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Cork University Business School joins top 1% of global business schools
Cork University Business School (CUBS) at University College Cork (UCC) has joined the global elite of business schools after receiving full EQUIS accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). The achievement places CUBS among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
EQUIS accreditation is internationally recognised as one of the most rigorous quality standards in management education. The comprehensive assessment evaluates a school’s academic excellence alongside engagement with industry, internationalisation, research quality, and commitment to ethics, responsibility and sustainability.
The award places CUBS among an exclusive group of fewer than 150 business schools globally to hold the “triple crown” of international accreditation, having already secured accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). Together these represent the three most rigorous and internationally recognised quality standards in business education.
Ireland’s largest business education provider
Since its establishment in 2015, Cork University Business School has experienced significant growth and distinction, culminating in the achievement of triple accreditation. Today, the School is Ireland’s largest business education provider, serving more than 4,000 students and providing key thought leadership through its notable disciplinary and interdisciplinary research footprint.
Speaking on EQUIS accreditation, Dean of Cork University Business School, Professor Anthony McDonnell, said: “We are immensely proud to achieve this prestigious recognition for the first time and how this now places CUBS among the world’s leading business schools. This accreditation from EQUIS affirms the strength of our mission to shape leaders for a sustainable future while meeting the highest international standards in business and management education.”
Professor McDonnell further noted that “We are especially pleased that the peer review team highlighted our leadership in responsible management education, growth in prestigious funding awards and research quality, commitment to gender equality, rigorous student entry standards coupled with our effective and comprehensive academic and pastoral support systems. The recognition of our deep connections to industry and the professional community and how these benefit our students is something we take much pride in.”
Reinforcing Cork’s position as a location for high-quality business education with global reach
President of University College Cork, Professor John O’Halloran, said:
“The achievement of EQUIS accreditation by Cork University Business School is a significant milestone for University College Cork and places CUBS among the top one percent of business schools worldwide. Holding EQUIS alongside AACSB and AMBA reflects the School’s commitment to excellence, impact, and continuous improvement. I congratulate the staff, students, alumni and partners of Cork University Business School on this collective achievement”
This accreditation further strengthens UCC’s international reputation and reinforces Cork’s position as a location for high-quality business education with global reach.