HAAGA-HELIA is applying for an internationally recognised quality certification from AACSB. AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) is the first and largest organisation accrediting schools of economics, which has granted accreditations to more than 500 universities in 30 countries providing business education.

In Finland the accreditation has thus far been only granted to Helsinki School of Economics, currently known as Aalto University. HAAGA-HELIA joined AACSB in February 2011.

AACSB accreditation represents a guarantee of the quality of HAAGA-HELIA and its services, as well as presenting a strong image of HAAGA-HELIA, particularly on an international level. Many foreign universities find it very important that their partners have been granted this accreditation. Furthermore, employers and students may be more attentive to an international quality certification in the future. It is not only important to send a message to the world but also to develop HAAGA-HELIA’s own activities through the accreditation.

The quality requirements are strict and the accreditation process is long: HAAGA-HELIA has been preparing for a process that might take 5 to 6 years.

”For the sake of comparison, it should be mentioned that the accreditation of Helsinki School of Economics took five years,” describes Quality Manager Juha Lindstedt.

Each sector of the university will have to pass the quality requirements. Before the actual accreditation can take place, a specifically appointed mentor will review the activities of HAAGA-HELIA in relation to the quality requirements of AACSB. After the accreditation has been granted, the achieved level of quality will be monitored annually.