30 September 2026, by Matthew Fennessy

Photo: UHH/Longe

From left to right: Matthew Fennessy, Jean Claude Noel, Prof. Karen Gedenk, Prof. Paul Ballantine (in front), Prof. Wolfgang Brüggemann (top), Prof. Petra Steinorth, Prof. Sanja Sever Mališ, Prof. Michel Clement (top), Prof. Sophie De Winne, Prof. Wolfgang Drobetz, Imme Godthardt

The University of Hamburg Business School has renewed its prestigious EQUIS accreditation, following an intensive international external review in June. The peer review highlighted the school’s strong research and its deeply embedded links to real-world practice, along with progress under Strategy 2027 such as more international students and partnerships, a greater focus on sustainability, and expanded modules in leadership, soft skills, and digitalization.

University of Hamburg Business School’s dedication to excellence in research and education has been recognized by the renewal of its prestigious EQUIS accreditation. As part of the reaccreditation, an intensive and comprehensive external review of the School was conducted by an international team in June, with the official decision on reaccreditation announced this week.

"The renewed EQUIS accreditation is a wonderful confirmation of what makes our Business School stand out: excellent research and teaching in an international environment, and a strong sense of community”, said School Dean Prof. Petra Steinorth. “My sincere thanks go to all our members, whose dedication to our School makes a difference every day." 

Since it was first awarded three-year EQUIS accreditation in 2023, the international, four-person Peer Review Team found the School has made important progress in implementing its Strategy 2027. Key developments include increasing international students and international partnerships, strengthening its focus on sustainability, and developing its offer of modules in leadership, soft skills, and digitalization. In particular, the review team emphasized the School’s excellent research and its “deeply embedded” connections with practice.

EQUIS accreditation covers all aspects of the School, including governance and strategy, degree programs, students, academic staff, research, resources and administration, internationalization, ethics, responsibility, and sustainability, and connections with practice.

Steinorth commented: “This result reflects the work of our researchers, teachers, and colleagues across all areas of the School, who have advanced our Strategy 2027 with great commitment, especially in demanding times. The review team's appreciation of our research and of our close ties with practice motivates us to keep building a School that combines academic excellence with real impact on business and society.”

The accreditation standard aims to ensure the quality of and further develop international business schools and their management education. It is an important indicator of quality for students, employers, and academic partner organizations around the world.

EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) accreditation is one of two leading, international accreditations for business schools. Seven business schools in Germany are currently EQUIS accredited.