulating the quality and conditions of professional qualifications in France. It is in charge of checking the validity of training courses and qualifications registered in the RNCP (Répertoire National de la Certification Professionnelle). ESSCA’s programmes are registered in the RNCP and aim for certifications at levels 6 and 7, meaning that the degrees are professionally recognised.

EOCCS, the Online Course Certification System, is also awarded by the EFMD. ESSCA obtained this accreditation in December 2017 for its Creative Box MOOC launched in 2015 by the School’s Institute of Advanced Pedagogy on the theme of creativity driving innovation. EOCCS certifies the excellence of the courses delivered and the teaching expertise already acclaimed by thousands of learners.

EOCCS certification was renewed in 2024 for an additional three years.

ESSCA has obtained the UN PRME label to encourage social responsibility. The United Nations Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative aims to inspire and promote responsible management education, research and practices internationally.

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This mark of excellence, granted for a duration of 3 years, aims to “certify the quality of the processes implemented for activities that contribute to skill development, and to make the training on offer more transparent to employers and users”. It also facilitates access to public or pooled funds allocated for training purposes.

Click here to view the certificate.