ZHAW School of Management and Law has received AMBA & BGA accreditation – confirming it as world-class

The ZHAW School of Management and Law is one of the eight schools of the parent institution, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, a comprehensive public university. The school is primarily located in Winterthur in Switzerland.

During the accreditation process, members of the AMBA & BGA accreditation panel commended the school for its facilities at Winterthur, which they thought provided a distinctive and high-quality learning environment for all stakeholders.

They also mentioned the school’s commitment to small class sizes.

The panel also noted the school’s focus on law in the core curriculum of the MBA and highlighted it as a distinctive feature of the programme design.

Finally, the panel commented on the high level of work experience demonstrated by students on the graduate programme – they complimented the school on how they managed to leverage this in the design and pedagogy of the programmes.

Upon receiving the AMBA accreditation, all current and recent graduates of the school’s MBA portfolio are invited to join AMBA’s global membership network, which comprises approximately 60,000 students and alumni from over 150 countries. 

Meanwhile, all undergraduates and alumni from any of the business school’s programmes are invited to join BGA’s individual membership network. Through both these organisations, students and graduates can strengthen a community that acts as a force for good in management thought and practice, through exclusive events and business content. 

AMBA & BGA accreditation is international in scope and reach, and the organisation works with senior academics at top educational institutions around the world to continuously update accreditation criteria and maintain a unique, in-depth, and detailed approach.  

AMBA & BGA believe accredited schools should be of the highest standard and reflect changing trends and innovation in postgraduate management education. As such, the accreditation process reflects this commitment to fostering innovation and challenges business schools to continuously perform at the highest level.

"We are very proud to have received AMBA & BGA accreditation and, therefore, exclusive Triple Crown status. Assessment of our performance areas by external independent organizations is very valuable as we constantly strive to develop further. In addition, our students and employees benefit from these memberships, and we can position ourselves more internationally", said Professor Reto Steiner, Dean of the School of Management and Law.

Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Executive of AMBA & BGA, said: "We are delighted to welcome ZHAW School of Management and Law into the AMBA & BGA network, joining a select group of world-class business schools that uphold the highest standards of excellence in management education. The school's strong emphasis on academic rigor, innovation, and its distinctive integration of law into the MBA curriculum set it apart in the global business education landscape. We congratulate everyone at the school who worked towards this accreditation and look forward to seeing their continued impact on the business world."

For more information or interviews, please contact:

· Ellen Buchan, Insight, Content and PR Manager, AMBA & BGA –

e.buchan@amba-bga.com

· Valerie Hosp, Communication Manager, ZHAW School of Management and Law, valerie.hosp@zhaw.ch

About the ZHAW School of Management and Law

The ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) is one of the largest business schools in Switzerland, with around 9,000 students in degree and continuing education programs. Since 2015, we have met the demanding standards of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In 2023, we received EQUIS accreditation, and in 2025, AMBA & BGA accreditation – further international seals of approval for the highest quality in degree programs, research, and continuing education. With these three international accreditations, the SML now holds the coveted "Triple Crown." Our degree and further education programs also regularly feature in renowned rankings published by the Financial Times. 

Under the umbrella of ZHAW, we work closely with other specialist disciplines. Our internationally acclaimed Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, cooperative PhD programs, and range of continuing education programs are scientifically grounded, interdisciplinary, and practically oriented. In all our activities, we contribute to solving economic and social challenges. Our guiding principle, "Building Competence. Crossing Borders." reflects our commitment to quality degree programs and continuing education, coupled with a global mindset. The SML has collaborative partnerships with over 190 universities worldwide.

About AMBA & BGA

Spearheading excellence and trailblazing innovation, for more than 50 years the Association of MBAs (AMBA) has been the impartial authority on post-graduate management education. AMBA established that vision in 1967 and, in a volatile, uncertain world, it's as relevant today as it was then. We are committed to raising the profile and quality standards of business education internationally, for the benefit of business schools, students and alumni, employers, communities and society.

· Our accreditation service is the global standard for all MBA, DBA and master’s degrees, currently accrediting programmes from the top 2% of business schools in more than 75 countries.

· Our Research and Insight Centre produces a rich body of reports exploring global trends in the business education sector. This drives our global thought leadership and public affairs campaigns.

· We are the only professional membership association that connects MBA students and graduates, accredited business schools and MBA employers throughout the world.

· Through our members, AMBA is building an international force for good, championing best practice, responsible management and sustainability. Membership to AMBA means being part of an international community of peers with access to business strategy thought leadership, career advice and knowledge, and an MBA jobs portal.

· Our multi-award-winning events offer networking opportunities online and in person across all continents in association with international corporate partners and thought leaders exclusively for our members and accredited business schools.

The Business Graduates Association (BGA) is an international membership and accreditation body of world-leading and high-potential business schools that share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning, and that are looking to provide a positive impact on their students, communities and the economy as a whole. We offer:

· Quality assurance services to business schools and similar institutions, aimed at continuous improvement and positive impact to increase a business school’s credibility and influence.

· Consultation and mentorship services to business schools to improve their marketing and admissions, programme design, alumni interaction, teaching methods, and career development services.

· Award-winning international events for business school professionals, focused on continuous learning.

· Student and graduate membership, which includes social networking events worldwide, professional development tools, a Career Development Centre, and much more.

· Leading and award-winning content on responsible management, professional and personal growth, and influence via the Business Impact content hub.