19 Aug 2024
The School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR) has officially received the AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation, one of the most prestigious accreditations for management schools worldwide. This accreditation is a key milestone for the HEG Fribourg’s development, recognizing its ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching, research, the quality of its study programs, and the success of its students.
AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation demonstrates not only the high standards maintained in all areas of the HEG-FR, but also the school's determination to deliver high-quality teaching, encourage continuous development, and maintain an environment where students and teachers can thrive. This is essential in meeting the needs of both today’s society, and tomorrow’s. Throughout the accreditation process, the HEG-FR has highlighted the dedication of its faculty and staff to ensuring relevant teaching and research focused on the current needs and challenges of practice and theory.
"I am delighted to begin my term of office by announcing the accreditation of the HEG-FR. I would like to thank my predecessor and congratulate the project team, staff, and professors for their involvement in this process. Obtaining AACSB accreditation attests to the quality of our school and our determination to provide excellent education and services," said Pascal Wild, Director of the HEG-FR since July 1, 2024.
A rigorous process
The process, launched in 2014 under the leadership of Rico Baldegger, Director until June 30, 2024, proved to be very demanding. It required a detailed evaluation of the academic programs, the qualifications of teachers and researchers, and the overall quality of all services provided by the HEG-FR. Several internal working groups, made up of staff and professors, worked hard to ensure that the services provided by the HEG-FR met AACSB quality standards.
At the end of an intensive three-day visit, the AACSB accreditation team gave a positive assessment of the educational and scientific expertise of the Fribourg institution. The three accreditors, from the Universities of Glasgow (United Kingdom), Liège (Belgium), and Politecnico Milano (Italy), appreciated the HEG-FR’s family spirit and multilingualism. They also highlighted its proximity to the local business community and its interdisciplinary approach with other universities of applied sciences (UAS).
An accreditation that benefits students
The School of Management Fribourg is the second school in French-speaking Switzerland to obtain this quality label after the EHL. It is now part of a select group that only 6% of management schools worldwide have joined. By obtaining AACSB accreditation, the HEG Fribourg is strengthening its appeal as a university of applied sciences at local, national, and international levels, enabling it to further develop its international network and promote exchanges of students and teachers. The accreditation also opens doors for Bachelor's and Master's students from a larger number of foreign universities. Regarding the already excellent employability of alumni, this international accreditation enables graduates seeking a career abroad or in a large company to really stand out in the job market.